Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Grades and passion for life at sea alone are not enough. To start a career in shipping, every candidate must meet the medical requirements to join merchant navy. Maritime training institutes and companies demand strict health standards because a seafarer’s life involves physical challenges, harsh environments, and limited medical support on board.
Clearing the merchant navy medical fitness exam is as essential as passing your academic entrance test. Without a valid certificate from an approved doctor, even the best scores cannot secure you a place in the industry.
This article breaks down the physical fitness merchant navy standards, international tests, vaccines, and common disqualifications — giving you a practical checklist to prepare for sea life.
2. DG Shipping Medical Requirements
2.1 DG Shipping Approved Medical
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), under the Ministry of Shipping, sets official health criteria merchant navy aspirants must meet. Three main types of medicals are conducted:
- Pre-sea medical examination: before joining training or your first ship.
- Periodic medical examinations: routine checks during your career.
- Periodic eye tests: mandatory to ensure continuing visual standards.
Only after clearing these are you declared “fit for sea” and issued a medical certificate.
2.2 DG Shipping Approved Doctors
Across India, there are many DG-approved doctors authorized to conduct examinations. Typically, each city has multiple practitioners, and the official DG Shipping website lists them. These doctors perform standard medicals for:
- Pre-sea training admission
- MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) examinations
- Company-specific placements
Certificates from unapproved clinics are not valid.
3. What Will Be Examined in the Medical Process
The medical requirements to join merchant navy involve a detailed check of body systems.
3.1 Constitution (Height, Weight, Chest)
- Male candidates: minimum height 150 cm, minimum weight 42 kg
- Female candidates: minimum height 145 cm, minimum weight 39 kg
- Chest must be well developed, with at least 5 cm expansion
These form the baseline physical fitness merchant navy measurements.
3.2 Skeletal System
- No deformities of the spine, legs, feet, or arms
- No flat feet, bow legs, knock knees, or scoliosis
- No bone/joint illness or movement restrictions
- No skull deformities or untreated fractures
Mobility is critical at sea — seafarers must climb ladders, escape tight spaces, and handle equipment safely.
3.3 Ears, Nose, Speech, and Throat
- Must hear a whisper from 5 meters on each side without aids
- No chronic ear disease, discharge, or perforation
- Nose free from bone/cartilage disease
- Throat, tonsils, gums, and palate must be healthy
- No severe speech impediments (like heavy stammer or lisp)
3.4 Lymphatic and Cardiovascular System
- No swollen lymph glands
- No signs of cardiac or vascular disease
- Blood pressure should be within accepted range
3.5 Respiratory, Digestive, and Genitourinary Systems
- No chronic respiratory disease or past TB history
- Lungs must be clear and healthy
- Digestive tract, liver, and spleen should function normally
- Kidneys must not be swollen, infected, or impaired
3.6 Eyesight and Skin
Vision is one of the strictest checks in merchant navy medical fitness:
- Deck Department: 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in the other eye, no color blindness (without glasses)
- Engine Department: spectacles permitted, 6/9 in better eye and 6/18 in the other, or 6/12 in both
- Excellent binocular vision and full eye mobility required
- No chronic skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis), except temporary conditions
The eyesight requirement merchant navy rule is a major hurdle for many candidates.
4. ILO Medical Examination
For international shipping companies, candidates must undergo an ILO medical test. Unlike DG Shipping’s exam, this includes:
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Additional blood and urine checks
- Broader international health standards
This ensures compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) rules and provides insurance cover for seafarers.
5. Cost of Medical Process
On average, DG Shipping approved medicals cost INR 3,000–5,000, depending on the city and clinic. Mumbai candidates often pay INR 4,000–4,500.
The process usually takes a full day (sometimes two, if labs are far). On completion, you receive three signed certificates with passport-size photos.
6. Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and jaundice. There is no cure, but vaccination prevents infection.
- A single-dose vaccine grants lifelong immunity.
- Mandatory for all seafarers — without proof of vaccination, you cannot qualify for medical clearance or travel internationally.
7. Flag State Medical Requirements
Apart from Indian regulations, some companies demand flag state medicals. These ensure fitness under the law of the ship’s registered country.
Examples include:
- Panama State Medical
- Liberia, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands
- Singapore Maritime Authority
- Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, Malaysia
Typically, these exams cover height, weight, blood pressure, hearing, eyesight, diabetes, kidney tests, and personal medical history.
8. American Club P&I and PEME (Pre-Employment Medical Exam)
Indian seafarers on foreign-going vessels may need an American Club PEME. Mandatory for some nationalities (India included), it ensures compliance with insurer requirements.
- Conducted only at approved clinics
- Includes a full medical history questionnaire
- Covers all required tests — partial completion is not allowed
- Certificate validity: 2 years
While not legally required under STCW or MLC 2006, many shipping companies insist on PEMEs for insurance protection.
9. Tips to Meet Medical Standards
To clear the medical requirements to join merchant navy, preparation helps:
- Maintain BMI through diet and exercise
- Get dental work done early to avoid rejections
- Treat ear, nose, throat, or skin infections promptly
- Undergo vision correction (LASIK/ICL) if needed, well before application
- Keep vaccination records updated
- Control blood pressure, thyroid, or sugar issues with medication
- Avoid smoking and substance abuse, as these worsen lung and liver health
10. Common Disqualifications
- Color blindness (especially for deck side)
- Hearing impairment above threshold
- Epilepsy or history of seizures
- Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
- Major orthopedic deformities
- Active TB, hepatitis, or untreated chronic disease
- Severe speech or communication difficulties
Candidates disqualified can sometimes appeal or reapply after treatment, but certain conditions (like epilepsy or permanent blindness) are absolute bars.
Also read: How to Apply for TAR Book – A Complete Guide with tips
11. Conclusion
The health criteria merchant navy sets may feel strict, but they exist to protect seafarers and their crews. Life at sea is demanding, and only those meeting full merchant navy medical fitness can safely navigate emergencies.
For aspiring cadets, clearing these medicals is step one. Focus on meeting the eyesight requirement merchant navy, maintaining general physical fitness merchant navy, and ensuring no hidden health conditions. Once you pass, you’ll hold a medical certificate declaring you “fit for sea” — the true passport to your maritime career.
