A Merchant Navy Medical Examination is a comprehensive health assessment required to determine whether a seafarer is medically fit to work onboard ships. The examination includes physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, vision assessment, hearing assessment, ECG, chest X-ray and other investigations depending on DG Shipping guidelines.

Anyone joining the Merchant Navy, offshore industry or renewing their medical fitness certificate should undergo the required medical examination before joining a vessel.

Yes. Fasting for 8–10 hours is generally recommended before blood sample collection unless advised otherwise by the doctor.

Yes. Many authorities and shipping companies allow a re-examination or review by another approved medical examiner.

Government-issued photo ID, Passport (if available), Passport-size photographs, Previous medical records (if applicable), Spectacles or contact lenses (if used), Any prescribed medications.

Only a medical practitioner approved by the relevant maritime authority or the shipping company can issue the certificate.

It is an official certificate issued by an approved maritime medical examiner confirming that a candidate is medically fit to work at sea.

Most Merchant Navy medical examinations are completed within 2–3 hours depending on the number of investigations required.

No. Tattoos generally do not affect medical fitness unless they are associated with a medical issue or violate a company’s employment policy.

Conditions that may affect fitness include: Uncontrolled diabetes, Serious heart disease, Epilepsy, Severe asthma, Significant hearing loss, Certain psychiatric disorders, Severe vision deficiencies. Final eligibility depends on the medical examiner and applicable standards.