Seafarer Medical Requirements in India (DG Shipping Guidelines Explained)

Many candidates preparing for ship joining ask: “What are the medical requirements for seafarers in India?”

Seafarer medical fitness is assessed through a Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) based on maritime safety standards. The purpose is to ensure that a seafarer can safely perform duties during long voyages.

Medical fitness is not about minor illness — it is about assessing the risk of sudden medical events at sea where advanced care may not be immediately available.

General Fitness Requirements

A seafarer is expected to have:

Stable blood pressure
Controlled blood sugar
Adequate eyesight and colour vision
No high-risk cardiac condition
Acceptable BMI range

Common Reasons for Temporary Unfit

Temporary unfit decisions often occur due to:

High blood pressure during exam
Elevated liver enzymes
Uncontrolled diabetes
Abnormal ECG findings
Recent illness or surgery

Understand Temporary Unfit Meaning

Eyesight and Colour Vision Requirements

Vision standards depend on the role onboard. Deck department roles require stricter colour vision standards.

Eyesight Requirements
Colour Vision Rules

Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Liver Tests

These are common areas where candidates face difficulty:

High BP readings during medical
Borderline blood sugar
Fatty liver or elevated SGPT

High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Liver Enzymes

How to Prepare Before PEME

Basic preparation can reduce chances of temporary unfit:

Control BP and sugar before booking
Avoid alcohol before tests
Maintain stable weight
Carry previous medical records

Before booking your seafarer medical, understanding possible risk factors can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Use PEME Risk Self-Assessment Tool