Merchant Navy Medical Test & Interview Questions List 2027

The Merchant Navy medical test and interview constitute important stages for candidates planning a career at sea. Academic marks alone do not guarantee eligibility. Therefore, candidates must satisfy applicable medical fitness standards. Moreover, institutes or shipping companies may also conduct interviews before admission.

Why Is the Merchant Navy Medical Test Important?

Seafarers work in environments where medical emergencies become difficult to manage quickly. For example, they may spend weeks at sea and perform physically demanding work. Consequently, DG Shipping has established strict medical standards for Indian seafarers. In addition, the Maritime Health Branch clearly states that seafarers must obtain a Medical Certificate from a DGS-approved Medical Examiner for Merchant Navy Medical Test.

What Is Checked in the Merchant Navy Medical Test?

During Merchant Navy Medical Test, a DGS-approved doctor assesses several aspects of physical health. For example, the doctor checks:

Height and weight
Blood pressure
General physical condition
Vision
Colour vision
Hearing
Cardiovascular health
Respiratory system
Musculoskeletal fitness
Neurological fitness
Other conditions relevant to safe sea service

Therefore, DG Shipping’s medical framework covers all physical systems required for safe sea service in Merchant Navy Medical Test.

Merchant Navy Eyesight Test

Eyesight plays a particularly important role for deck and navigation duties. Moreover, DG Shipping states that eyesight standards conform to the STCW Code for Merchant Navy Medical Test. In addition, doctors test colour vision using the Ishihara test.

Therefore, do not assume that a normal test at a local optical shop suffices. Instead, complete your marine medical certification only through an authorised DGS Medical Examiner.

Colour Blindness Test

Similarly, color vision matters because seafarers must distinguish navigation lights and safety markings. Consequently, candidates who doubt their color vision should undergo proper assessment before paying course fees.

Hearing and General Fitness

Doctors also assess hearing because communication and alarms remain critical onboard. Moreover, medical assessment also considers whether a condition could worsen during sea service.

How Long Is the Medical Certificate Valid?

The Maritime Health Branch states that a standard Medical Certificate remains valid for two years for Merchant Navy Medical Test. However, candidates below 18 and seafarers above 65 receive shorter validity.

Common Merchant Navy Interview Questions

The exact interview depends on the institute, shipping company and position. There is no universal list of compulsory interview questions.

However, candidates can prepare for questions such as:

Why do you want to join the Merchant Navy?
Why did you choose Deck or Marine Engineering?
What do you know about the Merchant Navy?
What is the difference between Merchant Navy and Indian Navy?
Are you comfortable staying away from your family?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What is teamwork?
How would you react during an emergency?
What is safety onboard a ship?
What do you know about basic maritime terms?
Why should a company select you?
What are your career goals?

Technical Questions

For technical or company interviews, candidates may also face subject-based questions.

Deck candidates can be asked basic questions about navigation, seamanship, ship parts, knots, cargo operations, safety equipment and maritime terminology.

Marine Engineering candidates may be asked about thermodynamics, engines, pumps, refrigeration, electrical systems and basic mechanical engineering concepts.

How to Prepare for the Interview

Do not memorise complicated answers. Interviewers generally want to see confidence, communication skills, discipline, basic knowledge and a genuine interest in maritime careers.

Research the institute or shipping company before the interview. Understand the course, career path and responsibilities of the position.

If asked why you want to join Merchant Navy, give an honest answer rather than saying only “because the salary is high.”

Important Medical Advice

Do not hide a medical condition or submit false documents. Medical fitness is a safety requirement, not simply an admission formality.

IMU specifically advises candidates joining marine programmes to meet DG Shipping medical and eyesight requirements and submit a certificate from an approved doctor.

FAQs

Is Merchant Navy medical compulsory?

Yes. Candidates entering seafaring careers must meet the applicable medical fitness requirements.

Who can issue a Merchant Navy medical certificate?

A DGS-approved Medical Examiner is authorised to conduct the examination and issue the required certificate.

Is colour blindness tested?

Yes. Colour vision is tested using the Ishihara test under the applicable medical standards.

What questions are asked in Merchant Navy interviews?

Questions commonly cover motivation, family adjustment, teamwork, safety, general awareness, course knowledge and basic technical subjects.

Can I join if I wear spectacles?

Spectacle use does not automatically mean rejection. The relevant eyesight standard depends on the course, role and applicable DG Shipping medical requirements.