Eligibility
Height, weight and medical fitness
There is no fixed minimum height for the Merchant Navy in the DGMA rules we have checked. What decides entry is the pre-sea medical: a DGMA-approved medical examiner checks that you are fit for the duties of the course, including eyesight and colour vision. Some institutes and shipping companies set their own height or weight criteria — check their admission notice.
What the pre-sea medical checks
- Eyesight — distance and near vision to the standard for your department, following the STCW Code.
- Colour vision — tested with the Ishihara chart. See colour blindness.
- Hearing, general health and fitness for shipboard duties, including emergency duties.
When it happens
The pre-sea medical is done by a DGMA-approved medical examiner after selection for a pre-sea course. An unfit result ends the route, so have your eyesight and colour vision checked before you pay any fees.
Sources: Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules 2000, as amended, Rule 6 (pre-sea medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner); STCW Code, Section A-I/9; DGMA Maritime Health Branch. This page is guidance only; the medical examiner's decision is final.
Common questions
What is the minimum height for the Merchant Navy?
The DGMA rules we have checked do not set a fixed minimum height. Fitness is decided by a DGMA-approved medical examiner. Some institutes and companies publish their own height or weight criteria, so check the notice for your course.
When is the Merchant Navy medical done?
The pre-sea medical examination by a DGMA-approved medical examiner is done after you are selected for a pre-sea course. Seafarers then repeat the medical regularly to keep their medical certificate valid.