CAN YOU JOIN THE MERCHANT NAVY WITH THESE MEDICAL CONDITIONS?
Last updated on March 10th, 2023 at 10:51 am
Students often get medical examinations of the merchant navy confused with that of the Indian Navy. A lack of information among aspiring cadets results in self-denial and low esteem at an early stage of preparation. That is why it is important for students to go through the eligibility conditions released on DG Shipping’s official website every year or consult a DG Shipping-approved doctor nearby. To know how to find a DG Shipping-approved doctor near your place of residence, read the blog – DG Shipping-approved doctor for seafarers.
We receive a lot of questions regarding problems like- Clavicle bone fracture,sweaty palms and many more from students preparing for merchant navy. These are common yet important questions that need to be addressed clearly. Let us have a look at the list of some injuries and know whether you will qualify the medicals or not if you possess any of these.
- FLAT FOOT – is a condition where one or both feet have little to no arch. When you stand, the pads of the feet press into the ground. This condition can be due to genes but can also develop later in life due to certain problems like cerebral palsy, diabetes, down syndrome, high blood pressure.
If you are someone with flat foot condition who is going to sit for medicals in The Merchant Navy and faces no physical constraints while brisk walking, running or performing any cardio activities. Then you will be stated as medically fit by the health practitioner and can join as a seafarer eventually.
- KNOCK KNEES – is a condition in which the knees tilt inward while the ankles remain spaced apart. In the Merchant Navy, knock knees are allowed on one condition that it should not hamper the physical capabilities of the seafarer. Apart from genetics this condition is also caused due to obesity. As we know, obesity leads to a direct cancellation of candidature in the merchant navy.
- SWEATY PALMS – If you are someone who faces the issue of sweaty palms and wondering if this will pose a problem in the medicals of the merchant navy. Then you can relax and stop worrying as the merchant navy qualifies the issue of sweaty palms as eligible. You can join as a seafarer as long as your condition does not interrupt with the daily duties onboard.
- TATTOO – Yes, you can join the merchant navy even if you have tons of tattoos carved on your skin. But remember, there should be no allergic reactions or any other visible complication due to the tattoos.
- ELBOW ANGLE – The normal carrying angle of the elbow is when your arms are held out at your sides and your palms are facing forward, your forearm and hands should normally be about 5 to 15 degrees away from your body. If you do not have the normal elbow angle, but can perform day to day tasks like lifting, carrying easily then you are eligible for the merchant navy.
- SINUS – Suppose you have a stuffy nose that is not getting any better. In this case you are having Sinus which is usually caused by cold or allergies. In the Merchant Navy, sinus condition is not allowed. So, if you are suffering from it, get it medically treated by a healthcare professional soon.
- CLAVICLE BONE FRACTURE – It refers to breaking of the collarbone, one of the bones in the shoulder. If the fracture has been taken care of medically and will not arise to any discomfort while you are on ship, then such a condition is allowed in the merchant navy.
- LIGAMENT INJURY / ROD IN LEGS – Suppose a student meets with an unfortunate accident a week before his medical examination for the merchant navy. He suffered a few ligament injuries and had to get a rod placed in his right leg. Now the question arises, will he be able to join the merchant navy in his lifetime?
In this case, the student will not be eligible for the upcoming medical test as ligament injuries take 6-9 months to heal properly. Once his injuries are healed and he is able to perform daily activities with an ease, he can then attempt for the medicals at that time. At the time of health check up, if the student has a rod in one of his legs but still can perform the activities like running, walking swiftly, he/she is eligible for the merchant navy.
- BENT FINGER – This is an example of hand deformity. If there are no present problems related to the grip and lifting, then the candidate is eligible for the merchant navy.
- APPENDICITIS SURGERY – This is performed to remove the appendix from the body. If there are no post-surgery complications, then the candidate is allowed to have this surgery and sit for medicals in merchant navy.
