Complete information about color vision standards for seafarers, and check your color vision with our free online test.
Everything you need to know about color blindness in Merchant Navy.
A condition that affects the ability to distinguish certain colors.
Learn MoreLook at the plate below and enter the number you see. Every test is freshly generated, so no two attempts are ever the same.
Color blindness occurs when the cones in your eyes, which detect color, don't work as they should. It is usually inherited and affects more males than females.
As per DG Shipping (India) norms:
Normal color vision is required for Deck and Engine Department officers. Certain relaxations are allowed for engineering officers as per guidelines.
Read DG Shipping CircularDifferent maritime roles have specific color vision requirements as per DG Shipping norms.
| Maritime Role | Color Vision Requirement | Standard | Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Department (Officers) | Normal Color Vision | 6/6 in Ishihara + Lantern Test | ||
| Deck Department (Ratings) | Normal Color Vision | Ishihara Test | ||
| Engine Department (Officers) | Normal or Mild Deficiency | Ishihara + Practical Assessment | Severe Deficiency | |
| Engine Department (Ratings) | Normal or Mild Deficiency | Ishihara Test | Severe Deficiency | |
| Catering Department | Normal Color Vision | Ishihara Test |
It depends on the department and rank. Deck and catering roles generally require normal color vision, while some engine department roles allow mild deficiency after assessment.
Yes, in many cases. Engine department officers and ratings may be accepted with mild color vision deficiency, subject to a practical assessment by an approved medical examiner.
No. Only severe deficiency is disqualifying for most ranks. Mild deficiency is often acceptable for engine department roles, while deck and catering roles require normal vision.
Most forms of color blindness are inherited and cannot be cured. Special corrective lenses and glasses can help some people distinguish colors better, but they don't change how the eye's cones function.
The Ishihara test is the most widely used screening method worldwide, including under DG Shipping norms. It uses pseudoisochromatic plates made of colored dots.
For official DG Shipping certification, visit an approved medical examiner or MMD-listed hospital. Our online test is a free screening tool, not a substitute for official certification.
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