Seafarer Medical Requirements in India
Seafarer medical examinations in India are regulated by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) — formerly the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), renamed in June 2025 under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Examinations are carried out by DGMA-approved medical examiners.
This record has not yet been fully checked against the official source. Requirements change — always confirm with the maritime authority before your examination.
Applicable standards
The Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000, as amended (including amendments in 2016 and 2024), set the medical standards, the qualifications of medical examiners and the physical-fitness criteria for seafarers. They are aligned with the MLC, 2006 and the STCW Convention.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has also published draft medical rules under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Check the DGMA and Ministry websites for whether new rules have come into force.
Examination information
Examinations must be carried out by a medical examiner approved by DGMA. The 2024 amendments expanded the list of mandatory investigations. Ask your examiner in advance which tests are required for your examination type (pre-sea, periodic or other).
Approved / authorized medical examiners
DGMA approves medical examiners after a familiarisation course, an application through the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) and an audit of the facility. According to DGMA, approval is valid for five years. DGMA publishes the current state-wise list of approved medical examiners, with approval numbers and validity.
Medical certificate
Medical fitness certificates are issued by approved examiners under the Rules. International minimums (MLC, 2006 Standard A1.2 and STCW Regulation I/9) cap medical certificates at two years (one year for seafarers under 18) and colour-vision certification at six years. National rules may be stricter. Confirm the validity printed on your own certificate.
Vision
Eyesight standards, including colour vision, are set by the Rules in line with STCW Section A-I/9. Requirements differ for deck, engine and other departments.
Hearing
Hearing standards are set by the Rules. Bring any previous audiometry report to your examination.
Renewal
Renew before your current certificate expires, with a DGMA-approved examiner. Use the SeafarerFit certificate tracker to set reminders.
Required documentation
Typically: identity proof, Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) or INDoS details where applicable, previous medical certificate and relevant medical reports. Confirm with your examiner.
Sources
- Directorate General of Maritime Administration — Maritime Health Branch (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways — Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Amendment Rules, 2024 (notification) (opens in a new tab) (March 22, 2024)
- Directorate General of Maritime Administration — Transition of DGS to DGMA (opens in a new tab)
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SeafarerFit summarizes publicly available information for convenience. It is not affiliated with, approved by or acting for this authority, and this page is not an official statement of the rules. Country-Specific Regulatory Disclaimer