Many seafarers wear glasses or contact lenses. Wearing them is common and, depending on your duties and national standards, may be accepted provided your corrected vision meets the required standard.
At your medical examination
- Bring the glasses or lenses you normally wear, and a recent prescription.
- Tell the examiner if you wear lenses; you may be asked to remove them for unaided tests.
- Your certificate may note that correction must be worn for certain duties.
On board
- Carry a spare pair of glasses; some authorities require it for certain duties.
- Use a retaining strap on deck and safety-rated eyewear where eye protection is needed.
- Keep a copy of your prescription in case you need replacements in port.
Contact lenses
- Bring enough lenses and solution for the whole contract, plus backup glasses.
- Follow hygiene rules strictly — fresh water on board may not be suitable for lens care.
- Remove lenses and seek advice if your eye becomes red, painful or sensitive to light.
- Be cautious in dusty, smoky or chemical environments.
Changes with age
From around the mid-40s, most people find close focusing harder (presbyopia). Reading glasses or multifocals can help; mention any change at your next medical.
Sources
- International Maritime Organization — STCW Convention and Code — Regulation I/9, Section A-I/9 (opens in a new tab)
- ILO / IMO — Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers (2011) (opens in a new tab)
Links go to the original publishers. SeafarerFit is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.
SeafarerFit provides educational information, health calculators, screening tools and medical-examination preparation resources. It does not provide diagnosis, treatment, medical certification or official determination of fitness for sea service.
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