DG Shipping Medical Examination for Seafarers

Why Seafarers Need a DG Shipping Medical Examination

The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India, requires all seafarers to hold a valid medical fitness certificate before joining a vessel — a legal requirement under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000.

The examination ensures seafarers are physically and mentally fit for the demanding conditions of service at sea, including shift work, irregular hours, confined spaces, and the physical requirements of maritime operations.

Who Needs to Undergo the Examination?

Deck officers — Master, Chief Officer, Second and Third Officer
Engine officers — Chief Engineer, Second, Third, and Fourth Engineers
Electro-technical Officers (ETOs)
Ratings — Able Seamen (AB), Ordinary Seamen (OS), Fitters, Wipers, Motormen
Cadets and pre-sea trainees
Catering and hospitality staff serving on vessels
Offshore workers subject to DG Shipping medical standards

Types of Examinations

Pre-sea medical examination: Required for new seafarers joining a vessel for the first time, or after an extended absence from sea service.

Periodic medical examination: Renewal of the DG Shipping fitness certificate, required every 2 years.

Special medical examination: Required after a serious illness, injury, hospitalisation, or at the request of the employer or DG Shipping.

What to Expect on the Day

Document verification and registration
Medical history review by the examiner
Clinical examination — general, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal
Vision test — distance, near, colour vision
Hearing test
Blood tests — CBC, blood sugar, liver and kidney function
Urine routine examination
Chest X-ray
ECG (for seafarers aged 40 and above)
Fitness declaration and certificate issuance (same day if all clear)

Book at Velys Hospital

Velys Multispeciality Hospital provides DG Shipping medical examinations by appointment, Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM.