Eng1

[didntquitemakeit]

Hi

Apologies that I have to ask this post but have been on this forum now for the last few hours trying to get the answer instead of just diving straight in and posting a new thread and getting the response of use the search button

My main question relates to the eye test as a part of the ENG1. I currently wear glasses for everyday use and on numerous posts I have read mixed reviews regarding the eye test as a part of the medical.

Do you have to read the top line of the snellen chart (6/60) without glasses? I havent done this but am pretty sure with my eyesight that I dont think I will be able to read this.

My main question is, will this prevent me from passing the ENG1? I am looking at becoming a deck rating and have been trying for 3 years to achieve this and dont want to fail at the final hurdle.

Any advise would be much appreciated

[ETwhat?]

Without checking through myself what you say sounds about right, basically you need to be able to read in an emergency without your glasses wether its 6/60 i cant say im sure one of the similar threads has the link to the document.

My advice is if you think it may be a close thing then just bite the bullet and pay for an ENG1 as your christmas present, that way you will know one way or the other. Sadly if you fail the requirements then you can either get a limited ENG1 or none at all, but either can be a deal breaker.

[thebrookster]

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga-mnotice.htm?textobjid=BB9BEE27A2E4E640

[didntquitemakeit]

so basically if you cant read the top line from 6 metres away you havent got a chance. looks like im stuck in an office job all day. 3 years hard work down the drain. gutted. Does every ENG1 have a eye test that in depth or do they sometimes look at you and can see you are breathing and pass you. I have heard so many different stories

[thebrookster]

Bear in mind that these stricter requirements are for the Deck department. I notice from your original post that you are looking at a rating position, I don't know if this has the same restrictions?

Also, engine side is not as strict. I only have to read the chart thingy with my glasses on (as per ENG medical just over a week ago), they do each eye at a time.

Your easiest option is to get in touch with the MCA and ask them!!

[didntquitemakeit]

I appreciate I have posted on an officer cadet forum but have been offered a position as a deck rating for the RFA. I was just wondering where I stood on this and if I cant read the top line of the chart then am I basically going to fail the medical before I turn up

[ETwhat?]

The Eng1 doesnt have a distinction for officer/rating although it does for Deck/Engine/(maybe other) I would guess that a deck officer and a deck rating will need the same requirements, I would advise you turn up and see, but it does sound like its going to be unlikely.

[didntquitemakeit]

I was reading section 5 of the MCA guidelines and it has 2 boxes. One for basic visual Acuity standards and one for higher visual acuity standard. I assume you have to meet the first requirement before they allow you to use glasses. Thats the whole point of having glasses as your vision isnt very good. By the looks of it my career is over before its begun

[ETwhat?]

I dont know if lazer correction would give you enough improvement to get through. although that really isnt a five minute job

[didntquitemakeit]

I need to have a thorough eye test first to see if i can read the top line under the conditions of an opticians. If that dont work then i guess my only option is laser eye surgery. The post isnt until september next year. Hopefully enough time. I know people who have had laser correction and back to work the next day.

[Hatchorder]

I need to have a thorough eye test first to see if i can read the top line under the conditions of an opticians. If that dont work then i guess my only option is laser eye surgery. The post isnt until september next year. Hopefully enough time. I know people who have had laser correction and back to work the next day.

There is a stipulation in the regs that if you have laser correction you cannot do watchkeeping duties for 6 months I think. As a rating you will have to do lookout duties and therefore if you are thinking of having laser eye correction you need to do it now. My wife was -7.5 and -7.25 and had a correction. They did tell her she would not get 100% correction at the first attempt and that has been true. She has had to wait 2 years for her eyes to settle down before she has the 2nd correction which will be early next year. However she now has eyesight good enough to pass the ENG1 sight test.

Ian

[didntquitemakeit]

I guess its all dependant on the person. I been trying for 3 years and have been knocked back twice and now on my 3rd attempt i feel i will fail at the eng1. The course doesnt start until september and thats a 10 week course so wont go to see for probably another 12 months at least. I can hopefully get it done november 30th. But i dont know when my eng1 is. I am awaiting to be told when to book this

[HolyNougat]

Laser is the way to go. I had it years ago and I went to the optometrist a few weeks back and she could not even tell that it had been done. While I don't suggest being underhand, if you get laser and pass the test, who would ask if you had done it?

[didntquitemakeit]

I know what you mean but knowing my luck i will get found out and mess everything up in the long run. Im just stressing over it. I have read so many stories about eng1's but im pretty sure every single one will consist of the standard eye test

[Hatchorder]

Here you go - found it....

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea/mcga-healthandsafety/mcga-medicalcertandadvice/mcga-dqs-shs-seafarer_doc_inf/ad_guidance/adg_14.htm

Just over half way down the page. Section labelled "Laser refractive surgery"

I disagree with HolyNougat though. There are many people who have had problems after corrective surgery and I don't think I would want to be at sea if there was a potential for a problem. You also put other people at risk as well - especially if they are relying on you for lookout duties.

Have the correction now - you will be fine by the time you start and even if your vision is not 20/20 at the time you start you will at least pass the vision test.

Ian