Deck Cadet - Lantern Test (Slight Colourblindness)

[saltydog]

Hi all,

Just a question! Has anyone done a Lantern test? If so what is it like?

I fail the Ishihara plates but yet I pass the City University test completely.

I feel that my aspiration to be a deck cadet will stop at the medical as I know that no one will want to touch me as a deckie if I have restrictions.

Any help/ideas?

Saltydog

[jj-1994]

Don't mean to offend or dishearten you but if you fail the ishihara test you fail it because you're colour blind (slight though it may be). That said anybody who takes the test will know that those numbers arn't easy to see. Give it your best go and even try asking the doctors for a lantern test as the ishihara test is the most basic format of colour blindness test and failing it once doesn't write you off as colour blind

[Hatchorder]

You need to check out the following:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/shipsandcargoes/mcga-shipsregsandguidance/marinenotices/mcga-mnotice.htm?textobjid=BB9BEE27A2E4E640

This is the only way you can get an unrestricted EC1 and I am afraid with Deck entry requirements if you fail the lantern test you will not be able to follow the deck route as failing the lantern test is a "no watchkeeping" restriction, which means you cannot be a deck officer.

No point worrying though. Ring your nearest office, arrange the test and take it from there.

Ian

[saltydog]

Hi Ian,

I am worrying though, quite a lot! *Sounds cheesy* but my child hood dreams of going to sea are so close yet they seem so far. Do you reckon that I will be able to change from Deck to Engine without re-applying?
I know I was interested in being a Deckie but I would have no problem what so ever in doing Engine instead. Would they think that I am just being desperate?

Ed

[Hatchorder]

Ed,

Stop worrying - go do the lantern test. There is an MCA Office within 5 miles of you. You may pass the lantern test and then you do not need to change anything. It is worth investing the money to know for definite. Ring tomorrow and find out. Then plan from what you know rather than what you think.

Read MSN 1822(M) Appendix 1 to Annex A

Ian

[saltydog]

Im going to book it tomorrow and see what they say. I hope they have a lantern test there as I have read that apparently they are rare? :S

Thanks,
Ed

[jj-1994]

they are rare? :S

Yes they are but so is an mri scan. It all just depends on where the facilities are and how close they are to you

[Hatchorder]

Im going to book it tomorrow and see what they say. I hope they have a lantern test there as I have read that apparently they are rare? :S

Thanks,
Ed

If you followed the link in my email you will see that Southampton has an asterix next to it and it says it does the lantern test!!! That is why I suggested it!!!!

[Hatchorder]

It is also free to do it

"10. The fee for the seafarer vision test is determined by the optician and there is no MCA set fee. The MCA make no charge for a lantern test. However, the applicant will be expected to pay any personal costs, including transport, to attend the lantern test."

Ian

[saltydog]

I realise that now! I doubt I will actually be able to get tested tomorrow but I will see how long the waiting list is. The only problem I have is that if I do not pass the lantern test then I will have no option but to apply all again to be an engine cadet (Which is not a problem as I really want to be at sea, but its just the whole waiting again). Im not sure if the companies will hold my record on file and think something bad if they see I have previously applied to be a deckie.

[jj-1994]

If there's a genuine reason for return-applying then they'll not think badly of it. You need to calm down a bit mate. You haven't even been to your lantern test which you have every chance of passing. These companies arn't out to mess you around. If you need to re-applying just be honest with them

[Hatchorder]

.... and think something bad if they see I have previously applied to be a deckie.

Not if your reasons are as strong as yours will be. Wanting to go to sea no matter what obstacles you face is actually a strength if worded right!

[saltydog]

Your right mate. But its always that what if! I will let you know what they say tomorrow!

Cheers for emailing me that PDF

[saltydog]

Not if your reasons are as strong as yours will be. Wanting to go to sea no matter what obstacles you face is actually a strength if worded right!

I can see how they will like that. I guess its not that long wait if I fail the lantern test to re-apply!

Hatchorder, I dont suppose you actually know much about it? I have done my research etc but I cant seem to find that much on it. I have seen a few pictures but I was wondering if you actually knew anyone that has done it or even yourself.

[Hatchorder]

I can see how they will like that. I guess its not that long wait if I fail the lantern test to re-apply!

Hatchorder, I dont suppose you actually know much about it? I have done my research etc but I cant seem to find that much on it. I have seen a few pictures but I was wondering if you actually knew anyone that has done it or even yourself.

No, I never did a lantern test. Regulations were much tighter in my day. You had to have perfect eyesight without glasses, no colour blindness and an opthalmic surgeons 10 year report to be a deck cadet. Even when you did your OOW certificate you still needed to have a new eyesight test and if you needed glasses you had to get dispensation from the MCA.

There is a description of it here though:

http://digilander.libero.it/cvdpilot/lanterntest.htm

Remember it is the 2 mile test you need. Also, do not let them rush you, you must have a period of time for your eyes to adjust to darkness. At sea it can take up to 30 minutes to adjust.

Ian