Are spectacles aloud in the merchant navy

[linnez]

This may sound stupid but I'm completely unsure if glasses or contact lessons are aloud in the merchant navy , personally I don't have them but in just wondering because before you go for the cadetship you have a Health and eye test so I'm unsure , I may sound stupid but I was just wondering :3 thanks

[Pilot Chris]

No problem with specs or contact lenses but depending on what you want to do your eyesight / colour blindness will be tested. The only people who can give the definite answer for you will be the doctor doing your ENG1 or any referral medical specialist / MCA.

Many people wear glasses including watchkeepers (carrying a spare pair with them onboard).

[HolyNougat]

Well, if you don't have them you won't have a problem, but as Chris has said, not a problem these days - there used to be a minimum 'unaided' requirement but that has gone I think...
Lots of people I know have had laser surgery and have had no problem getting an unrestricted medical, but that was also frowned upon at one point.
The only killer colour vision - if you have any doubts about that you can get it checked, or get an idea online: http://colorvisiontesting.com/ishihara.htm
something like 1 in 10 men and 1 in 200 women have some degree of colour blindness.
Generally I don't find glasses particularly loud - but they are allowed. Sorry. Could not help myself.

[thebrookster]

Have to confess, I am not certain I have come across a noisy pair yet. Will keep my eyes open for you anyway Yes, glasses are allowed, assuming you are not blind as a bat (your ENG1 will confirm that for you). I wear glasses myself full time, bit of a nuisance in hot climates when the slip off your nose!In fact, many ships now insist on safety glasses being worn for practically all tasks, for example my company ask that safety glasses are worn at all times in the Engine Room, all times on deck, and if doing any dangerous jobs in the accommodation. These will normally be supplied by the company. If you wear normal glasses then some companies will provide prescription safety glasses as well, though as a cadet you may well be told to wear a pair of safety goggles over the glasses instead!

[HarmlessWeasel]

There is still a minimum unaided requirement, which is to be able to read the top letter of the chart...

[HolyNougat]

There is still a minimum unaided requirement, which is to be able to read the top letter of the chart...

wowzers.

[Lewis]

There is still a minimum unaided requirement, which is to be able to read the top letter of the chart...

their are also requirements aided cant remember off hand what they are. Google ENG1 you should be able to find all the requirements

[ARO]

I had my ENG1 on Thursday and was told that I had to be able to read the second line down on the chart unaided as I couldn't read the third line down this was great, with glasses I was told to read the second line from the bottom not sure if this is the limit for seafarers but he said something about it being the legal driving limit.
You also have to be able to read a book from arms length unaided to check that your eyes can focus correctly.

[HarmlessWeasel]

Deck aided requirements are 6/6 in better eye, and 6/9 for the other