Artikel Body
The STCW Convention was amended in 2010, the so-called Manila amendments. As a
consequence, eyesight requirements have become stricter for seafarers and
fishermen. The eyesight requirement for look-out duty without eyesight corrections
for each eye has to be at least 0.1 (6/60). With eyesight corrections, the
requirement is at least 0.5 (6/12).
Each individual maritime medical examiner must still observe the eyesight
requirements stipulated in annex 1 to the order on medical examinations of
seafarers and fishermen when making decisions about eyesight unless
the seafarer or fisherman, in connection with the medical examination, presents a previous
exemption document from the Danish Maritime Authority concerning “fitness for
lookout duty”.
The Danish Maritime Authority has, so far, granted exemptions to seafarers or
fishermen who were fit for look-out duty and had an eyesight vision of less than
0.5 in order for them to continue their work. The Danish Maritime Authority could only grant the exemptions until 31 December 2015 and the exemptions
would apply until 31 December 2016.
Now, however, it has become possible to continue granting exemptions if the
seafarer or fisherman has already been examined by a medical examiner and was
fit for look-out duty before 1 January 2012 according to the order on medical
examinations of seafarers and fishermen valid at the time.
Seafarers or fishermen can apply for an exemption by contacting the Danish
Maritime Authority by email soc@dma.dk.
Exemptions will not be granted to seafarers or fishermen who sign on for the first time. Seafarers or fishermen who are colour-blind will not be granted exemptions either.
