Medical of Tuberculosis, Chest, Tumor, Self Harm Marks in the Merchant Navy
As we have discussed before, medicals in the merchant navy is extremely important to qualify as a seafarer. These tests are performed by a DG Shipping-approved doctor. Today in this blog, we will discuss the eligibility criteria of Tuberculosis, tumors, self harm scars and Chest related problems in the Merchant Navy.
Chest –
- Pectus Carinatum – is a rare chest deformity which causes a displacement of sternum leading to the breastbone to push outward instead of being flush against the chest. It is also known as pigeon chest.
Suppose a seafarer with Pectus Carinatum with no symptoms goes on the ship. For a few initial days he experienced no discomfort whatsoever. But later, he starts suffering from shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms hampered his daily performance thus resulting in cancellation of his contract.
It should be noted that candidates with a completely treated Pectus Carinatum showing no problems in lung function capacity are allowed in the Merchant Navy. To assess the level of deformity, doctors in the medical examination will conduct a separate diagnosis in which every aspiring seafarer should qualify.
- Lipoma – A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that’s most often situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. Do not mistake it for cancer, as they are harmless and do not need any treatment. However, if due to lipoma you are facing any problem in chest or other body parts then it is necessary you get it removed prior to the medical examination in the merchant navy.
- Deformity on Chest Wall – is a structural abnormality of the chest that can range from mild to severe. Merchant Navy allows chest wall deformity as long as it is not hampering the regular lung functions of the candidates.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. A competent radiologist can easily detect the presence of active TB and latent TB.
In the medicals of the Merchant Navy, candidates with present condition of TB will be disqualified in the medical assessment. If someone has a medical history of TB then it is important that he/she is completely cured under a 7-9 months medical course.
Suppose a student has gone through minor lung operation while he was suffering from Tuberculosis. But now he is completely fit and fine. In this case, if he appears for the medical examination in the merchant navy, he will not be eligible to join the ship. This is because lung operation in case of TB is conducted only due to lung collapse. Hence, this condition can pose a future risk to the health of the candidate on the ship. To avoid any harm, Doctors follow these eligibility standards.
Tumor –
There are mainly 3 types of tumors – Benign, premalignant, malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous while malignant fall under the category of cancerous tumors. In premalignant tumors the cells are not yet cancerous, but they can potentially become malignant. To become eligible for the merchant navy, it is necessary the candidate does not possess a tumor of any kind.
Many times, lipoma which is a fatty tumor located just below the skin is mistaken to be cancerous. Hence we advise a proper diagnosis of tumor related issues and get it removed before the medicals of the merchant navy.
Self-harm scars –
It is hard to understand why students engage in self-harm activities that can leave scars for life. Rising incidents of suicidal attempts among young generation is a cause of concern as it can blur their future prospects too.
A completely healed scar is not a problem in the medicals of the merchant navy. However, it can be problematic in the Psychometric Tests where a candidate is assessed on his intelligence and emotional ability. If the student fails the test, he will not be able to join the Merchant Navy.
This is why it is important that the candidate is not suffering from suicidal thoughts or emotional breakdown at the time of joining the ship.
Not everyday is a good day but one should not give up easily. Believe in yourself even when nobody does and strive to achieve the success you want in your life.
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