Medicals related to Bones, Gynecomastia, Hernia & Epilepsy
We are familiar with the general definition of health as a general condition of sound body and sound mind. Life on ship can get difficult and to handle the challenges sea life can usher a seafarer with it has become important that candidates appearing for medicals are physiological and psychologically fit to join the Merchant Navy.
BONES –
- Shoulder Dislocation surgery : Suppose a student meets an unfortunate accident due to which he suffers a dislocation of his shoulder bones. Later he undergoes shoulder dislocation surgery and within a few months, he is healed properly. Now when he appears for the medical examination in the merchant navy he will be assessed by the doctor over his previous medical condition and if he is diagnosed as fit and fine with no issues relating to shoulder movements then, he will be declared qualified in the medicals of the merchant navy.
- Crooked body part : In case someone has a crooked right leg that is slightly bent at an angle greater than normal but he is able to perform routine physical activities with ease. If he appears for medicals, he will be examined properly by a DG Shipping-approved doctor on his strength abilities and physical fitness. If he gets a nod from the doctor then he will be eligible to join the Merchant Navy.
- Artificial Limbs : If you are missing an arm or leg, an artificial limb can sometimes replace it. The device, which is called a prosthesis, can help you to perform daily activities such as walking, eating, or dressing. Some artificial limbs let you function nearly as well as before. But if you want to join the Merchant Navy with an artificial limb, then it might upset you a little because you can not sail on a ship with a prosthesis in place.
- Bunion : is a foot deformity that occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. If the symptoms get severe it can decrease the movement of your toe or foot. If you want to join the merchant navy and currently have a bunion medical condition, it is recommended to get it treated as soon as possible. Without a proper healed treatment, you might face rejection in the medicals of the merchant navy.
- Fingers : If you face no issue while performing day to day tasks that involve grip and hand movements, 6 fingers will pose no problem in the medicals of the merchant navy.
EPILEPSY –
“A central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.”
If you witness episodes of seizures often which are accompanied by a temporary confusion or staring spell, then you must see a neurologist and begin your treatment. However, in the merchant navy, any kind of epilepsy condition (less-severe) with or without medicines is not allowed. If you are someone with a medical history of epilepsy and have not experienced any episodes for a long time, it is important for you to get it in writing by your neurologist. But that does not strengthen your chances to join the merchant navy, as a separate diagnosis will take place to detect the presence of any such disorder.
HERNIA –
A hernia happens when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in your muscle or tissue. There are several types of hernia that you can experience including, inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias and hiatal hernias. If you have any present medical condition of Hernia, then it’s important to treat it quickly. However, Hernia of any type is not allowed in the Merchant Navy and can lead to direct disqualification. In case of any previous medical history of hernia that is treated and healed properly, you can sit for medicals in the merchant navy.
GYNECOMASTIA –
This occurs often due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones that can cause male breast tissue to swell and get bigger. Enlarged breasts in boys and men often improve without treatment. However, there are medical procedures as well that can treat the enlarged breasts. So, if a person is appearing for medicals in the merchant navy and suffers from this condition, he must get it treated beforehand otherwise this can lead to a disqualification in the merchant navy medicals.
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