Medical and eyesight test

Medical and eyesight tests

Due to the extreme conditions of going to sea, you are unlikely to be issued with an RNLI medical certificate if:

you do not meet the RNLI’s requirements for colour vision/visual acuity (see below);
you have had laser eye surgery in the last three months;
you are liable to epileptic seizures or sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness;
you have had a coronary thrombosis (heart attack) or have undergone heart surgery;
your blood pressure is significantly raised and not well controlled with drugs;
you need insulin treatment for diabetes;
you have had a stroke, or unexplained loss of consciousness;
you have had a severe head injury with continuing impairment;
you suffer from Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis;
you are being treated for mental or nervous problems;
you have had alcohol or drug dependency problems within the last 3 years;
you have profound deafness and cannot communicate clearly on the radio/telephone;
you suffer from double or tunnel vision;
you have any other condition which would/could cause problems regarding your fitness to navigate/crew a vessel;
you suffer from any condition of bone or joint that may affect your mobility;
you suffer from any condition that may affect bone strength or are on oral steroids.

You are unlikely to meet the RNLI’s requirements for colour vision/visual acuity if:

there is any evidence of a colour vision defect as assessed using Ishihara plates (during the test aids to colour vision may not be worn;
up to two plates may be failed and still constitute a pass);
you are unable to read 6/6 in the better eye and 6/12 in the worst eye on the Snellen Chart at 6 metres distance even with glasses or contact lenses;
you are unable to read 6/60 with at least one eye without any visual aid;
you have defects in your field of vision in either eye;
you have evidence of any progressive disease in either eye, or suffer from any other eye condition which could limit vision, either now or within the next 5 years.

If you don't meet these standards, there are many other volunteering opportunities available. Visit rnli.org.uk/volunteering for more details.