USCG Cert for colorblind?

[sailaway21]

I have never known of the USCG to issue a waiver for color-blindness. I doubt that they would. In fact, it has been a past issue at the maritime academies where a cadet/midshipman passed the vision test (not refering to CB test) upon admission but was deficient upon graduation/license sitting. It was a very difficult situation to resolve and I do notm think that it was resolved in any permanent way other than on a case by case basis.

Cadets are always told to wear eye protection because the USCG doesn't issue licenses to one-eyed third mate applicants. On the other hand, you can lose an eye post licensing and still upgrade or renew your license. Original licenses are strictly another matter.

And it is noteworthy that the only ongoing vision test that the USCG does for upgrade and renewal is the color blindness test. I cannot offer much hope for you.

I'm not sure that the SOLAS link posted by tony is printed quite right. Generally "dual career" does not mean merchant/fishing but means deck/engineering officers. To the best of my knowledge snipes can be colorblind while mates and deck apes cannot.

[sailingdog]

Of course, a color-blind watch would be at a serious disadvantage at night, since the shape of the buoy or nav aid is only distinguishable at a much closer distance, and the nav lights on ships are even less distinct.

[bubb2]

Originally Posted by tonybinTX

Thanks Bubb2 - sent him an email.

Please let us know what Mark has to say about this. I am very curious.

[tonybinTX]

Mark replied to my email. It's possible to get USCG certified with color blindness. One is just restricted to day time operation of a vessel. Very similar to the FAA and pilots.

Thanks for the good reference. I'm liking this board.

[bubb2]

That is encouraging news for you. Now, go pass those tests!