ML5 requirements - visual acuity

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fab

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Hello,

Under the ML5 requirements, it is stipulated in Part B, Section 5 the following:

b) Does the applicant lack the ability to read 6/6 on the Snellen Chart at six
metres distance in at least one eye with glasses or contact lenses if worn?
Testing should be done on each eye separately.

If I have 20/30 (20/20 = 6/6) with glasses worn on each eye separately, does
that mean I will fail the ML5 exam and I will not be eligible for a commercial
endorsement on my yacht master certificate? Meaning that I can not work in the
yachting industry?

Kind regards,
Fab
 
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fab said:
Hello,

Under the ML5 requirements, it is stipulated in Part B, Section 5 the following:

b) Does the applicant lack the ability to read 6/6 on the Snellen Chart at six
metres distance in at least one eye with glasses or contact lenses if worn?
Testing should be done on each eye separately.

If I have 20/30 (20/20 = 6/6) with glasses worn on each eye separately, does
that mean I will fail the ML5 exam and I will not be eligible for a commercial
endorsement on my yacht master certificate? Meaning that I can not work in the
yachting industry?

Kind regards,
Fab
Click to expand...

Hello Fab

If you wear glasses now to correct your vision and assuming the optometrist has successfully correct your vision, then you should pass the test laid out in ML5, as ML5 states a pass in at least one eye.

Good luck. :)
 
Much appreciated lenseman. for the clarifications! English is my second language and I got confused. Apologizes for posting this message :)
 
If your visual acuity is 20/30 (6/9) with glasses in your best eye, which is what I understand from your post, you will unfortunately fail the standard.
Visual acuity does vary with testing conditions slightly so it is possible, but unlikely, you may just meet the requirements on some charts.
If your visual acuity loss is from a progressive condition you also need to consider that if just pass the standard now you may not do so in future.

If I have misread your post and your visual acuity is 20/20 (6/6)with glasses in your best eye, you pass the standard.
 
Thanks for the explanations. It seems like I don`t meet the ML5 requirements on this point. My best eye with glasses worn doesn't give me 6/6.

Does that mean:
- No possibility to get a commercial endorsement on my YM certificate?
- I will not be able to work in the yachting industry?

thanks again for your replies
 
fab said:
Thanks for the explanations. It seems like I don`t meet the ML5 requirements on this point. My best eye with glasses worn doesn't give me 6/6.

Does that mean:
- No possibility to get a commercial endorsement on my YM certificate?
- I will not be able to work in the yachting industry?

thanks again for your replies
Click to expand...

fab, it is not an "all or nothing" situation - there is somewhere in between.

I dont understand eye measurements so you are ahead of me. However, I have other health issues so instead of ML5 I went for ENG1 at an approved MCA Doctor. I thought he was a bit harsh so appealed and went to another doctor specified by the MCA.

They understand the requirements of a Commercially Endorsed YM, and are able to make judgments based on your plans and your overall health. They then specify the conditions that you can work commercially. Mine is no more than 150miles off shore if I am the only YM on board.

My YM certificate just says there are conditions, it doesnt state what they are.

In summary, do not give up! Go to as many doctors as you need to get some form of medical certificate and see what you can do from there.
 
Unless your visual acuity is extremely poor, as long as you met the required standard with corrective spectacles or lenses, it is likely that the MCA will grant you an ML5 but merely require you to carry a spare pair of spectacles. Although ML5 commercial endorsements etc are handled in the first instance by the RYA, they are acting as agents of the MCA, so make sure that your case goes to the MCA at the department below.
Source in 2006:
Deputy Manager, Medical Administration
Seafarer Health and Safety Branch
Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Edited to add that I believe that the 6/6 standard on the form is a requiement for the examining doctor to be able to issue the ML5 straight away. If the standard is not met, then the completed form has to be assessed by the MCA medical people, so that not being 6/6 is not by any means a complete and final fail. However, ensure you deal with the MCA, although you might have to do it through the RYA.
 
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Even if I go for a second opinion, I doubt that I will be able to do anything
with my visual acuity. If I can't physically have 6/6 it sounds hard to appeal.
I would really appreciate if anyone who had a similar situation could share their experience with me via a post or a private message.
 
Why not print a snellen chart from the internet and try it, with glasses/lenses and first one eye covered, then the other and then both open? It needs to be set up 6m away from you.
 
fab said:
Thanks for the explanations. It seems like I don`t meet the ML5 requirements on this point. My best eye with glasses worn doesn't give me 6/6.

Does that mean:
- No possibility to get a commercial endorsement on my YM certificate?
- I will not be able to work in the yachting industry?

thanks again for your replies
Click to expand...

I do not know what the UK does, but some countries will issue a conditional license (with say a restriction preventing nighttime use) on people who come close, but do not meet the vision requirements.
Depending on the restriction and your aims in the industry this may or may not be useful.

If you want to PM me your vision report I might be able to provide some more detailed advice.
 
If your visual acuity in your better eye is less than 20/20 (as you say it is) then you will require assessing by a MCA examiner, not just your doctor. Bear in mind that your unaided vision in your better eye also needs to be at least 20/200 and that there are no defects in your field of vision in either eye.
If you're not sure visit your local optometrist and ask them for help taking a copy of an ML5 with you as we're not all sailors!
 
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