[Importance of assessment of visual function in nautical school students and naval engineers]

Eighty-seven junior nautical school students, of which 46 undergraduate marine engineers and 41 undergraduate nautical officer were examined for visual functions as a part of screening procedure for nautical occupations. All students were male, aged between 17 and 18. Examination comprised visual acuity, visual depth, and colour vision. The visual functions were then quantified according to ergo-ophthalmologic criteria. Statistically, the visual functions were found to be within the normal limits. Only 5% of students bordered with visual impairments in acuity and depth. Five undergraduate marine engineers and one undergraduate nautical officer were found to be deuteranomalous. Deuteranomaly in the latter presented a serious impediment and the student was not eligible for the occupation. It turned out that he had not been examined before the enrollment. The enrollment in the nautical school should be conditioned by previous medical examination that would be performed in accordance with the Regulations for Nautical Personnel. The student's health should be monitored throughout the education and the examination should be repeated on entering the junior class. The existing Regulations for Nautical Personnel should be updated.