Daughter wants to join the merchant navy. She wears glasses.

Before the eyesight question, ask her what part of it she likes. The sea, the travel, the uniform, the speaker? At 14 that changes the answer. If it holds for six months, then look up the medical rules properly.

Arre don't panic about the specs yet. A boy from my daughter's batch is joining a maritime course next year, and from what his mummy told me the eyesight rules are not the same for every branch. But check the official medical standard yourself, not with the coaching people. They'll take the fees first and ask about eyesight later.

In my time a girl talking about ships would have got a scolding. Now my neighbour's granddaughter is studying for it, she also wears spectacles I think. Let the child dream. You can find out the details slowly.

We went through something like this, except it was flying and the question was colour vision. What we got wrong was letting her read forums for a year. Pay for one proper eye test with the medical standard in hand and you'll know in an afternoon. The forums will keep you guessing for months 🙂

Our daughter had a similar phase with marine biology, so I understand not wanting to say no too early. One practical thing: is she planning on maths and physics in 11th and 12th? From what I understand those are needed for most of these courses anyway, so it is a decision you will be making soon regardless. Does she like those subjects?

mine wanted to be a pilot at 14. now it's architecture. do the eye test, don't pay anyone yet