Every offshore worker must undergo and pass a medical examination which classifies them as medically fit to work in the offshore environment.
Different offshore authorities have different requirements. For UK waters only physicians who are approved by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) Health Advisory Committee should carry out the examination.

The offshore medical certificate, as it is commonly known, is only valid for a limited time, and you need to renew it to continue working offshore. The frequency for renewal depends on the authority controlling the asset you are visiting and your age.

For UK waters, all assets are controlled by UKOOA and renewals are necessary 2-yearly, with effect from 1 Jan 2007, irrespective of the age of the offshore person.

Individual Operators retain the right to request medical assessments more frequently.

The UK Medical
Although UKOOA set out what is to be included in the medical, contractors report that some doctors carry out a more in-depth examination than others. A typical examination will begin with you filling out an extensive form on your medical history, and lifestyle e.g. alcohol consumption, exercise etc. After this there will be a;
- Urine check
- Height, weight and resultant Body Mass Index calculation
- Blood Pressure
- Basic eye sight test
- Lung capacity check
- Hearing test
- A physical examination by a doctor. Check stature, listen to your breathing, reflexes etc. And yes gents, you may be asked to cough!
- The doctor will also discuss the form you filled in, and carry out any additional checks they think necessary.
If your employer is paying for the examination they may ask for additional checks, e.g. drug test, to be carried out.

Offshore Abroad
Many authorities have reciprocal agreements with other authorities with regard to medicals, e.g. the Netherlands Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Association (NOGEPA) will accept a UKOOA medical, or a Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF) medical.

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