Offshore Medicals
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 Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) should carry out the examination and issue certificates.
How long does an offshore medical last?
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 OGUK. With effect from 1 Jan 2007, an OGUK medical is valid for 2 years irrespective of the age of the offshore person.
Individual Operators retain the right to request medical assessments more frequently.
The UK Offshore Medical Requirements
Although OGUK set minimum requirements for what an offshore medical consists of, some doctors may carry out a more thorough examination than others. A typical uk oil and gas medical examination will begin with you completing a comprehensive questionnaire which includes medical history and lifestyle e.g. alcohol consumption, exercise etc. Thereafter, the checks carried our during the physical examination include:
- Urine check (for protein and sugar)
- Height, weight and resultant Body Mass Index calculation
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Basic eye sight test including colour vision
- Lung capacity check
- Hearing test
- A physical examination by a doctor. Check stature, listen to your breathing, reflexes etc.
- The doctor will also discuss the form you filled in, and carry out any additional checks they think necessary.
The OGUK medical does not involve a drug test, however if your employer is paying for your medical certificate examination they may ask for a drug test to be carried out.
Offshore Abroad
Different countries have different requirements: some stricter than the UK and others less so. Be aware that a OGUK medical certificate may not be adequate for where you intend to work. The Offshore Operators Association from three countries involved in the North Sea: the UK (OGUK); Norway (OLF); and The Netherlands (NOGEPA) have signed a reciprocal agreement known as the
Hardanger Agreement which states that a valid medical certificate in one country will be valid in the two other countries within the agreement. So, a NOGEPA medical is valid in the UK, and an OGUK medical is valid in Dutch waters.
Although this agreement is in place, many contractors report that a OGUK medical certificate is not being accepted at Norwegian heliport check-ins. Therefore, many contractors pay an extra £10 or so to have an OLF certificate issued by their doctor at the same time as their OGUK certificate. Not all OGUK approved doctors issue OLF medical certificates. If you need this certificate, check when booking your appointment.
Return to the guides for engineering contractors index page.
