Offshore Medical Certificate OEUK / OGUK

Working in the oil and gas industry, especially offshore, requires meeting specific health standards. Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), formerly known as Oil & Gas UK (OGUK), has established medical standards that must be met by individuals working in this sector.

Offshore Medical Certificate
OEUK / OGUK

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All tests in one visit!

OEUK / OGUK examinations (OEUK Medical / former OGUK Medical) aim to evaluate the employee’s overall state of health, identify potential health risks, and ensure safety for both the employee and their co-workers. The OEUK Offshore Medical Certificate (formerly OGUK) / Świadectwo zdrowia do pracy offshore OEUK (dawniej OGUK) is recognized worldwide and confirms fitness to work in demanding offshore conditions, on drilling rigs, and on offshore wind farms.

New OEUK guidelines regarding body weight limits for personnel.

The offshore industry associated with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) is introducing a new policy regarding the maximum allowable body weight for personnel working in this sector.

From 1 November 2026, a worker whose body weight in standard work clothing exceeds 124 kg will not be eligible to receive a medical certificate required to work offshore. The implementation of the new rules is taking place in three stages.

STAGE 1 – Awareness Phase

1 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

During this period, awareness activities regarding the new requirements are being conducted.
– no changes have been made to the certification rules,
– individuals weighing over 110 kg and/or with a BMI over 30 will be informed about the new 124 kg limit applying to the offshore sector.

STAGE 2 – Transition Phase

1 February 2026 – 31 October 2026

During the transition period:
– all individuals weighing over 110 kg will be informed about the 124 kg limit in force,
– for individuals weighing 115–124 kg, the validity period of the certificate will be reduced accordingly in line with OEUK guidelines,
– individuals weighing over 124 kg can still receive a certificate, but its validity cannot extend beyond 31 October 2026.

STAGE 3 – Full Implementation

From 1 November 2026

From this day forward, the new regulations become mandatory.
– A body weight in clothing exceeding 124 kg means an OEUK medical certificate authorizing offshore work cannot be issued.
– Individuals weighing 110–114.9 kg will receive a standard certificate along with information regarding the limit in force.
– For individuals weighing 115–124 kg, certificate validity will be restricted in accordance with current OEUK guidelines.

The new regulations aim to enhance the safety of helicopter transport and personnel evacuation from offshore installations.

Scope of Examinations

Audiometry

Hearing test conducted in a soundproof booth to detect potential hearing loss – essential for working in high-noise environments (e.g., offshore platforms).

Spirometry

Assessment of lung capacity and respiratory system function – essential for working in conditions with limited oxygen access or enclosed spaces.

Resting ECG

Recording heart activity at rest – allows for the detection of rhythm disorders or other cardiac issues prior to starting work in demanding environmental conditions.

ENT, Neurological, and Ophthalmic Examinations

Assessment of the ability to work in noisy conditions, under limited visibility, and under the influence of environmental factors typical for offshore work, such as pressure variations, stress, or rapid response to hazards.

Complete Blood Count, Glucose, Lipid Profile, Liver Function Tests, Urinalysis

A basic laboratory test panel to detect anemia, infections, blood sugar levels, and kidney function – essential in assessing fitness for work in the offshore sector.

VO2max (Chester Step Test - exercise test)

An exercise stress test evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness – determines the body’s capacity for strenuous physical work in an offshore environment.

For Whom?

Engineers and technicians

Civil / Structural Engineer – for the construction of platform components and offshore installations
Mechanical Engineer – design and maintenance of offshore equipment
Mechatronics Technician / Industrial Automation Engineer – operation of control systems
135/136/141 Welder with offshore certification – particularly MAG, TIG welding in demanding conditions
Industrial Pipefitter

Maritime and offshore professions

Commercial Diver – for underwater maintenance and inspection work
Marine Hydraulic Technician – underwater installations
Offshore Crane Operator
Wind Turbine Technician – particularly in the context of Baltic Sea wind farms

Scientific and technical specialists

Marine Geologist and Geophysicist – seabed and natural resource surveys
Marine Geologist and Geophysicist – seabed and natural resource surveys
Offshore Crane Operator
Wind Turbine Technician – particularly in the context of Baltic Sea wind farms

Cybersecurity and IT in the energy sector

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Specialist
SCADA / Industrial Systems Engineer
Automation Systems Developer

How to prepare for the OEUK examination?

To ensure your OEUK medical examination goes smoothly and yields accurate results, proper preparation is essential. Because these medicals are comprehensive—combining laboratory testing with specialist clinical consultations—it is recommended to plan your day in advance.

Fasting – but not starving

You should arrive for the examination fasting, meaning no food should be consumed for at least 8 hours prior to your appointment. However, feel free to bring a light snack to eat after your blood draw. Remember to drink water—staying well-hydrated significantly affects laboratory test results.

Avoid noise prior to audiometry

Avoid high-noise environments (e.g., concerts, heavy machinery) for at least 16 hours before your hearing test (audiometry). Exposure to loud noise can temporarily affect your results and lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.

Limit stimulants

Before your examination, refrain from:

– consuming alcohol,

– smoking tobacco,

– drinking caffeinated beverages (coffee, cola, energy drinks).

These substances can affect your blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, and overall physical condition on the day of the test.

Wear comfortable clothing

Opt for comfortable attire—examinations may require you to undress to the waist, perform exercises (VO2max), or breathe freely during spirometry. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing.

Documents and information

Please bring:

– a valid ID,

– a list of any current medications,

– information regarding past medical conditions or injuries,

– previous medical results if available (especially X-rays, ECGs, or spirometry).

Rest and recovery

Try to get a good night’s sleep before your appointment. Fatigue and stress can impact your blood pressure, heart rate, and overall physical capacity, which affects performance on tests such as the VO2max or ECG.