SERVICES
OEUK Medicals
A valid OEUK (previously OGUK) medical certificate is a mandatory health assessment for anyone working offshore in the UK sector. It confirms you are fit to perform your duties under challenging conditions and is widely accepted across oil, gas, wind, and energy companies.
Stay Compliant: Understanding the New OEUK Issue 8 Requirements
From 1 November 2025, the latest OEUK Medical Standards (Issue 8) came into effect.
This introducing several key updates to how offshore medicals are carried out. These include:
- Reduced routine testing – some checks are now performed only when clinically indicated.
- New BMI and weight thresholds – additional guidance now applies where weight may affect offshore travel or safety.
- Updated fitness criteria for specific roles – particularly for crane operator, rope access and Emergency Response Team (ERT) duties.
- Refined medical validity and grading systems – ensuring consistent assessment across all offshore workers.
Who needs an OEUK Medical?
You will typically need an OEUK medical if you are:
- Working on offshore oil, gas, or energy installations in UK waters
- Engaged in subcontractor, maintenance, support, or logistics roles offshore
- Assigned to Emergency Response Team (ERT) duties
- Taking part in training courses (e.g. BOSIET / FOET) which require a “Fit to Train” certification
- Working on normally-unmanned installations, which often have stricter medical criteria
OEUK medicals may also be recognised in the Dutch and Norwegian offshore sectors, reducing the need to duplicate assessments.
Please let us know if this applies to you at the time of booking.
Validity, renewal & restrictions
Renewal
A standard OEUK certificate is valid for two years, unless a shorter period is recommended for medical reasons.
Validity
In some medical conditions further medical information may be required before a certificate can be issued.
Restrictions
There are certain situations where approval must be sought from the Operator Medical Advisor before the issue of a conditional certificate.
To avoid delays, we recommend booking your renewal before your current certificate expires.
How to prepare for your appointment
On the day of your OEUK medical, please:
- Bring photo ID (passport, driving licence, etc.)
- Bring any relevant medical records or letters (e.g. cardiology, GP, or diabetes test results)
- Be ready to provide details of your current medications and dosages
- Bring glasses or contact lenses if used
- Avoid loud noise exposure for at least 16 hours before your hearing test
If you have any existing health conditions or recent medical updates, please inform our team when booking so we can advise on any additional documentation required. Being prepared in advance of your appointment can help to minimise any delays in certification.
What will happen during your OEUK Medical?
During your OEUK medical, our experienced clinicians will carry out a series of checks to ensure you’re medically fit to work safely offshore. The assessment also helps identify any underlying conditions that could affect your health in remote or challenging environments.
As a minimum, your OEUK medical will include:
- Measurement of height, weight, and BMI
- Blood pressure and pulse check
- Vision
- Review of your medical history and current medications
- Relevant physical examination
Depending on your role and medical history, additional screening or tests may also be required, including:
- ECG or blood tests, if indicated
- Functional fitness or “Chester Step Test” for certain roles (e.g. ERT or unmanned installations)
- Urine test
- Hearing tests
- Spirometry
Following your assessment, the doctor will confirm your fitness status and issue your OEUK medical certificate.
Book your OEUK medical
Ready to book your OEUK medical or need clarification on the new Issue 8 guidelines?
Our team is here to help you prepare and stay compliant with the latest offshore medical standards.
Yes – you can often combine your OEUK medical with other occupational health assessments during the same appointment. Simply let our team know your requirements when booking and we’ll schedule your appointments together where possible.
If you don’t meet the OEUK standard, our clinician will discuss your results and explain your options. You may be issued a time limited certificate or advised to seek operator medical advisor approval. . You may also be asked to undergo further assessment or provide additional medical evidence.
If you are assessed as unfit, you have the right to appeal within 28 days through OEUK’s formal process. Our clinicians can provide information on how to begin this appeal and what supporting documents may be required.
The OEUK medical is intended to confirm fitness for work in offshore energy installations in the UK North Sea sector. The certificate may be recognised for work in the Dutch and Norwegian sector if carried out directly by an OEUK registered doctor only. Please mention if you work in the Dutch or Norwegian sector when booking.
Your certificate is normally valid for two years, unless a shorter duration is recommended by your doctor. We recommend booking your renewal at least 4–6 weeks before your current certificate expires to avoid disruption to offshore work schedules.
Of course. Having a medical condition such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be unfit. Our clinicians assess each case individually in line with OEUK guidance. However, it’s worth noting that you may receive a restricted certificate or be asked to provide a recent report from your GP or specialist.
Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your appointment, as these can affect blood pressure and other test results. Also, avoid exposure to loud noise for at least 16 hours before any hearing test.
The new Issue 8 guidelines introduce clearer weight thresholds in certain situations, particularly where helicopter transfer or evacuation may be affected. A high BMI doesn’t automatically result in an “unfit” status, but may trigger additional reviews or restrictions. Our clinicians will explain any implications specific to your role.
If your OEUK medical certificate has been lost or misplaced, please contact our team. We can reissue a copy if your medical was carried out at Alert Health. Certificates issued by other clinics can only be replaced by the doctor or organisation that originally completed your assessment.