Statutory offshore fitness · London
Offshore OEUK (OGUK) medical - London.
A private Offshore Energies UK medical, delivered by an Energy Institute registered doctor. Straightforward candidates leave with a certificate valid for two years, issued the same day. Costs sit between £120 and £280.
What it is
A statutory fitness-to-work assessment for offshore installations.
The offshore medical is a statutory fitness-to-work assessment for personnel working on offshore installations on the UK Continental Shelf. It is issued by a doctor registered with the Energy Institute (EI).
The certificate has changed names several times. It was originally known as the UKOOA medical, then the OGUK medical, and it is now formally the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) medical. All three names refer to the same certificate, which is valid for two years from the date of examination.
What is checked
The examination in full.
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BMI and weight
Weight and BMI recorded for helicopter safety. A weight above 120 kg exceeds the standard helicopter seat limit and usually requires specialist assessment or weight loss before certification.
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Vision
Distance and near acuity, plus Ishihara colour vision testing where the role requires it.
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Hearing
Pure-tone audiometry across the speech frequencies, with attention to noise-induced patterns.
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Blood pressure
Seated BP measurement. Uncontrolled hypertension is a common cause of a temporary fail.
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Cardiovascular and ECG
Resting 12-lead ECG for anyone over 45, or where symptoms or history suggest it. Full cardiovascular history reviewed.
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Urinalysis
Dipstick for glucose, protein, blood and other markers as a screen for diabetes and renal disease.
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Musculoskeletal exam
Focused MSK assessment for the physical demands of offshore access, including ladders, escape routes and manual handling.
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Medication and chronic disease
Review of prescribed medication, plus control of any chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or cardiac disease.
Borderline and disqualifying
Conditions that commonly delay or fail an offshore medical.
Not every condition on this list is a permanent bar. Many candidates are certified once treatment is in place and stability is documented.
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Uncontrolled hypertension
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Unstable cardiac disease or recent event
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Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly on insulin without a stable record
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Seizures within the last 10 years
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Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea
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Obesity above 120 kg, which exceeds helicopter safety limits
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Mental health conditions with recent hospitalisation
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Active substance misuse
Other offshore certificates
Safety training, separate from the medical.
Employers will usually ask for at least one safety course in addition to the OEUK medical. None of these are part of the medical itself.
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BOSIET
Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training. A separate safety course, not part of the medical.
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MIST
Minimum Industry Safety Training. Also separate from the OEUK medical.
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HUET
Helicopter Underwater Escape Training. A physical safety course, again distinct from the medical certificate.
Turnaround
Same-day certificate.
Straightforward candidates receive their two-year certificate on the day. Borderline cases are referred to the Health and Safety at Work Panel, an independent body that reviews contested or complex assessments before a decision is issued.
Cost
£120 to £280.
- OEUK medical only: £120 to £200
- OEUK plus BOSIET certificate check: £150 to £280
Where to book
Energy Institute registered doctors in London.
A short, non-exhaustive list of London providers with EI-registered offshore doctors. Approved examiners are also available nationwide.
- Nightingale Occupational Health
- Randox Health
- InstantMedics
- Fleet Street Clinic
- London Doctors Clinic
- LondonDoc
- MedRock Offshore Medicals
Frequently asked
Common questions about the offshore medical.
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What is the BMI or weight limit for an offshore medical?
There is no fixed BMI cut-off, but a body weight above 120 kg usually exceeds the standard helicopter passenger seat limit for the UK Continental Shelf. Candidates over that weight can still be assessed, but often require specialist review, a helicopter operator sign-off, or weight loss before a certificate is issued.
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Will sleep apnoea fail my OEUK medical?
Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea is a common reason for a fail, because of the safety risk offshore. A diagnosed case that is well controlled on CPAP, with a compliance report, is usually accepted by the examining doctor.
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Do employers or insurers pay for the offshore medical?
Most oil, gas and renewables employers pay for the OEUK medical directly or reimburse it. If you are booking privately for a new role, you usually pay upfront and claim it back on offer.
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Does colour blindness stop me from working offshore?
Colour vision is checked with Ishihara plates. Mild defects are usually acceptable for general offshore roles, but some safety-critical or crane and signalling roles have stricter colour standards and may require further testing.
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Is there a waiting list for an offshore medical in London?
No. Most London clinics offer next-day or same-week appointments with an Energy Institute registered doctor, and the certificate is issued on the day for straightforward cases.
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Can I appeal a failed offshore medical?
Yes. Borderline or failed cases can be referred to the Health and Safety at Work Panel, an independent appeal body. Your examining doctor arranges the referral and provides the supporting clinical evidence.
Related tests
Related occupational medicals.
Book your offshore medical
Same-day certificate. London, or nationwide.
Tell us the role and the departure date. We match you to an Energy Institute registered doctor and confirm cost within one working day.