The NL Offshore Medical Examination explained: what does it mean for you?
The NL Offshore Medical Examination is the updated Dutch offshore medical standard that came into effect on 1 July 2025. It determines whether you’re medically fit to work offshore in the Netherlands or on the Dutch Continental Shelf.
On this page you’ll find everything you need to know: what has changed, what your certificate includes, and how to prepare for your examination.
A new name, same purpose
The medical examination formerly known as the NOGEPA examination is now officially called the NL Offshore Medical Examination. This new name aligns better with current practice, as the standard now applies to oil and gas installations, offshore wind, and CCS projects (CO₂ storage in depleted gas fields).
The change is part of the revision of the Dutch offshore medical standard.
You can find the official explanation from Element NL here:
🔗Collaboration between offshore industries results in new unified medical standard: NL Offshore Medical
The purpose of the examination remains the same: to objectively determine whether you are medically fit to work offshore safely.
Who needs this medical?
The NL Offshore Medical is mandatory for anyone working offshore in the Netherlands or on the Dutch Continental Shelf, including:
Oil and gas installations,
offshore wind (turbines, substations, walk-to-work platforms),
CCS projects (CO₂ storage beneath the seabed)
Rope access and other work at height
If you regularly work above 2.5 metres (for example in wind-turbine maintenance or rope access), you’ll also be assessed under Working at Height (WAH) requirements.
What remains unchanged
The medical remains personal and job-specific, with a standard two-year validity unless your health requires a shorter period. Spirometry (lung-function testing) is still included, due to the use of CA-EBS emergency breathing equipment. And as before, the examination can only be carried out by doctors approved by Element NL.
What’s new in the 2025 standard
The updated NL Offshore Medical introduces several visible and practical changes.
Here’s what’s new:
1. Shoulder-width (bideltoid) measurement and XBR classification
Your shoulder width is now measured during each medical.
This determines your helicopter seat position, ensuring you are near an appropriate exit in case of emergency.
If your bideltoid width is 55.9 cm or greater, you’ll receive the XBR (Extra Broad) classification — which is printed on your certificate.
2. CA-EBS assessment now on your certificate
Your eligibility to take part in the CA-EBS “in-water” training is now explicitly recorded.
This allows training centres and employers to immediately see whether you’re cleared for the water-based module.
The assessment is based on your lung function and medical history.
3. Working at Height (WAH) as a Special Employment Group
If you regularly work at heights of 2.5 m or more, you’ll receive an additional WAH assessment.
The result (fit or not fit) and validity period appear on your certificate.
Benefit: if you’re fit for WAH, a separate G41 medical is no longer required.
Your new certificate at a glance
Your NL Offshore Medical certificate now provides a clearer and more complete overview, including:
Overall fitness for offshore work (fit / restricted fit)
Shoulder classification (standard / XBR)
CA-EBS clearance (fit / not fit)
WAH and/or ERT assessments with outcome and validity period
For WAH, the maximum validity is one year from the age of 50.
This transparency reduces misunderstandings and clearly states what work you are medically approved to perform offshore.
How the new standard benefits you
For offshore professionals, the new NL Offshore Medical brings real advantages.
All essential assessments are now combined into one integrated medical, so you no longer need separate examinations.
Your certificate provides clearer, more detailed information about your fitness and any special authorisations, which helps avoid confusion at worksites or during travel.
The medical process itself is more focused on practical safety risks, ensuring that potential issues are identified early and addressed properly.
Overall, this update saves time, improves transparency and strengthens confidence in your fitness for offshore work.
Before you attend your medical
A smooth examination starts with good preparation.
Bring a valid ID, inform your doctor if you work at height or have ERT responsibilities, and make sure you are rested and hydrated before your appointment.
During the medical, your physician will guide you through each step — including the bideltoid (shoulder-width) measurement, CA-EBS assessment, and, if applicable, the WAH evaluation.
If anything is unclear, you are always welcome to ask questions.
We believe that understanding each part of the process helps you feel confident and ensures that your results accurately reflect your fitness for duty.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the offshore medical valid?
Normally two years, unless your medical condition requires a shorter period.
For WAH, validity may be shorter — from age 50, the maximum is one year.
Do I still need a separate G41 for working at height?
No. If you’ve been declared fit for WAH, this is already covered by your NL Offshore Medical certificate.
Why is shoulder width measured?
To assign a helicopter seat position that allows a safer evacuation route in an emergency.
What does the CA-EBS assessment involve?
Based on your lung function and medical history, the doctor determines whether you can safely complete the in-water component of CA-EBS training.
The result appears on your certificate.
Written by Sven Daam, ILT-, OEUK- and ElementNL-certified medical examiner specialising in maritime and offshore health assessments.
Safeguarding fitness for work
In addition to this medical, OmniHealth also offers a range of other medical examinations
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