OEUK crane operator medical 2025: vision and safety requirements
Under the OEUK Medical Guidelines – Issue 8 (2025), crane operators must undergo a OEUK crane operator medical 2025 in order to meet specific vision standards in addition to the general medical requirements for offshore work. The OEUK crane operator medical 2025 sets the health and vision requirements for offshore crane operators. Good binocular vision is essential for safe and accurate lifting operations. The visual standards defined by OEUK ensure that crane operators can correctly judge distances and movement, maintaining the highest level of safety during offshore operations.
Vision standards for crane operators
For the OEUK crane operator medical 2025 the new OEUK guideline defines clear visual criteria. Minimum visual acuity must be 6/6 binocularly, with correction if required. Monocular vision is not acceptable, as it restricts the field of view. There should be no visual field defect or double vision (diplopia).
Color vision is not tested routinely, but if an abnormality is detected during the medical examination, the medical certificate must include the note:
Employer-specific assessment required for roles in which normal color vision is necessary.
Optician’s report
With every OEUK crane operator medical 2025 each crane operator is required to provide a current report from an optician or ophthalmologist confirming the results of a formal eye test.
This report helps the OEUK-registered examining doctor verify that the visual standards are met.
The guideline includes suggested wording for requesting the report. It must include the results of visual acuity (corrected and uncorrected), confirmation of binocular vision and absence of double vision or visual field defect.
Depth perception and stereoscopic testing
The OEUK notes that testing depth perception is generally not required. True stereoscopic vision only functions at short range and is not essential for the visual tasks involved in crane operation. The ability to correctly judge distance and depth is, in practice, confirmed through onshore training and competency assessments
Certificate notes
If corrective lenses are required to meet the 6/6 standard, the OEUK medical certificate should include the annotation stating that corrective glasses or contact lenses must be worn for crane operation.
If no specific crane-operator assessment was requested, the examining doctor should mark the certificate accordingly: “Assessment not requested.”
Employer responsibilities
Employers must ensure that each crane operator provides a valid optician’s report before attending the OEUK crane operator medical 2025 examination. They should also check that the OEUK certificate includes the correct annotations when glasses, contact lenses or colour-vision considerations apply.
Crane operators must not be assigned offshore duties without a valid OEUK certificate confirming fitness for their role. This ensures medical consistency and compliance with OEUK Issue 8 (2025) across the offshore sector.
The OEUK crane operator medical 2025 at OmniHealth
At OmniHealth, the OEUK crane operator medical 2025 is carried out in full compliance with OEUK Issue 8 (2025). Our doctors review the optician’s report, confirm that all visual standards are met, and apply the appropriate certificate notes before final approval is granted.
Do you need to renew your OEUK crane operator medical? Easily schedule an appointment with OmniHealth. We will ensure that your vision test and OEUK certification fully comply with the most up-to-date requirements
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
OmniHealth: Your Trusted Partner in Protecting Your Health and Safety
Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 17.00
OmniHealth provides high-quality medical care and services focused on the maritime and offshore industries. With expert examinations, consultations and necessary vaccinations, we are here for you!
Schipluidenlaan 122,
1062 HE, Amsterdam