Your OEUK Medical Under the New Standard
If you work offshore, your OEUK medical certificate proves that you are medically fit to work safely in a demanding environment.
From 1 November 2025, all medicals are carried out under the updated OEUK Medical Guidelines – Issue 8 (2025).
These new guidelines provide greater clarity on how medical assessments are performed and what is expected from you as an offshore worker.
Here’s what you need to know before your next OEUK-medical.
Purpose of the OEUK medical
An OEUK medical confirms whether you are medically fit to work offshore — including helicopter travel, working in confined spaces and responding to emergency situations.
The assessment determines whether you can perform your job safely without unacceptable health risks, whether you can react effectively in an emergency, and whether any existing medical conditions are well controlled.
What to expect during your examination
A standard OEUK medical includes a review of your medical history and any medication, a physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure, vision and hearing), and, where required, a urine test.
Depending on your role, additional elements may apply, such as an ERT fitness test or an optician’s report for crane operators.
Please bring the following to your appointment:
a valid photo ID,
your current OEUK certificate (if renewing),
a list of prescribed medication or a GP summary, and
any relevant supporting documents (for example, optician’s report for crane operators).
The 124 kg weight limit
Under the new OEUK guidelines, a maximum clothed weight of 124 kg applies.
This limit ensures that all emergency and evacuation equipment — such as helicopter seating, lifejackets and survival suits — can be used safely.
If your dressed weight is between 115 and 124 kg, certification may still be granted, but with a reduced validity of three to six months.
Your examining doctor will record this on your certificate and explain what it means for your situation.
Medication and confidentiality
If you use prescribed medication, you will usually receive a Medication Letter.
This document lists the medication name and dose and confirms that your medication has been declared, reviewed and considered as part of your medical assessment.
At OmniHealth, this letter is issued as standard whenever medication is in use.
It is strictly personal: you receive it yourself and keep it with your medical documents.
If relevant, you may show it to the offshore medic or topside doctor, but never to your employer.
If you use medication for weight management — such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Saxenda — you will also receive a separate, mandatory Weight-Loss Medication Letter. It states the name and dosage of the medication, confirms that it is well tolerated, and instructs that no dose changes may be made while offshore.
This letter is personal and provided directly to you.
Role-specific assessments
Certain offshore roles have additional medical requirements.
Members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) complete the Chester Step Test to measure aerobic capacity and receive an official SRA grade (A–D).
Crane operators must be able to show a recent statement from an optician or ophthalmologist confirming that they can see clearly — with glasses or contact lenses if needed — and have no issues with visual field or double vision.
Your OEUK doctor will advise which role-specific assessments apply to you.
After illness or medical evacuation
If you have been medically evacuated (medevac’d) from an offshore installation or have been off work due to illness, your existing OEUK certificate becomes temporarily invalid.
Before returning offshore, you must complete a Return-to-Work assessment with an OEUK-registered doctor.
Once approved, you will receive an official Return-to-Work certificate, confirming that you are fit to resume offshore duties.
Certificate validity and changes in health
A OEUK medical certificate is normally valid for up to two years unless stated otherwise.
It can become invalid sooner if your health changes — for example, due to a worsening medical condition, hospital admission, specialist referral, new diagnosis or change in prescribed medication.
If your health or medication changes, contact your OEUK doctor to confirm whether your certificate remains valid.
The OmniHealth Approach
At OmniHealth, all OEUK medicals are performed in full compliance with OEUK Issue 8 (2025). We prioritise clear communication, confidentiality and medical precision, so that you always understand what is being assessed and why.
All medical documents — including Medication Letters and Return-to-Work certificates — are issued directly to you and never shared with your employer.
Do you need to renew your OEUK-medical? Book your appointment with OmniHealth for a fast, careful and fully compliant assessment.
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
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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!
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