Medication Letters in the New OEUK Guideline – Improving Transparency in Offshore Medical Care
The updated OEUK Medical Guidelines – Issue 8 (2025) have changed how medication is recorded and communicated within the offshore medical system.
Two new standard documents – the Medication Letter and the Weight-Loss Medication Letter – make communication between examining doctors, offshore medics and topside physicians more transparent, while ensuring that personal medical information remains confidential. The OEUK medication letter 2025 introduces a clearer way to record prescribed medication in offshore medicals.
The updated OEUK Medical Guidelines – Issue 8 (2025) have changed how medication is recorded and communicated within the offshore medical system.
Two new standard documents – the Medication Letter and the Weight-Loss Medication Letter – make communication between examining doctors, offshore medics and topside physicians more transparent, while ensuring that personal medical information remains confidential.
What the OEUK medication letter 2025 means for offshore workers
Medication can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work safely offshore.
The new Medication Letters introduced in OEUK Issue 8 (2025) provide a clear and standardised way to confirm that any prescribed medication has been disclosed, reviewed and considered during the offshore medical examination.
This ensures that offshore medics and topside doctors have access to accurate, relevant information when it matters most — for example, during an incident or medical consultation — without compromising the individual’s privacy.
By improving the flow of essential medical information, the Medication Letters strike the right balance between confidentiality and safety, allowing key professionals to make informed medical decisions while protecting personal health details.
The OEUK Medication letter
The OEUK Medication Letter confirms that prescribed medication has been discussed, reviewed and taken into account during the offshore medical examination.
It lists the name of each medication and its dosage, ensuring clarity about what has been declared and assessed.
A OEUK Medication Letter may be issued at the request of the Operator Medical Adviser (OMA), or when the OEUK-registered doctor considers it clinically appropriate to document that medication use has been evaluated as part of the certification process.
The letter is provided directly to the worker and contains confidential medical information. It is not shared with the employer or agency but may be presented by the worker to the offshore medic, topside doctor or OMA if medically relevant.
This process improves transparency within the offshore medical system while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection.
The Weight-Loss Medication Letter
The weight-loss OEUK medication letter is a separate and mandatory document under OEUK Issue 8 (2025). It applies to anyone using weight-loss medication such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda.
These medicines can affect appetite, nausea and blood-sugar control, which is why their use must be formally documented and communicated to offshore medical teams.
The letter includes the name and dosage of the medication, confirmation that it is well tolerated, the instruction that no dose changes may take place offshore, and confirmation that at least three days must have passed since the second injection before travelling offshore.
By following this procedure, offshore medics and topside doctors have access to up-to-date information that helps them respond quickly and safely in case of a medical event.
Application of the OEUK medication letter within OmniHealth
At OmniHealth, both types of medication letters are issued in line with the OEUK Medical Guidelines – Issue 8 (2025).
A OEUK medication letter is provided whenever prescribed medication is in use, and a weight-loss medication letter is added if applicable.
Both documents are given directly to the worker and remain strictly personal. They are not shared with the employer or recruitment agency, but can be shown to the offshore medic, topside doctor or Operator Medical Adviser (OMA) when medically relevant.
This approach guarantees full confidentiality of personal medical information while ensuring that medical professionals offshore have access to the details they need to provide safe and effective care.
When medication changes
An OEUK medical certificate may be declared invalid before its expiry date if a person’s health status changes.
This can include a worsening of an existing condition, hospital admission, referral for specialist assessment, a new diagnosis, or a change in prescribed medication.
If medication changes after the certificate has been issued, the worker must contact the OEUK-registered doctor for a Return to Work assesment.
The doctor will determine whether the certificate remains valid or if a reassessment is required.
This process ensures that the OEUK medical certificate always reflects an accurate and current picture of the worker’s medical fitness for offshore duties.
A transparent medical standard
The introduction of the OEUK medication letter makes the offshore medical system clearer, safer and more aligned with daily practice. These letters enhance communication between examining doctors, offshore medics and operators, without compromising the privacy of workers.
This development supports the broader aim of the OEUK Medical Guidelines – Issue 8 (2025): a transparent, risk-based medical standard that strengthens both safety and health across the offshore industry.
By clearly defining how medication information is assessed and shared, the OEUK framework creates a balanced approach between confidentiality and operational safety — an important step forward for offshore medical care.
Do you need an OEUK Medical under the new guideline?
All OEUK offshore medicals at OmniHealth are carried out in full accordance with OEUK Issue 8 (2025). This includes the use of the official OEUK medication letter and all associated certification requirements.
Please contact us for more information or to schedule your OEUK medical examination.
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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