OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement: What Is It and When Do You Need It?
Introduction
Increasingly, offshore workers, employers and helicopter operators are encountering the term OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement.
The measurement itself is not new. Offshore personnel have been measured for many years to determine whether they are classified as Regular or XBR. What has changed is the way this information can now be certified and registered.
With the introduction of the OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement framework, the industry now has an internationally recognised standard for the measurement, certification and registration of shoulder breadth measurements within offshore helicopter operations.
This article explains what an OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement is, what has changed and when OPITO registration may be required.
Safety
Shoulder Breadth Measurement in Offshore Helicopter Safety
A Shoulder Breadth Measurement is a standardised measurement of the maximum width across the shoulders.
The measurement is used within offshore helicopter operations because shoulder breadth may influence seating arrangements and emergency egress procedures.
In particular, during an emergency evacuation or ditching scenario, available exit space can be a critical factor. For this reason, shoulder breadth has long been recognised as an important safety parameter within offshore helicopter transportation.
Key Facts
Background
From Step Change to OPITO
Until 2025, the Shoulder Breadth Measurement process was managed by Step Change in Safety.
OPITO subsequently incorporated the process into its international product portfolio to create a single global framework for: conducting shoulder breadth measurements; classifying offshore personnel; certification; registration and traceability.
This enables operators, helicopter providers and employers to work within a consistent and internationally recognised system.
Change
What Has Changed?
The measurement itself has not changed.
The Regular and XBR classifications have not changed either.
What has changed is the registration process.
Shoulder Breadth Measurement Before and After the Introduction of the OPITO Framework
| TopicPrevious | SituationCurrentSituation | |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement method | Standardised shoulder breadth measurementS | standardised shoulder breadth measurement |
| Classification | Regular / XBR | Regular / XBR |
| Beheer systeem | Step Change in Safety | OPITO |
| Registration | often local or operator specific | OPITO-framework |
| Certification | Not always standardised | OPITO certificate |
| Verification | Dependent on operator requirements | Through OPITO Vantage |
| Registration validity | Varied between organisations | 4years |
For offshore personnel, the measurement itself remains unchanged. The primary difference lies in certification and registration.
Classification
Regular and XBR Classification
Following measurement, a classification is assigned.
Employees with an XBR classification may be subject to specific seating or evacuation procedures within offshore helicopter operations.
| Shoulder breadth | Classification |
|---|---|
| Less then 55,9 cm | Regular |
| 55,9 cm or more | XBR (Extra Broad) |
Registration
NL Offshore Medical versus OPITO Registration
A common misconception is that every offshore worker now needs a separate OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement.
That is not the case.
With an NL Offshore Medical, the shoulder breadth is still measured as standard as part of the offshore medical examination. The Regular or XBR classification is stated on the offshore medical certificate.
For many offshore workers operating within the Dutch sector of the North Sea, this remains entirely sufficient.
With an OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement, the same classification is determined, but an additional OPITO certificate is issued and the result is registered within the OPITO framework and OPITO Vantage.
Practice
Do I Need an OPITO Shoulder Breadth Measurement?
In many cases, the answer is simple: no.
An OPITO registration only becomes relevant when a client, operator, or helicopter company explicitly requires it.
Not sure whether an OPITO registration is necessary? Feel free to contact us. We can usually tell you directly which requirements apply to your situation.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you have a valid NL Offshore Medical stating Regular or XBR? | Often sufficient |
| Is an OPITO certificate specifically required? | OPITO registration required |
| Is registration in Vantage specifically required? | OPITO registration required |
| Not sure which requirements apply? | Contact your client or OmniHealth |
Registration system
OPITO Vantage
Vantage is OPITO's global workforce management and certification system.
Within this system, training, certifications and personal registrations are managed. This allows employers, operators and other authorised parties to verify whether a valid registration is in place.
When a Shoulder Breadth Measurement is registered through the OPITO framework, it is linked to the individual's Vantage profile.
OmniHealth
Shoulder Breadth Measurement Services at OmniHealth
OmniHealth is an OPITO Approved Centre for Shoulder Breadth Measurement. This accreditation is officially registered under number 9365.
Measurements can be performed either as part of an offshore medical examination or as a standalone appointment.
Overview
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Shoulder Breadth Measurement new? | No |
| Are Regular and XBR new? | No |
| Is OPITO new as a registration system? | Yes |
| Does the measurement itself change? | No, only the registration |
| Does the NL Offshore Medical change? | No |
| Can a client require an OPITO registration? | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Shoulder Breadth Measurement
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