At OGUK Medical, we specialise in mandatory health assessments (formerly known as Oil and Gas UK medicals) for anyone working in the offshore oil and gas industry. 

It is designed to confirm that employees are medically fit to work in remote and potentially hazardous environments such as offshore platforms and drilling rigs.

Since offshore work often involves confined spaces, heavy machinery, and emergency evacuation scenarios, the OGUK medical ensures that only those who meet the required health standards are cleared to work safely.

Request a free consultation and schedule an OGUK medical assessment today.

What Is an OGUK Medical?

An OGUK medical is a structured health examination carried out by an OGUK-approved doctor. 

It assesses whether an individual has the physical and mental capacity to work in offshore environments without putting themselves or others at risk.

The medical includes a review of medical history, physical examination, and functional health checks.

On completion, a medical certificate is issued, usually valid for two years, confirming the individual’s fitness for offshore work.

Who Needs an OGUK Medical?

An OGUK medical is required for anyone working in the UK offshore oil and gas industry, as well as those in related offshore roles where medical fitness is critical to safety.

The certificate confirms that workers are physically and mentally fit to cope with the demands of offshore environments, where medical facilities are limited, and rapid evacuation may not be possible.

This requirement applies to all offshore workers, including drilling crews, engineers, maintenance staff, riggers, divers, and personnel involved in catering or support services. 

Contractors and agency staff working offshore must also hold a valid OGUK medical certificate.

In addition, many companies in the wider maritime, renewable energy, and subsea sectors recognise the OGUK standard and require workers to undergo the assessment before being deployed offshore. 

OGUK medicals are also necessary for technicians working on offshore wind farms or in subsea operations.

What Does an OGUK Medical Involve?

An OGUK medical (formerly known as an Oil and Gas UK medical) is a health assessment required for anyone working offshore in the UK oil and gas industry. 

Its purpose is to ensure that workers are medically fit to work in remote and sometimes hazardous offshore environments, where access to medical facilities may be limited.

The assessment begins with a medical history review, where the examining doctor asks about past and current health conditions, medications, surgeries, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol use. This helps identify any risks that could impact the safety of workers or others offshore.

A physical examination is then carried out. This usually includes measuring height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and BMI. 

The doctor will assess the worker’s cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological health to ensure they can cope with the physical demands of offshore work.

Vision and hearing tests form an essential part of the OGUK medical.

Eyesight is checked both with and without corrective lenses, and hearing is tested to confirm it meets offshore safety standards.

Workers also undergo urine testing, typically to check for diabetes or other underlying health conditions, and in some cases, a lung function test (spirometry) may be included. 

Additional checks, such as drug and alcohol screenings, may be required depending on the employer’s policy.

If concerns are identified, additional tests may be required before a certificate can be issued.

Who Can Carry Out an OGUK Medical?

Only OGUK-approved doctors are permitted to carry out these medicals. 

A list of approved physicians is maintained by OEUK (Offshore Energies UK, formerly OGUK). 

Using an unapproved doctor will invalidate the certificate and prevent you from working offshore.

How Much Does an OGUK Medical Cost?

An OGUK medical costs between £120 and £250.

The cost depends on the clinic and location. 

Some providers may charge extra if additional tests are required, such as ECGs or spirometry, but for most workers, the standard medical covers all requirements.

How Long Does an OGUK Medical Take?

A typical OGUK medical lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

The cost depends on the individual’s health history and whether further checks are required. 

The certificate is typically issued on the same day, enabling workers to proceed with offshore deployments without delay.

How Long Is an OGUK Medical Valid For?

An OGUK medical certificate is valid for two years unless the examining doctor recommends a shorter period due to underlying health conditions. 

In some cases, workers may be issued a one-year certificate if closer monitoring is needed.

Is the OGUK Medical Confidential?

OGUK medicals are confidential. 

Employers are only informed whether the worker is fit, fit with restrictions, or unfit for offshore work. 

Full medical details remain private unless the worker consents to share them. This ensures compliance with UK GDPR and medical ethics.

What Are the Benefits of OGUK Medicals?

OGUK medicals provide significant benefits to both employees and employers:

• Ensure offshore workers are medically fit for demanding environments.
• Reduce the risk of accidents or medical emergencies offshore.
• Provide reassurance to employees and employers about fitness for duty.
• Support compliance with industry health and safety standards.
• Detect underlying health conditions early, allowing treatment before deployment.
• Contribute to safer offshore operations and better workforce wellbeing.

Can You Fail an OGUK Medical?

If the doctor identifies a health condition that would make offshore work unsafe, the medical may result in a temporary or permanent “unfit” classification. 

Common issues include uncontrolled hypertension, poor eyesight, unmanaged diabetes, or severe hearing loss. In some cases, treatment or adjustments may allow the worker to reapply successfully.

Do You Need an OGUK Medical for Onshore Work?

OGUK medicals are specifically required for offshore oil and gas workers. 

Onshore staff may undergo other types of occupational health assessments depending on their role, but an OGUK certificate is only necessary for offshore employment.

Can an OGUK Medical Be Used Internationally?

Many international oil and gas companies recognise the OGUK certificate as a gold standard for offshore health. 

Some countries and organisations may require additional medicals (e.g., Norwegian Offshore Medicals, Dutch Offshore Medicals). Workers should confirm requirements with their employer before travel.

How Should I Prepare for an OGUK Medical?

Bring photo ID, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records. 

Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine before the appointment to ensure accurate blood pressure readings. 

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them for the vision test.

Request a Free Quote for OGUK Medicals Today

An OGUK medical is a vital requirement for offshore oil and gas workers, ensuring they are medically fit to work in remote and hazardous environments. 

By detecting health issues early and confirming fitness for duty, these medicals protect employees, employers, and the wider offshore workforce.

Contact our team today to book your OGUK medical with an approved doctor or to learn more about offshore occupational health services.

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