Medical Condition in Focus

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Well controlled Diabetes, without significant complications, is not a barrier to working offshore.

Before booking your appointment, you will need to obtain the following.

Most recent (no older than 12 months)

- annual foot screening 

- annual eye screeniong

- Hba1c blood test

- if under a diabetes specialist, a copy of you most recent clinic letter

If your screening and bloods are not up to date, a shorter certificate is usually issued until you have 

evidence they are completed

Individuals with NIDDM are assessed with regard to:

• Risk of hypoglycaemic attack
• Presence of complications which may affect mobility or ability to respond in emergency situations

An increased frequency of medical examination may be appropriate to ensure regular review of the overall condition and specifically those issues above.

ie: unless you can show several years of good diabetic control (hba1c of 58 or below), the certificate is usually of shorter duration

If the individual has secondary complications of their diabetes, these must be assessed under the relevant criteria for that condition. eg: foot or eye disease

The risks associated with IDDM are not compatible with unrestricted fitness to work on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). 

However, an individual may be considered for restricted certification of fitness to work offshore if the following requirements are met:

• The examining doctor must obtain a report from the individual's treating physician
• The individual must have had good control of their diabetes as defined by accepted clinical criteria for a minimum of the prior 6 months
• The individual must be able to self-manage their insulin requirements
• The examining doctor must satisfy himself that the individual does not suffer from hypoglycaemia unawareness
• If the individual has secondary complications of their diabetes, these must be assessed under the relevant criteria for that condition 
• The operator's medical adviser must be consulted regarding the individual case and must agree with the proposal to allow the individual to work on the installation
• The installation Medic must be competent in the management of diabetic emergencies
• There must be a supply of glucagon and intravenous dextrose on board the platform
• Certification must be restricted to named platform(s)
• Certification must be restricted to a maximum of 1 year

All individuals with IDDM working offshore must be reviewed at least annually to ensure control remains acceptable and the above stipulations continue to be met.