Fitness to Train for EBS
The EBS Fit to Train medical considers health conditions that may affect your fitness to breath compressed gas during training.
Since March 2018, for those undertaking the Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) training as part of BOSIET, you will need to undertake a Fitness To Train FTT assessment. This is to identify those with respiratory problems, cardiac or Ear Nose and Throat ENT conditions that may contraindicate in-water training.
Absolute contraindications to EBS training are for those with the following conditions:
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Patients with Asthma and COPD will need to undergo Spirometry and pass a minimum standard
Referral for a hospital specialist opinion may be required for the following individuals:
- Asthma and COPD patients who fail the minimum standard of spirometry
- Any other lung or heart conditions that affects the ability to exercise
- ENT conditions where they have been advised to avoid immersion / diving.
As of November 2025, fitness to train is annotated on the OEUK certificate. The fitness to train with therefore be valid for the duration of the OEUK certificate. There is no advantage to doing the fitness to train separately.
North East Offshore Medicals
We are conveniently located for easy access by car or public transport. We have free parking so you can avoid city centre parking hassles and long wait times. We provide rapid assessments for those in South Tyneside and throughout the North East. Most medical checkups take under 30 minutes. We issue electronic PDF certificates on the spot and offer evening and Saturday appointments.
Why Choose Us
At South Tyneside Offshore Medicals, we offer friendly and professional services to help you meet specific medical requirements, from OEUK, RUK and Chester step tests to fit to train and return to work medicals.
Short Notice Appointments
We understand that offshore deployment dates can change at a moment's notice. To support energy and maritime workers, our clinic prioritises short-notice and last-minute bookings for OEUK (formerly OGUK) medical assessments.
Competitive Pricing
At South Tyneside Offshore Medicals North East, we deliver tier-one offshore medical services designed to minimize your total cost of ownership while maximizing workforce uptime.
Fast and Efficient
Most medicals generally completed in under 30 minutes. We strive to help you pass your medicals on the day Where an unforeseeable issue is identified at the medical, we provide the opportunity to delay or reschedule Electronic Certificates issued in PDF format for ease of sharing
Book a Consultation
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours. If you need a quicker response please contact us via phone. 07977462121
FAQs
You will need to bring:
- Photo ID (passport, driving licence or Seaman’s Discharge Book).
- GP’s name, surgery address and contact details.
- Details of any medication you’re taking.
- Your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them (though not colour correction lenses). You will need to remove contact lenses during examination.
- Your previous medical certificate if you have one.
- Comfortable footwear and clothes to enable you to undertake exercise test if needed.
The appointment usually lasts 30–40 minutes
- Urine sample so that your kidney function and blood sugar levels can be tested.
- Measure your height and weight.
- Take your blood pressure
- Test your eyesight and check for colour blindness.
- Physical examination – you will be asked to undress to your underclothes.
- If you have any previous medical history then the doctor will discuss this with you too.
- Sometimes other tests are needed such as a step test, an ECG or spirometry (breathing test).
The doctor will discuss and usually issue you with your EBS certificate that same day.
An EBS Fit to Train certificate can be valid for up to 2 years (1 year if you are aged between 16 and 18). If you develop a condition or a disability (mental or physical) which affects your ability to work the certificate would become invalid.
While your OEUK offshore medical certificate is usually valid for two years, your survival training (FOET) is refreshed every four years.
You only need a formal FTT assessment if you are due to undertake a survival course (BOSIET/FOET/HUET) before your next medical. However, most workers choose to renew their FTT at every medical to ensure their fitness to work offshore is fully up to date.
Several medical conditions can increase the risk of barotrauma (pressure damage) or other complications while breathing compressed air underwater. Under OEUK medical standards, you may be found temporarily or indefinitely “unfit to train” (FTT) if you have any of the following:
- Asthma and Lung Health:
While many offshore workers with asthma are fit to train, you will be deemed unfit if your condition is triggered by exercise or cold air. Additionally, if you have had a severe asthma exacerbation in the last three months, or if your spirometry (lung function test) shows an FEV1 below the lower limit of normal, you will be restricted from in-water CA-EBS exercises. - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
For safety reasons, workers with COPD must meet specific lung capacity thresholds. You will be found unfit if your FEV1 is less than 60% of your predicted value or if your Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is less than 75% of your predicted value. - Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung):
A history of a spontaneous pneumothorax is a major medical contraindication for in-water survival training. Unless you have undergone a specific surgical procedure called a bilateral pleurectomy, you will typically be found unfit for the water-based elements of the BOSIET or FOET. - Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Cysts:
Conditions such as pulmonary cystic fibrosis or known lung bullae/cysts create a high risk of air trapping. Because this can lead to serious injury during ascent, these conditions generally result in an “unfit to train” assessment. - Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Issues:
Any condition that prevents you from equalising pressure can be an issue. You will be found unfit if you have an incompetent larynx or a tracheostomy. Acute conditions, such as a perforated eardrum, will make you temporarily unfit until fully healed. Chronic issues like vertigo or Meniere’s disease will also result in an unfit status if you have been advised to avoid diving or water immersion.
You can have your OGUK medical at the same time as EBS Fit to Train. Find out more >