The Examination
What does an offshore medical test for?
The OEUK / OGUK assessments last approximately 20 minutes (30 minutes for GWO / RUK) and involves examination of the main systems of the body such as heart, lungs, ENT, neurological and musculoskeletal system.
Also included are
- Blood Pressure and pulse
- BMI
- Vision
- Audiometry (hearing test)
- Oral Examination
Depending on the type of medical and guidelines at the time, there may also include lung function test (Spirometry or Peak Flow) and a Urine test to screen for diabetes or the presence of blood or protein
If you wear contact lenses, please bring a spare pair, lens solution or glasses as your vision will be tested with and without visual aid.
For the shoulder width measurement you will need to wear a sleeveless top or remove your upper garments. A chaperone can be made available if requested.
If you have any medical conditions, had surgery or take medication, please ensure you advise us in advance of the appointment so that there are no delays in obtaining additional information that may be required before a certificate can be issued.
Additional tests can be undertaken if specifically requested by the employer and only with the consent of the candidate
eg: Urine Drug screen, ECG, Chest X-ray, blood tests
You will need to provide the following:
• Complete a health questionnaire and signed declaration (provided before the examination)
• Photo I.D. (originals only) such as a Passport or Drivers licence.
If the medical is paid for by your employer / agency, the certificate remains their property and will only be issued to you with their express permission
Any price savings when medicals are taken together will only apply if booked and undertaken at the same time. The savings will not apply if booked and undertaken separately.
How long does an offshore medical last for?
The maximum duration of an OEUK or RUK certificate is 2 years.
The certificate may be shorter if
- there are findings that need earlier review
eg. High BMI, recent onset hearing deficit
- you have a medical condition that is not well controlled
eg. Inflammatory Arthritis, Diabetes and Other Endocrine Disorders
- You are on a medication that needs frequent blood monitoring and or dose adjustments
eg. Immunosuppressant, DMARD, Hormone Therapy
Ongoing outpatient care usually requires shorter certificates to match the frequency of review
eg. 12 month certificate where review is annual
* where the condition has been well controlled for several years without disease progression or need for medication / dose change, a 2 year certificate may be possible
Cancer Examinees in Remission are issued certificates based on the length of remission and requirements for clinical follow up.
Common Reasons For Fail, Limited Duration or Restriction
Obesity
Dental Problems
Dental Problems
High BMI can lead to a shorter duration of certificate or failure. For candidates undertaking Chester Step Tests, a very high BMI can make if much harder to pass. Any candidates with a BMI of 40 or more should speak to me before booking.
Dental Problems
Dental Problems
Dental Problems
An oral examination is an essential part of every Oil and Gas / Renewables Medical. This is to determine the candidate is free from any condition that would suggest risk of pain that may require emergency dental treatment, such as
- Bleeding gums or periodontal disease
- Broken teeth exposing root canals
- Large missing fillings
The certificate wo
An oral examination is an essential part of every Oil and Gas / Renewables Medical. This is to determine the candidate is free from any condition that would suggest risk of pain that may require emergency dental treatment, such as
- Bleeding gums or periodontal disease
- Broken teeth exposing root canals
- Large missing fillings
The certificate would be withheld pending a dental opinion +/- treatment with a written report from the dentist.
Other Reasons
Dental Problems
Other Reasons
Most medical conditions if well controlled, do not pose a risk to Oil and Gas / Renewables work.
Some examples that can cause delay or failure if poorly controlled area:
- High blood pressure - very high or poorly controlled
- Epilepsy - poorly controlled
- Diabetes - poorly controlled
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease - in acute phase eg. on steroids /
Most medical conditions if well controlled, do not pose a risk to Oil and Gas / Renewables work.
Some examples that can cause delay or failure if poorly controlled area:
- High blood pressure - very high or poorly controlled
- Epilepsy - poorly controlled
- Diabetes - poorly controlled
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease - in acute phase eg. on steroids / antibiotics
- acute infection that is not resolved eg. cellulitis, chest infection, flu