Offshore Medical: Everything You Need To Know

Offshore medical is crucial for anyone working offshore in the oil and gas industry. Most people often don’t understand what offshore medical is and what it entails. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about offshore medicals. Let’s get started!

What is offshore medical?

An offshore medical is a range of medical tests and examinations carried out by a doctor to ensure that a person working at an oil or gas operation is fit to work. You cannot work in the oil or gas industry if you haven’t passed the required medical assessment. The Offshore Medical Certificate typically relies on the Oil and Gas [OGUK] Medical Guidelines.

According to the OGUK guidelines, all people working in the oil and gas industry must meet minimal fitness standards.

What happens during the offshore medical?

An offshore medical assessment must be done by a doctor or nurse on board a vessel. These tests and examinations are the same as those performed onshore. The only difference is that you will be required to perform additional tests and examinations specific to your job requirements.

During an offshore medicals assessment, you will be asked to do the following test:

1. Consultation with the doctor
2. Take a urine sample
3. Undergo a blood test
4. Hearing test
5. Eyesight test
6. A lung function test to help ascertain that you can breathe well
7. Body mass index [BMI]

You may also be asked to complete a lifestyle questionnaire before the assessment commences. This can provide the doctor with information about your overall health and any long-term health condition that can make your work offshore unsafe or impair your fitness.

How long does the offshore medical take?

In most cases, the offshore medicals takes about one hour. Once the test has been carried out and you pass the offshore medical examination, you will be issued a certificate by the doctor.

Why you should get offshore medicals

If you are wondering if it is worth undergoing the offshore medicals examination, here are reasons to prompt you to do so, especially if you are working offshore in the oil and gas industry.

It is a legal requirement

One of the reasons you should do offshore medicals is that it is a legal requirement. An offshore worker must have a valid medical certificate, which must be renewed every two years. Without the certificate, you cannot work offshore.

1. It ensures you the safety and good health that you need

Through the tests and examinations, you will be able to understand your current fitness level and improve where necessary so that you can perform the tasks in an offshore environment efficiently.

2. To prevent accidents

You will understand the risks you are taking when working offshores after being medically evaluated and certified. You will also be able to identify potentially harmful conditions that may lead to accidents and injuries at work.