Offshore OEUK Medicals in Bristol and South Wales
WorkAble Occupational Health provides OEUK offshore medicals at Bristol and Chepstow clinics. Assessments are compliant with OEUK Guidelines Issue 8.1, 2026, and conducted by Dr Greg Palka, an OEUK-registered occupational health physician. Appointments are bookable online and available within two working days.
Quick facts: appointments and fees
Clinics: Bristol (Almondsbury M4/M5) and Chepstow (M48)
Booking: online, 24/7
Standard appointments: £200 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Urgent appointments: £400 (Mo-Fri 6-8 PM and Sat 9-12)
Optional add-ons (add during booking): Fit-to-train (EBS) £80 or ERT £120
The offshore OEUK medical
Offshore workers must pass a medical examination in accordance with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK, formerly Oil and Gas UK, OGUK) standards. You need an examination by an OEUK-registered doctor to confirm that:
- You are fit to travel offshore, work and live on an offshore installation
- You do not have a health condition that may suddenly deteriorate or need medication unsuitable offshore.
- You can rescue yourself in an emergency.
See our full Guide to OEUK Medical Standards and Conditions
Additional OEUK Services
Fit to Train (EBS) Medicals
Required for the in-water (BOSIET/FOET) training using CA-EBS systems (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System).
The EBS medicals are needed before the first offshore visit and every four years.
Can be added at the time of booking (£80).
Fit to Return Offshore Medical
Required if you are returning to work offshore after an illness or medical evacuation. Can often be arranged via video. Please get in touch.
Emergency Response Team (ERT) medical
For offshore emergency teams (e.g., firefighters). Includes an ERT medical exam (Part One, valid for up to 2 years) and the Chester Step Test (Part Two, valid for up to 1 year). Can be added at the time of booking (£120).
How to prepare
✔ See the Contact Page for Bristol or Chepstow clinics.
✔ Complete the confidential Offshore Questionnaire. We will email it after the booking.
✔ Bring a valid photo ID, current prescriptions, and glasses or contact lenses, copies of relevant medical reports and previous OEUK certificates.
Reschedule if you have a fever, new cough, or flu symptoms.
The OEUK examination
The appointment usually takes 30-45 minutes. The doctor will review your medical and occupational history. You will have a physical exam, including weight, height, blood pressure, vision, movement/agility, and chest exam. Urine dipstick and a hearing test (audiogram) are no longer routinely required.
Certificate of Fitness to Work Offshore
(2026 OEUK Guideline)
The OEUK Certificate of Fitness to Work Offshore is accepted in the UK, Norwegian, and Dutch offshore sectors.
Standard Certificate is valid for 2 years. Issued if you meet all health standards.
Time-limited Certificate has a shorter expiry date. It is issued if you have a condition that needs monitoring, e.g., high blood pressure or increased weight (BMI).
Deferred Certificate if you have an unstable condition, e.g., an infection, very high blood pressure, or unstable diabetes. We may wait until you are better to issue the certificate.
Conditional (previously ‘restricted’) Certificate valid only for a specific operator or installation. It is used for managed conditions, such as diabetes treated with insulin, sleep apnoea, or stable heart issues. We may need a report from your specialist and authorisation from the operator’s Medical Adviser.
Non-standard certificates incur additional fees.
See our Guide to OEUK Medical Standards and Conditions.
Your OEUK examining doctor
Dr Greg Palka (GMC 7044024) has been an OEUK-registered examiner (OEUK PIN 2014/1994) for over 10 years.
He has worked in Aberdeen, undertaking multiple OGUK offshore medicals, and supporting other doctors and offshore medics as a remote ‘topside’ doctor.
Medical conditions and medical offshore standards
For detailed information, see our Guide to OEUK Medical Standards and Conditions
Obesity
From 1 November 2026, the maximum clothed weight for offshore travel is 124 kg.
During the transition period (February to October 2026), the certificate duration is reduced if your weight is above 115 kg.
BMI 40 to 44.9. You will need to pass a Minimum Mobility Test (550 metres in 6 minutes), and we will need a supportive GP letter. The initial certificate is limited to 3 months.
BMI 45 or above. A conditional certificate will be considered only in exceptional circumstances, subject to the above conditions, a supportive GP report, and a Category 2 job restriction, if authorised by the operator’s medical adviser.
High blood pressure
- Below 140/90 mmHg: standard 2-year certificate
- 140-179/90-119 mmHg: time-restricted or deferred certificate
- Above 180/120 mmHg: deferred certificate and GP or A&E referral.
Diabetes
- Controlled with diet/tablets: Usually acceptable, with evidence of good control and no complications.
- Controlled with insulin: If well controlled, you will require a Conditional (restricted) Certificate and Operator’s Medical Advisor authorisation.
What if I am not fit to work offshore?
If you have a condition that makes offshore work unsafe (such as severe mental health, heart or lung problem), we will issue a Certificate of Unfitness.
Some employers may offer redeployment to onshore work. The manager may refer you for an occupational health assessment. This specialist consultation can provide specific recommendations on workplace adjustments and redeployment.
Data protection
Your medical records are special category data under Article 9 of the UK GDPR. They are stored on UK servers and accessible only to the treating physician. Your employer receives the certificate only, not your clinical notes. More…
Useful references
WorkAble OH Guide to OEUK Medical Standards and Conditions
HSE Information: Occupational health risks offshore
FAQs: OEUK Medicals Bristol & South Wales (2026 Guidelines)
Where can I get an OEUK offshore medical in Bristol or South Wales?
WorkAble Occupational Health provides OEUK medicals (fully compliant with Issue 8, November 2026) at two clinics:
Almondsbury, Bristol (BS34 6BQ, near M4/M5 junction) and
Chepstow (NP16 6DP, near M48 Severn Bridge).
We serve offshore workers from Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Newport, Gloucester, Cwmbran, Pontypool, Hereford and Weston-super-Mare. Same-day certificates are often available.
How much does an OEUK medical cost in Bristol or Chepstow?
A standard OEUK medical costs £200 (Monday–Friday, office hours). Urgent evening and Saturday appointments cost an extra £200. The Fit to Train (CA-EBS) add-on is £80.
Can I book a same-day or urgent OEUK medical in Bristol or Chepstow?
Yes. We offer urgent, next-day appointments. Our Chepstow clinic provides weekday evening slots (Monday to Friday 6–8 pm) and Saturday morning appointments for urgent offshore deployments. We normally issue certificates on the same day.
What tests are included in an OEUK medical assessment?
The 30–45 minute appointment includes a full medical and occupational history review plus physical examination (blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, vision, mobility and agility). Under OEUK Issue 8 (2026), routine urine dipstick and audiogram are no longer automatically required.
What is the new 2026 maximum weight limit for offshore helicopter travel?
From 1 November 2026, the maximum clothed weight is 124 kg. Between February and October 2026 certificates are shortened: 6 months at 115-120 kg, 3 months at 120.1-124 kg. BMI 40 to 44.9 requires a 6-minute walk test and GP letter. More information is available in our Guide to OEUK Medical Standards and Conditions.
Can I pass an OEUK medical with high blood pressure?
Yes, if well controlled. Readings 140/90–179/119 mmHg typically require a time-limited certificate. If there are additional risk factors, the certificate may be deferred. Readings of 180/120 mmHg or higher result in a deferred certificate and urgent GP referral.
Do I need a separate Fit to Train (CA-EBS) medical?
Yes, if you require the in-water CA-EBS survival training for BOSIET or FOET course – before the first trip offshore and every 4 years. The Fit to Train assessment can be added to your OEUK medical booking for £80.
How long is an OEUK medical certificate valid for?
A standard Certificate of Fitness to Work Offshore is valid for up to two years. Time-limited certificates (3–18 months) are issued for conditions requiring monitoring (e.g. raised BMI, high blood pressure). Conditional certificates are used for managed conditions such as insulin-treated diabetes.
Can I work offshore with diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity?
Many workers with well-controlled conditions can be certified. Insulin-treated diabetes usually requires a conditional certificate and authorisation from the Operator Medical Advisor. See our full Guide to OEUK Medical Standards and Conditions
Who performs the OEUK medical assessments in Bristol and Chepstow?
The examinations are carried out by Dr Greg Palka (GMC 7044024), an OEUK-registered examining physician (PIN 2014/1994) with over 10 years of experience, including remote ‘topside’ support for North Sea installations.
Is the OEUK medical the same as the old OGUK medical
Yes. Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) rebranded to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) in 2022. The medical standards and certificates are identical and fully accepted across the UK, Norwegian and Dutch sectors. The current standard is OEUK Issue 8 (November 2026).
What happens if I am found unfit for offshore work?
You will receive a Certificate of Unfitness with a clear explanation. You also have the right to appeal through OEUK. If needed, we can provide an occupational health assessment to support possible onshore redeployment and advise on Fit to Return once the issue is resolved.
Last Reviewed: June 2026 by Workable OH