Offshore OEUK (OGUK) Medicals: Bristol & South Wales
Quick Facts: Appointments and Fees
Clinics in Bristol (Almondsbury M4/M5), Chepstow (M48)
Online booking, same-day OEUK 2025 certificate
Standard appointments Mo-Fri 9-5 (£200)
Urgent appointments on evenings&Saturdays (£400)
Add-ons: Fit-to-train (EBS) (add on next screen)
What is an Offshore OEUK Medical?
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK, formerly Oil and Gas, OGUK) requires all offshore workers to pass a medical examination. You need an examination by an OEUK-registered doctor to confirm:
- You can work safely in a remote offshore environment
- You are fit to travel offshore and live on an offshore installation
- You can rescue yourself in an emergency
- You do not have a health condition that may suddenly deteriorate
- Your health is not a risk to yourself or others
- You do not require medication that is not compatible with offshore work
Additional OEUK Services
Fit to Train (EBS) Medicals
Required for the course with in-water breathing systems. We check for ENT and lung problems to ensure you are safe to breathe compressed air underwater. Valid for 4 years. Can be added during the booking (£80).
Fit to Return Offshore Medical
Required if you are returning to work after a serious illness, injury, or medical evacuation. FTR can often be arranged via video call. Please get in touch.
Emergency Response Team (ERT) medical
For offshore emergency teams (e.g., firefighters). This 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).
How to Prepare
✔ Complete the confidential Offshore Questionnaire. We will email it after the booking.
✔ See the Contact Page for Bristol or Chepstow clinics.
✔ Bring a valid photo ID, current prescriptions, and glasses or contact lenses.
✔ Bring copies of any relevant medical reports and previous OEUK and Fit to Train certificates if you can.
Reschedule if you have a fever, new cough, or flu symptoms.
The OEUK Exam
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 and movement/agility
Certificate of Fitness to Work Offshore
(2025/2026 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 is valid for less than 2 years. Issued if you have a condition that needs monitoring, e.g., elevated 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, like diabetes, 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.
Your OEUK Examining Doctor
Dr Greg Palka has been an OEUK-registered examiner (OEUK PIN 2014/1994) for over 10 years. He has worked in Aberdeen, doing OGUK offshore medicals, and supporting other doctors and offshore medics as a remote ‘topside’doctor.
Common Questions – Medical Offshore Standards
Please see our detailed
Obesity. You may be fit to work offshore, but there are new 2025-2026 weight limits to identify health risks and ensure you can safely travel by helicopter:
- Weight: 124 kg is the maximum weight limit from 1 November 2026. Until then, you may receive a shorter certificate to give you time to lose weight.
- BMI
- <30 (low risk): standard 2-year certificate
- 30-35 (increased risk): standard certificate is possible if there are no additional risks
- 35-40 (higher risk): a shorter duration certificate
- 40+ (high risk): you will need to pass a 6-minute walking test before we can issue a time-limited certificate.
High blood pressure. May be acceptable, if controlled:
- Below 140/90 mmHg: standard 2-year certificate
- Below 179/119 mmHg: deferred or shorter 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.
Consider occupational health referral
The manager may refer you for an occupational health assessment.
Some employers may be able to offer redeployment to a non-safety-critical onshore work.
This specialist consultation can provide specific recommendations on workplace adjustments and redeployment.
Data Protection
Your medical details are confidential. Your employer only receives the Certificate of Fitness, not your medical notes. We follow strict GMC and GDPR rules to keep your data secure. More…
Useful References
HSE Information: Occupational health risks offshore
FAQs: Offshore OEUK medical checks in Bristol
What is an OEUK medical, and who needs it?
An OEUK medical is a mandatory health check for offshore workers in the UK, Norwegian, and Dutch sectors. It ensures workers are fit to travel, work, and self-evacuate in emergencies. The certificate is valid for up to 2 years.
How much does an OEUK medical cost in Bristol?
The standard OEUK medical costs £200. Additional services like Fit to Train (£80) and ERT medicals (£200) can be added during booking.
Can I book an urgent or emergency appointment?
Yes. We understand that offshore deployments can happen at the last minute. Our Chepstow clinic offers weekday evening slots (Monday-Friday 6-8 pm) and Saturday morning appointments. An urgent fee (£200) will be added during the booking.
How long does an OEUK medical take, and what tests are included?
The assessment takes about 30-45 minutes and includes a medical history review, weight, height, blood pressure and vision check, and physical examination.
What happens if I’m deemed unfit for offshore work?
If deemed unfit, you’ll receive a Certificate of Unfitness. You can appeal the decision through OEUK. Employers may also consider redeployment to onshore roles after an occupational health assessment.
Can I get a Fit to Train or ERT medical at the same time?
Yes, you can add Fit to Train (£80) and ERT medical (£200) during your OEUK medical booking.