You will be required to complete and pass an Offshore Medical Examination if you wish to work offshore.  The OEUK Offshore Medical is valid for two years and allows you to work in the UK sector and the North Sea.

An OEUK Offshore Medical at International SOS consists of the following:

Audiogram (hearing test)

Urinalysis - routine urine test, with immediate result

BMI - measurement of height, weight and calculation of Body Mass Index

Near Distance and Colour Vision

Pulse and Blood Pressure measurement

Lung Function Test (peak flow)

Results are reviewed by an OEUK approved clinician

Members of Emergency Response Teams (ERT) require a level of fitness which is assessed by an initial ERT Medical Examination.  The initial ERT Medical is similar to the OGUK Offshore Medical, with the addition of:

An ERT Health Review

Spirometry (lung function test)

Fitness Test (Chester Step)

An annual review, including Spirometry (lung function test) and a Fitness Test (Chester Step) is required.

According to the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, all professional divers must have a valid Certificate of Medical Fitness to Dive, issued by an HSE Approved Medical Examiner of Divers.  The Certificate of Medical Fitness to Dive is valid for up to a maximum of twelve months.

For the initial HSE Diving Medical Examination, you are required to bring with you a completed health questionnaire, which can be found in Annex A on p 22 of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) leaflet 'The Medical Examination and Assessment of Divers (MA1)' which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/diving/information.htm.

If you are unable to find the health questionnaire, please contact us and we would be happy to assist.  Please note that the medical examiner will be unable to issue certification without the completed questionnaire.

ENG1 Seafarers Medical Assessments are the main medical fitness certification for those who work at sea.  

Only an MCA (Marine and Coastguard Agency) approved doctor is authorised to issue ENG1 certificates, following a full medical assessment.  

For further information, please see the MCA website: www.mcga.gov.uk.

All passengers travelling offshore by helicopter are required to sit in a seat where the nearest emergency exit is compatible with their body size.  

Bideltoid measurement involves a specially trained clinician using an approved set of calipers to measure the person's shoulder width.  A certificate will then be issued with a record of the measurement.

A travel questionnaire will be completed giving details of where the person is travelling and with details of their trip - duration, accommodation, etc.  

During the consultation, the travel health nurse will review the questionnaire and discuss the trip and any medical history with the client.   Health risks will be discussed and information provided on recommended vaccinations and any appropriate travel products; the travel health nurse will also go through any other risks relevant to the destination, such as food and drink, insect bite avoidance, etc.

The OPITO BOSIET, FOET and HUET courses now include in-water training with the CA-EBS.  

Course attendees will be asked to complete a questionnaire asking about respiratory, ear, nose and throat checks and a lung health assessment - all of which will be assessed by an OEUK examining doctor.

This assessment is compliant with Food Hygiene Regulations and is an essential requirement for anybody involved in food preparation or entering the food handling environment.

A questionnaire will be completed and an assessment undertaken to examine skin, hair/scalp, personal hygiene, mouth (including teeth/gums), etc.  On completion of the assessment a certificate of fitness will be issued.

The NOGEPA (Netherlands Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Association) Offshore Medical allows you to work in the UK, Norwegian or Dutch sectors of the North Sea.

People whose employment entails operating a crane and working at height in a confined space while handling heavy goods will require a medical assessment that involves screening, with particular reference to vision; audiogram (hearing test); and a consultation with a doctor.

Crane operators working offshore must hold an OGUK Offshore Certificate.

For more information regarding 'Safety Critical Workers', please see the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/index.htm

People whose work involves climbing, such as Industrial Abseilers, may require a medical assessment to check their fitness for the requirements of that work.  

The International SOS Rope Access/Climber Medical Assessment involves screening, a grip strength test, a fitness test (Chester Step) and a consultation with a doctor.

People whose employment involves working in confined spaces may require a medical assessment to check their fitness for the requirements of that work.  

The International SOS Confined Space Medical Assessment involves screening, spirometry (lung function test), audiogram (hearing test) and a consultation with a doctor.

An initial asbestos medical assessment must be carried out by an appointed doctor, who will assess the patient's health before they begin working with asbestos.

For further information regarding asbestos, please see the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website:  www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/index.htm

Exposure to lead can lead to kidney problems and/or brain and nerve damage.  

A Lead Medical Assessment will involve a blood sample to test for lead levels and a consultation with a doctor.  

For information regarding working safely with lead, please see the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website:  www.hse.gov.uk/lead/index.htm

Personnel who have had significant exposure to Ionising Radiation due to work activities - for example in the nuclear industry; in medical and dental practice; manufacturing; construction; engineeering; paper; offshore drilling; education (universities, colleges, schools); and non-destructive testing - must have an initial Ionising Radiation Medical Assessment, followed annually by either a medical assessment or a paper review.

For more information about Working with Radiation, please see the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website:  www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/index.htm

International SOS can provide medical assessments for entry to work within particular countries - for example, Kuwait or Saudi Arabia.  

These medical assessments vary according to the country required, but can involve screening; completing a medical questionnaire; drug screening; blood screening; urine screening; stool screening; and a consultation with a doctor.