Offshore Health Certificate: What You Need to Know
Provided by Helsemed – Experts in Occupational and Offshore Health
Working offshore in the petroleum industry demands not only skill and training but also robust health. Whether you're headed for a long-term posting, a short-term assignment, or even just a day visit to an oil platform, a valid offshore medical certificate is required by law.
At Helsemed, our certified petroleum doctors conduct thorough and efficient medical assessments in line with national guidelines—so you can focus on your work offshore, knowing you're covered.
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Who Needs an Offshore Certificate?
Anyone traveling to or working on a fixed offshore installation in the petroleum sector—regardless of duration—must be medically certified. This includes:
- Full-time offshore workers
- Temporary personnel or contractors
- Visitors on short missions or inspections
- Students or trainees completing placements offshore
This certification confirms that you’re medically fit for offshore work and that no known condition poses a risk to yourself, your team, or the operational safety of the platform.
What’s Included in the Offshore Health Check?
The offshore health evaluation is comprehensive and structured to meet legal requirements. It includes:
- A self-declaration form about your health and medications
- Clinical evaluation by a certified petroleum doctor
- Vision and color vision tests
- Hearing test
- Height, weight, and BMI calculation
- Blood pressure check
- Urine and blood tests
In some cases, extra assessments may be required based on your medical history or reported conditions.
Offshore Certificate vs. Seafarer’s Certificate – What's the Difference?
Though the health exams may seem similar, these certificates serve different purposes and are governed by separate authorities:
- Offshore Certificate: Required for work on stationary petroleum installations, regulated by the State Administrator of Rogaland
- Seafarer’s Certificate: Required for work on ships or mobile offshore units (like rigs or supply vessels), governed by the Norwegian Maritime Authority
Some health conditions may be interpreted differently under each framework. At Helsemed, we’re authorized to provide both certificates—perfect for those who work in both maritime and offshore sectors.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To ensure your consultation runs smoothly and without delays, please bring:
- Valid identification (essential – no ID means no exam)
- Glasses (if you wear contacts, bring your glasses too)
- A complete list of medications, including dosages
- Medical records for chronic conditions or past hospitalizations
- Any previous offshore certificates, if renewing
- Your vaccination card, especially if working internationally
We also offer vaccinations on-site if required for travel or job placement.
What Could Prevent You From Getting an Offshore Certificate?
In some situations, the offshore doctor may need to postpone, limit, or deny the certificate. This can happen if:
- You’ve recently had a serious or contagious illness
- You’re using addictive medications or exceeding prescribed doses
- You have a health condition that hasn’t been assessed by a relevant medical specialist
- Documentation is incomplete, missing, or insufficient
- You have a diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, autism, Asperger’s) that requires a specialist evaluation and dispensation from the State Administrator of Rogaland
Our doctors will help coordinate referrals if further evaluation is needed and can guide you through the dispensation or appeal process when appropriate.
Can You Still Qualify if You Have Color Vision Deficiency?
It depends on the position. For roles such as lookouts, electricians, or jobs where safety relies on color differentiation, normal color vision is mandatory. In other roles, limited or no color vision may be acceptable.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
- The standard validity for offshore certificates is 2 years.
- Renewal is required before expiry to remain eligible for offshore deployment.
When Will I Receive My Certificate?
In most cases, if your examination is successful, you’ll receive your offshore certificate the same day. You must bring it with you and may need to present it at:
- The heliport before departure
- Your workplace or supervisor
- During regulatory inspections
- The heliport before departure
Why Is This Certification Important?
Health and safety are paramount offshore. Platforms are isolated environments where medical assistance is limited. The Regulations on Health Requirements for Offshore Workers (§1) require that no person pose a threat to the safety or functionality of the installation due to medical issues.
The medical examination ensures:
- You can carry out your role without medical limitations
- You are physically capable of emergency response (e.g., evacuation drills)
- Your medications and any underlying conditions are well managed and understood
- You can carry out your role without medical limitations
Fitness, Obesity & Physical Demands
Conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are assessed carefully, not just for personal health but for operational safety. Severe obesity may require a fitness test to ensure you’re capable of emergency evacuation or maneuvering through confined spaces under stress.
If you’re currently being treated for high cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar, it’s helpful to bring recent test results and GP notes.
Mental Health & Special Diagnoses
Offshore work requires sound mental judgment and the ability to function well under stress and isolation. According to regulations (§5), applicants must not suffer from any psychiatric or behavioral disorder that impairs:
- Judgment
- Impulse control
- Ability to follow instructions or work with others
If you have a diagnosis like ADHD, an application for dispensation is required. Our team can help you through the process, including gathering documentation from specialists, employers, or teachers.
- Judgment
How to Prepare & Avoid Delays
To make the process smoother and avoid last-minute surprises:
- Book early—ideally 2–3 weeks before departure
- Gather all necessary medical paperwork
- Prepare a clear medication list with names and dosages
- Be upfront about any known conditions or concerns
If the certificate can’t be issued immediately, we’ll guide you on what steps to take and help with any applications for exemptions or appeals.
- Book early—ideally 2–3 weeks before departure
Help with Applications & Appeals
If you don’t meet the medical requirements, we can assist with:
- Writing and submitting dispensation applications
- Communicating with the State Administrator of Rogaland
- Preparing an appeal if the certificate is denied
Please note: Dispensation applications can take up to 3 months to process, plus time for collecting supporting documentation. It’s important to start early if you think you might need one.
- Writing and submitting dispensation applications
Book Your Offshore Health Exam with Helsemed
At Helsemed, we understand what it takes to work offshore. Our petroleum doctors are trained, experienced, and here to help you through the process with clarity and care. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your certificate, we’ll make sure you’re ready to go—with health, safety, and peace of mind.
Vanlige spørsmål
Hvorfor velger folk oss?
Vi tilbyr omfattende medisinske tjenester for våre pasienter og anbefaler at du bruker officia.
Du kan enkelt bestille time gjennom vår hjemmeside, ved å ringe oss, eller ved å besøke klinikken for en drop-in konsultasjon.
Vi tilbyr et bredt spekter av tjenester, inkludert generelle konsultasjoner, behandling av infeksjoner, sårbehandling, allergibehandling, blodprøver og henvisninger til spesialist.
Alle våre leger er høyt utdannede spesialister i allmennmedisin og har lang erfaring innen ulike medisinske felt, noe som sikrer behandling av høy kvalitet.
Ja, våre leger kan vurdere tilstanden din og utstede sykemeldinger når det er medisinsk nødvendig.