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21 Jun 2026
Do you need a medical for BOSIET?
If you are planning to work offshore and need to complete your BOSIET training, you may be wondering whether a medical certificate is part of the requirements. The short answer is yes, and understanding what that means before you book your course can save you time and prevent last-minute complications. This article walks you through everything you need to know about BOSIET medical requirements, from what the training involves to where you can get your offshore medical check done.
What is BOSIET and who needs to take it?
BOSIET, which stands for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training, is a mandatory safety course for professionals who work on offshore installations, particularly in the oil and gas industry. It is an OPITO-accredited qualification that covers survival techniques, firefighting, first aid, and helicopter underwater escape. Anyone travelling offshore for the first time is typically required to hold a valid BOSIET certificate.
The course is relevant across a wide range of roles, including engineers, technicians, catering staff, contractors, and anyone else who sets foot on an offshore platform. Most operators and project owners will not allow access to an installation without proof of a current BOSIET certificate. If you are unsure which version of the course applies to your situation, you can explore the available OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses to find the right fit for your role and region.
Do you need a medical certificate to do BOSIET?
Yes, a valid offshore medical certificate is required to participate in BOSIET training. This is not optional. OPITO standards require participants to be medically fit before they can take part in the physical and practical elements of the course, which include water survival exercises and helicopter underwater escape training. Without a valid medical certificate, you will not be allowed to start the course.
The medical certificate you need is typically an offshore medical, also known as an OGUK medical (formerly UKOOA), or an equivalent recognized standard depending on your region and operator requirements. The certificate confirms that you are physically and mentally fit to work in an offshore environment and to complete the demanding practical components of BOSIET training.
What does an offshore medical for BOSIET involve?
An offshore medical examination is a structured health assessment carried out by an approved medical examiner. It evaluates whether you are fit to work and train in an offshore environment. The examination typically covers cardiovascular health, vision, hearing, lung function, blood pressure, and a general physical assessment. Some clinics also include a urine test and an ECG depending on your age or medical history.
The key areas assessed during an offshore medical include:
- Cardiovascular fitness and blood pressure
- Vision and hearing
- Respiratory function
- Musculoskeletal condition
- Mental health and psychological fitness
- Review of existing medical conditions and medications
The examination is carried out by a doctor who is certified to conduct offshore medicals. Once you pass, you receive a certificate that is valid for a set period, usually two years, though this can vary based on age or specific health findings.
What happens if your medical certificate is expired or missing?
If your offshore medical certificate has expired or you do not have one, you will not be able to participate in BOSIET training. Training providers are required to check medical documentation before the course begins, and an expired or missing certificate means you cannot take part in the practical exercises. This can result in losing your course booking and any associated costs.
To avoid this situation, it is important to check the expiry date of your medical certificate well in advance of your training date. If your certificate is close to expiring, book a renewal appointment before you schedule your BOSIET. Many professionals make the mistake of booking their training first without checking their medical status, which leads to unnecessary delays.
Are there any medical conditions that can affect BOSIET eligibility?
Certain medical conditions can affect your eligibility to complete BOSIET training. The course involves physically demanding activities, including swimming, being submerged in water, and simulated emergency scenarios. Conditions that may affect eligibility include uncontrolled heart conditions, severe respiratory issues, epilepsy, poorly managed diabetes, and significant mobility limitations.
However, having a medical condition does not automatically mean you cannot participate. The decision is made by the medical examiner based on the specific condition, its management, and the demands of the training. In some cases, adjustments or additional assessments may be recommended. If you have an existing health condition, it is best to consult with an approved offshore medical examiner before booking your BOSIET training, so you know where you stand ahead of time.
Where can you get an offshore medical before BOSIET?
Offshore medicals must be conducted by a certified and approved medical examiner. In the UK, this is typically an OGUK-approved doctor. In other regions, equivalent standards apply, such as those set by national health authorities or recognized industry bodies. You can find approved clinics through your employer, your training provider, or the relevant industry body in your country.
When choosing where to get your offshore medical, consider the following steps:
- Check which medical standard is required by your employer or the operator you are working for.
- Find a clinic or examiner that is approved to issue that specific type of certificate.
- Book your appointment well in advance, ideally several weeks before your BOSIET training date.
- Bring any relevant medical history, current medications, and previous offshore medical certificates to the appointment.
- Once you receive your certificate, keep a digital copy as well as the original to present at your training.
Many professionals arrange their offshore medical through their employer or crewing agency, who often have preferred providers. If you are booking independently or have any questions about what documentation you need to bring on the day of your BOSIET course, please do not hesitate to contact FMTC Safety and our team will be happy to advise you.
How FMTC Safety helps with BOSIET medical requirements
At FMTC Safety, we understand that navigating BOSIET training requirements, including the medical side, can feel overwhelming, especially when you are working to tight project deadlines. We make the process as straightforward as possible so you can focus on getting certified and getting to work.
Here is what we offer to support you through the process:
- Clear pre-course documentation guidance so you know exactly what to bring, including your offshore medical certificate
- OPITO-accredited BOSIET with EBS training delivered at strategically located centers across the Netherlands, the USA, France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia
- Flexible scheduling with guaranteed course continuity, even with a small number of participants
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts, giving you room to sort out any medical paperwork
- Experienced instructors with real offshore backgrounds who deliver practical, relevant training
Whether you are booking for yourself or coordinating training for a team, we are here to help you get it right. View our full range of OPITO basic courses or go straight to the OPITO BOSIET with EBS course page and book your place today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my offshore medical before my BOSIET course?
It is recommended to book your offshore medical at least four to six weeks before your scheduled BOSIET training date. This gives you enough time to address any follow-up requirements, such as additional tests or specialist referrals, without risking your course booking. If you are booking during a busy period or using a specific clinic with limited availability, allow even more lead time to be safe.
Can I use an offshore medical certificate from a previous employer for my BOSIET training?
Yes, as long as the certificate is still valid and meets the required standard for your training provider and operator, it does not need to be tied to a specific employer. The key factors are that it is within its validity period, issued by an approved medical examiner, and meets the correct standard such as OGUK or its regional equivalent. Always confirm with your training provider or employer before assuming your existing certificate will be accepted.
What happens if I fail part of my offshore medical examination?
If you do not meet the required standard in one or more areas of your offshore medical, the examining doctor will advise you on the next steps, which may include further investigation, treatment, or a specialist referral before a certificate can be issued. In some cases, a temporary or restricted certificate may be granted depending on the nature of the finding. It is important not to simply rebook your BOSIET and hope for the best — address the medical issue first to avoid losing your course fee.
Is the BOSIET medical requirement the same in every country?
The core principle — that you must hold a valid offshore medical certificate to participate in BOSIET training — applies internationally, but the specific medical standard required can vary by region, operator, and employer. In the UK, the OGUK standard is most commonly required, while other countries may have their own national equivalents. Always check with your employer or the operator of the installation you will be working on to confirm which medical standard they accept before booking your examination.
Do I need a new medical certificate every time I renew my BOSIET with a FOET course?
Yes, a valid offshore medical certificate is required not just for your initial BOSIET but also for any refresher training such as the Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET). Since BOSIET certificates are typically valid for four years and offshore medicals are usually valid for two years, you will likely need to renew your medical at least once during the lifespan of a single BOSIET certificate. Keep track of both expiry dates to avoid disruption to your offshore work.
What documents should I bring to my BOSIET course on the day?
On the day of your BOSIET course, you should bring your valid offshore medical certificate (both original and a digital copy if possible), a valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, and any other documentation requested by your training provider during the booking process. If you are attending through an employer or crewing agency, check whether they have submitted any paperwork on your behalf in advance. Arriving without your medical certificate will prevent you from participating in the course.
Can I complete the theoretical parts of BOSIET without a medical certificate and do the practical elements later?
No, BOSIET training is designed as an integrated programme and cannot be split into theoretical and practical components completed at different times under standard OPITO regulations. The medical certificate must be valid and presented before the course begins in its entirety. Attempting to attend without one will result in being turned away, so it is essential to have all documentation in order before your course start date.
