Special requirements for offshore work
The training objectives for offshore medics and first aiders are set out in Health care and first aid on offshore installations and pipeline works (L123). It also provides guidance on the roles and responsibilities of offshore medics and first aiders and the types of secondary roles that are suitable for offshore medics.
The following statement is being published to meet the requirements of the Professional Qualifications Act 2022 (PQ Act). Under section 8 of the PQ Act regulators in the UK are required to publish certain information about requirements to practise the profession.
Any person wishing to practise the profession of offshore medic must hold qualifications and experience that complies with the guidance issued to HSE’s approved training providers. There is no application process within the scope of Sections 8(2)(b) or 8(2)(c).
An offshore employer can check if a training organisation is approved by HSE for the purposes of the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989:
Offshore first aid courses
Offshore first aid and medic courses
List of approved training organisations delivering offshore first aid or medic courses
Offshore employers should use the list above to check a training provider's approval status. Each entry contains the organisation's contact details as well as the expiry date of its certificate of approval. The certificate is issued by HSE and contains the organisation's HSE approval number. Offshore employers may ask to see this certificate as additional confirmation of approval.
Where a certificate previously issued to an offshore first aider or offshore medic has expired, it is the responsibility of the individual, training provider and dutyholder to decide if they should attend a requalification or full course. Until offshore first aiders and offshore medics requalify, they are not considered to be competent to act in these roles. You can find more guidance in Health care and first aid on offshore installations and pipeline works (L123).
Information for training providers
Training providers wanting to deliver offshore first aid and/or offshore medic courses should apply to HSE for approval. Applicants should complete an application form and read the relevant guidance to ensure they can fully meet the specified requirements:
- Offshore first aid and offshore medic training approval application form
- Guidance for training organisations on gaining and maintaining approval
Offshore first aid and offshore medic approval fees
Under the Health and Safety and Nuclear (Fees) Regulations 2022, HSE charges fees for various elements of the approval process. The fees, which are reviewed annually, are as follows.
- New offshore first aid application for approval: £1928
- Offshore first aid site visit: £644
- Renewal of offshore first aid certificate of approval: £134
- New offshore medic application for approval: £2655
- Offshore medic site visit: £1520
- Renewal of offshore medic certificate of approval: £134