Free practical guide · Updated 2 November 2026
Offshore Weight Limit
Practical Guide
There’s been plenty of confusion around the new offshore weight limit. We’ve put the key points into a handy booklet you can read, download and share with your team.
Clear answers. In one place.
Your free offshore weight limit guide
Who it applies to, what it means for vessels and jack ups, and why muscle and fitness don’t change the limit.
Download the free guide ↓PDF · 5 pages · 8.5 MB
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What changed on 1 November 2026?
OEUK’s Safe Weight Limit Policy reached its mandatory phase. For work covered by the policy, anyone weighing over 124 kg in the required travel clothing, including shoes, cannot travel offshore. An in date medical certificate does not override the check at the heliport.
The 124 kg figure already includes the margin. It is an industry safety policy, centred on rescue and evacuation.
Does it apply to every vessel or offshore job?
The published policy covers oil and gas installations operating under accepted Safety Cases under the 2015 rules. Marine vessels and wind turbines sit outside that direct scope, although an operator can still apply its own weight and medical requirements.
A drilling jack up operating as an oil or gas installation can be covered. A wind farm installation jack up operating as a marine construction vessel is a different case. The name “jack up” alone does not tell you which rules apply.
The booklet includes a practical comparison and the two documents to check before booking travel: the unit’s regulatory status and the project’s written access requirements.
What if the weight is muscle rather than fat?
The limit still applies. Rescue equipment has to lift a person’s total weight. A fit, muscular person can still become injured or unconscious and need help. Fitness does not reduce the load on the equipment or the people carrying them.
OEUK’s October 2026 FAQ also confirms that there are no critical worker exemptions.
Need a reference for training renewals too? Read our guide to offshore and wind training expiry dates.
Official sources
- OEUK Safe Weight Limit policy overview
- OEUK FAQs, revision 2.2, 12 October 2026
- HSE guidance on the 2015 Safety Case Regulations
Independent Orgma summary, checked 2 November 2026. The booklet includes further sources and an employer checklist. Confirm the requirements for your particular job with the operator before travelling.