October 14, 2025

OEUK Introduces 124kg Offshore Weight Limit for Safer Operations

The Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has announced an important industry-wide change introducing a safe clothed weight limit of 124kg for all offshore workers. This new standard is being implemented to support safety and ensure that all personnel can be safely accommodated during transport and emergency operations.

Phased Roll-Out Plan

OEUK will introduce the new weight limit through a structured, phased approach to allow sufficient preparation time for all stakeholders:

Introduction & Awareness: 1 November 2025 – 31 January 2026
Transition Phase: 1 February 2026 – 31 October 2026
Mandatory Implementation: 1 November 2026

What This Means for Offshore Personnel

A maximum clothed weight of 124kg will apply to all personnel travelling offshore.
Compliance will be monitored through routine offshore medicals, operator mobilisation procedures, and heliport checks.
Companies are encouraged to engage early to ensure their workforce can meet the new requirements ahead of the mandatory implementation date.

Supporting a Safer Offshore Environment

OEUK states that this is part of ongoing commitment to safety and operational integrity across the offshore energy sector. By standardising this weight limit, the industry aims to ensure equipment and emergency procedures remain effective for everyone involved.

Further Information
At GRN our focus is always on our candidates wellbeing both mental and physical and our team are always here to discuss support options or help get more answers to questions you may have. For more information or to ask specific questions, please contact our team at drilling@grndrilling.com.

NEWS ARTICLES

UKCS Clothing Policy Winter Changes

Oct 1, 2025

This month you’ll be required to wear 3 layers under your survival kit when you are mobilising. There are some statements about what is required so we’ve put the information together for you so you are all set for your next trip.

So When is this required?

Between the 1st of October and the 31st of May, when you go offshore you must wear 3 layers of clothing under your survival kit. An example of this would be a long sleeve top, short sleeve top and a jumper.

Between the 1st of June and the 30th of September this is classed as summer and you only need 2 layers (e.g. a T-shirt and a jumper)

What is approved

Tops

• T-shirts

• Long Sleeve tops

• Jumpers (but not hoodies!)

• Jackets

Leg-wear

• Trousers

• Jeans

• Tracksuit Bottoms

Footwear

• Trainers

• Boots

• shoes

What is NOT Approved

Tops

• Hoodies

• Dresses

Leg-wear

• Skirts

• Shorts

Footwear

• Crocs

• Sandals/Flipflops

• High Heels

Common questions

Here are some common questions and the answers from Step Change in Safety.

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Can I wear jeans?

Yes you can wear jeans to travel in.

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Why is summer in June and not May?

We took the average sea temperatures of the UKCS over a number of years to decide when the water is warmer and when it is colder, therefore requiring more or less layers. We then used this information to decide that Summer is from 1st June – 30th September and Winter is 1st October – 31st May.

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Why three layers in winter?

Studies have shown that the more layers you have on, the lower your risk of getting hypothermia when exposed to cold water.

During winter you must wear 3 layers, one of which must be a long-sleeved top. It is important to protect your core so more layers are required to cover your chest and internal organs.

Why no hoodies?

Hoodies, or any item of clothing with a hood, will interfere with the neck seal of the survival suit. It is essential that the seal around your neck and wrists is strong so that in the extremely unlikely event you are in the water there are no weaknesses in the seals to allow water into the suit.

Polo-necks and jackets with high collars also pose a risk to the neck seal.

Any other questions?

Remember, our team are here for you and we are always happy to answer any question you have big or small! You can also find more information at https://www.stepchangeinsafety.net/