Approved Courses And Medicals In Thailand

[jonnyscot]

Ok I know it's been covered in various posts in the past, and most of us now already know about these but maybe since we have a dedicated forum its good to start afresh, update and have all info put together regarding industry related courses and medicals. My brief input relates to only these three that I've done here, I know that other doctors in thailand are certified to carry out some of those required medicals, so any additions to these appreciated

BOISET + FOET - Available at FALCK NUTEC, SamutPrakan Bangkok

UKOG medical - Dr Vattana, Supromajakr Bumrungrad hospital, Bangkok

Norwegian Maritime Medical - Dr Vattana, Supromajakr, bumrungrad hospital Bangkok

[IrishIvan]

Thats good to know. I also was told you could get AMSA medicals in Singapore. Any truth to this? Or is there somewhere in Thailand that offers AMSA medicals for Australian offshore/maritime workers?

[IrishIvan]

Mogit do Opito approved courses in Songkla and Laem Chabang. Not a bad outfit. Not that great either. But its convenient

[jonnyscot]

Unsure about the AMSA medical requirements Irishvan, but the Norwegian maritime one was pretty comprehensive in my opinion, my company requested an ENG1 I think its the UK maritime equivalent of the Norwegian one as far as i know and they accepted that no problem, maybe worthwhile finding out if the Norwegian one would suffice if you cant source an AMSA medical close by?

[IrishIvan]

Yeah even if we work on Norweigan vessels we still need an AMSA medical along with one from Norway

[mark131v]

ENG 1 Seafarers Medicals available through:

Straits Medical

1 Phillip St Singapore 048692‎

+65 6533 2113 +65 6535 6311 (Fax) +65 9060 1133 (Mobile)

Health & MedicalToday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00–5:00 pm

For
excellence in personalised healthcare and a specialist in Internal
Medicine. Appointed doctor for Seafarer and Aviation medical
examinations.

Good service and reasonable price for Singapore!!

[misterphil]

NMD Medicals available at the Bangkok Pattaya too. My first one they only gave me 1 year and our onboard HSEQ Medic said that Norwegian Maritime Directorate medicals should be for 2 years not 1. My last one was for 2 years so maybe the BPH have been told to issue 2 year NMD's, don't know, anyone else heard of this? Something the BPH would do because of all the offshore workers in Pattaya and at 8,000 baht a throw its a big chunk of cash.

[Soutpeel]

NMD Medicals available at the Bangkok Pattaya too. My first one they only gave me 1 year and our onboard HSEQ Medic said that Norwegian Maritime Directorate medicals should be for 2 years not 1. My last one was for 2 years so maybe the BPH have been told to issue 2 year NMD's, don't know, anyone else heard of this? Something the BPH would do because of all the offshore workers in Pattaya and at 8,000 baht a throw its a big chunk of cash.

One suspects BPH issue 1 year medicals, because in Thai waters medicals are only valid for 1 year,the legal requirement to work the gulf of Thailand is to do an annual medical, this is not an operators rule but Thai law.

The two year validity medicals you refer to are not recognised in Thai waters (the first year of the medical is obviously)

So one assumes you were issued a 1 year because they thought you were going to work the GOT...so maybe some miscommuntication going on...but not a scam

[IrishIvan]

Vanuatu medicals?

[StefanBBK]

I used to do mine in Bangkok Hospital, but then the cost went up from 6k to almost 9k. Now I go to Paolo Medical Center here in Bangkok and pay less than 3k for the same examination.

I use a company form that complies with MLC2006 and gives two years validity. Our P&I insurance agreed on two years validity. Bahamas Flag.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[misterphil]

NMD Medicals available at the Bangkok Pattaya too. My first one they only gave me 1 year and our onboard HSEQ Medic said that Norwegian Maritime Directorate medicals should be for 2 years not 1. My last one was for 2 years so maybe the BPH have been told to issue 2 year NMD's, don't know, anyone else heard of this? Something the BPH would do because of all the offshore workers in Pattaya and at 8,000 baht a throw its a big chunk of cash.

One suspects BPH issue 1 year medicals, because in Thai waters medicals are only valid for 1 year,the legal requirement to work the gulf of Thailand is to do an annual medical, this is not an operators rule but Thai law.

The two year validity medicals you refer to are not recognised in Thai waters (the first year of the medical is obviously)

So one assumes you were issued a 1 year because they thought you were going to work the GOT...so maybe some miscommuntication going on...but not a scam

No there was no miss communication at all. NMD stands for Norwegian Maritime Directorate and when I made the appointment I specifically asked for one of two certain Drs that can do the NMD medical. I told them I was working in Norwegian waters, never mentioned anything about the GOT. At the hospital the nurse referred it as "Royal Norwegian Medical" I have no idea where she got this from so before I started the medical I asked to see the certificate I would receive and it was the NMD. When the Dr handed me the certificate I asked why is not 2 years and he said, no only one. Strange how my mate got a 2 year just a month before.

[britgent]

Hello all back again from the deep blue. I did my HUET with Falck Nutec and found them pretty good for price and the accommodation was ok too.

I'm up in the Chiang Mai region and need my ENG1 medical doing sharpish? Is there anyone near me in Chiang Mai or is it a trip down Pattaya/Bangkok and if so can anyone recommend a reasonably priced ENG1 as the list of courses I'm paying for is getting silly.

[mark131v]

I needed to get an ENG1 a year or so ago, I checked the MCA website and the only ones in the region was in Singapore who I ended up using and also Malaysia. Unless you specifically need ENG1 it might be worth looking into whether its possible to use a NMD and UKOA medical as they are both available in Thailand, turns out either of the other medicals would have been adequate for me so I could have saved myself the cost of a trip to Singers

[jonnyscot]

I did my UKOG and my Norwegian medical earlier this year at bumrungrad, that's the second time I've done it there, can't remember exactly the total cost, but somewhere between 6k and 7k for both, they take appointments Monday to Friday and also on Saturday mornings too

[britgent]

Sorry to get back to you guys so late but it has to be ENG1. I'm sure I googled it a while back and Bangkok and Pattaya came up. I'll have another look. Was hoping for someone who'd been to one here but no problem.

On another side note I'm looking like every other man and his dog at moving from what I'm doing to getting on the oil rigs, specifically the oil exploration/drilling ones off east Africa but have no idea what speciality the rigs are crying out for. Also what courses that profession would need. All help greatly appreciated!

[jonnyscot]

If you're sure its only the eng1 they will accept then it looks like Malaysia or singapore you'll have to go for it now, however just be sure you're asking the right person in the company what's acceptable and what's not, I was initially told the same thing by my employer until I pointed out that a Norwegian maritime medical was accepted as an alternative by the mca, sometimes those pen pushers in the office only see things black and white

Sent from my i-mobile IQ XA using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Sent from my i-mobile IQ XA using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[IrishIvan]

Sorry to get back to you guys so late but it has to be ENG1.  I'm sure I googled it a while back and Bangkok and Pattaya came up.  I'll have another look.  Was hoping for someone who'd been to one here but no problem.

 

On another side note I'm looking like every other man and his dog at moving from what I'm doing to getting on the oil rigs, specifically the oil exploration/drilling ones off east Africa but have no idea what speciality the rigs are crying out for.  Also what courses that profession would need.  All help greatly appreciated!

Tool pushers , drillers and ETOs. Only way in at the moment

[kbelyeu]

I've used Dr Horne and Chin for many years now (UKOOA and Petronas) and the best part is they are a 10 minute walk past the American Club to Orchard Towers..

http://www.drshornechin.com

Kurt

[mark131v]

Hi guys can anybody tell me if any of the providers do MIST courses in the region??

[mark131v]

Just an update, it appears that Mogit do IMIST though I have no idea if that is recognised in the N Sea though it is Opito approved

[NanLaew]

Just an update, it appears that Mogit do IMIST though I have no idea if that is recognised in the N Sea though it is Opito approved

Mogit charge 15,000 baht + 7% tax for 3 hours of OPITO approved training and online IMIST certification with 4 years validity.

That's either 5000 baht/hour or 3750 baht/year depending on how you amortize it.

"Introduction

IMIST has been designed to enable experienced workers to demonstrate their knowledge and awareness of the necessary safety standards to avoid risk and incidents. This is Computer Based Training delivered by OPITO approved invigilation training center (MOGIT) in association with Atlas.

Course Syllabus

The course contains nine modules

• Introduction to hazardous environment
• Working Safely
• Understanding the risk assessment process
• Task that require a permit to work
• Personal responsibility in maintaining asset integrity
• Using manual handling technique everyday
• Controlling the use of hazardous substances
• Knowledge and process of working at heights
• Being aware of mechanical lifting activities"

Anyone here with a MIST certification can advise if the above differs from what they experienced.

IMHO, despite the description re- "experienced workers", it looks like something a newbie would need and until some of my clients demand it, I will be saving my 15k baht for now. I have heard it is already mandatory for SOME operators in the North Sea regardless of how old your hands are!

[NanLaew]

I did my UKOG and my Norwegian medical earlier this year at bumrungrad, that's the second time I've done it there, can't remember exactly the total cost, but somewhere between 6k and 7k for both, they take appointments Monday to Friday and also on Saturday mornings too

I think the last OGUK medical I did in Aberdeen almost 2 years ago was around 100 quid for UK, Norwegian and Dutch. Mine expires end of October and I will still be too busy over here so maybe I need to bite the bullet and get it done in Thailand.

Did the Bamrungrad examination give you the full 2-year entitlement? I don't want to fork out the same money at BHP if they mistakenly stamp is a 1-year only,even though they will be much more convenient.

[jonnyscot]

I did an online mist via atlas training about a year and a half back, my employer at the time requested i do this, I was issued with a cheap looking glossy certificate with my employers name in big letters across the cert, so unsure if validity can be carried into next job or not?

I assume as you mention some companies may have requested to my employer we have this mist,,

[jonnyscot]

Yes Nan, got the 2 year validity, we stayed one time overnight at bumrungrad rooms were ok for the price, but often rooms are full, as an option last time there we stayed overnight at the hotel across the road from bumrungrad , I think it was the furama, booked via agoda it works out around the same price,,, a good option if any of you guys are driving it for an early morning appointment,, certainly reduced the stress levels if driving in Bkk traffic to make an appointment at 8 or 9am

[glassdude007]

BOISET + FOET - Available at FALCK NUTEC, SamutPrakan Bangkok

UKOG medical - Dr Vattana, Supromajakr Bumrungrad hospital, Bangkok

Norwegian Maritime Medical - Dr Vattana, Supromajakr, bumrungrad hospital Bangkok

I have used all of the above through the years with no problems at all.....

[mariner16]

OGUK and OLF (Norwegian) Medicals which are both oil and gas industry can be done at a number of clinics in Bangkok and Singapore, like other posters I have always used Bumrungrad Hospital in Soi 3 Sukhumvit mainly because it is convenient to home. OGUK is two years, OLF is one year after age 50, except once a few years ago they make a mistake and gave me two, thought I was on a winner but first audit back on the ship it was spotted and I was forced to go again after 12 months.

ENG 1 is purely UK maritime "seagoing medical" and so far UK MCA have refused to accept anything from oil and gas industry when I revalidate my Masters Ticket, so every two years I go to Straits Medical at 1 Phillip Street Singapore for a morning to renew it.

To work offshore in Malaysia as I am at present must have a Petronas Medical which I did in Singapore at The Ming Clinic, Camben Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore.

A money making exercise for all concerned, Malaysia is particually good at this making people attend any number of safety courses before deigning to allow you onto the crew boat to join your own ship.

[NanLaew]

I just checked with the 5th floor health and fitness desk at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and they confirmed the price for the OLF (NMD) 2-year medical as 7900 baht. They confirmed having the proper OLF certificates too. However, they were cloudy on the issue of the OGUK medical, seeking information on what it required (?) before providing a quote but the assumption based on it being 'broadly similar' to the OLF medical, it would be about the same price. They also didn't have any OGUK certificates which isn't unusual as my understanding that unlike the OLF one, there is no standard, generic OGUK (OKOOA) certificate. Maybe the nurse isn't aware that OGUK replaces OKOOA? Since the OLF and OGUK tests are done by TWO different doctors, they will probably have no problems charging for both!

My understanding is that Bamrungrad charges around 6000 or 7000 baht for BOTH tests when done concurrently.

[NanLaew]

It looks like there's more recognition between the UK, Norwegian and Dutch regulatory authorities AT THE MOMENT, so technically having either one will allow the regular offshoreman to work in another jurisdiction with just one of the other jurisdictions certificates.

From NOGEPA website: http://nogepa.cu-dev.nl/Portals/12/Documents/downloads/DC%20Medical/Explanatory%20note%20Nogepa%20Recognized%20doctors%202012-2014.pdf

Medical by British or Norwegian doctor NOGEPA have agreed with their sister organisations in the United Kingdom (Oil & Gas UK) and in Norway (OLF) to recognise each other’s medicals. Workers with a valid health certificate issued by an approved NOGEPA doctor will not need additional medicals when transferring to a UK or Norwegian installation. The agreement is reciprocal between The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Norway.

For Norway there is a (temporary) requirement to have (additionally) a certificate signed by a recognized Norwegian doctor (from the Norwegian Authorities Recognized Doctor’s List) To provide extra service doctors can apply for recognition. See note Norwegian doctor’s list “Norwegian Application Process” also on our website.

From OLF: http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/templates/asset-relay.cfm?frmAssetFileID=3401

Norway confirms acceptance of Oil &Gas UK medical certificates

Dr Morten Hellang of the Rogaland County Medical Office in Norway spoke at a recent Oil & Gas UK examining doctors conference in London, where he confirmed that Norway has been accepting unrestricted Oil & Gas UK medical certificates since early 2013.

Dr Hellang repeated assurances also given to Oil & Gas UK at a meeting of UK, Norwegian and Dutch oil industry associations in Stavanger. The meeting discussed the longstanding informal 'Hardanger agreement' between Oil & Gas UK, OLF (now NOG), and NOGEPA, which had been intended to achieve mutual recognition of medical certificates but which had been difficult for OLF/NOG to implement because of Norwegian law.

The change in circumstance has arisen because Norway is changing the qualifications required for doctors to issue Norwegian medical certificates: from 2014 onwards no doctor will be able to issue a Norwegian certificate unless they have completed a training course – details of the course are not yet confirmed, but it is expected that it will only be run in Norway, and in Norwegian.

The practical implications of the new training requirement are that from 2014 only Norwegian doctors will be able to undertake Norwegian medical examinations for offshore work, and that Oil & Gas UK members with employees working in the Norwegian sector will encounter difficulties in obtaining certification for employees. The acceptance of UK certificates by Rogaland County Medical Office greatly reduces the expected problems as a result.

Oil & Gas UK members may wish to discuss future international certification procedures for their offshore employees with their usual medical provider – all major medical providers will be aware of the forthcoming change and the decision by the Norwegian authority to accept UK medical certificates.

Full details of the Norwegian position on accepting UK (and Dutch) offshore medical certificates can be seen at: http://www.fylkesmannen.no/en/Rogaland/Health-and-care-services/Offshore-health-services

[mariner16]

I just checked with the 5th floor health and fitness desk at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and they confirmed the price for the OLF (NMD) 2-year medical as 7900 baht. They confirmed having the proper OLF certificates too. However, they were cloudy on the issue of the OGUK medical, seeking information on what it required (?) before providing a quote but the assumption based on it being 'broadly similar' to the OLF medical, it would be about the same price. They also didn't have any OGUK certificates which isn't unusual as my understanding that unlike the OLF one, there is no standard, generic OGUK (OKOOA) certificate. Maybe the nurse isn't aware that OGUK replaces OKOOA? Since the OLF and OGUK tests are done by TWO different doctors, they will probably have no problems charging for both!

My understanding is that Bamrungrad charges around 6000 or 7000 baht for BOTH tests when done concurrently.

Yes, it is more cost effective to do them together and at Bumrungrad both are done by Dr Vatana Supromajakr at the same time for about 7000 baht

There is a generic form for OGUK but most places such as and Bumrungrad have added their own logo and addresses etc. as headers/footers to the form. Must have OGUK Pin No of Doctor (OGUK/20**/1234) and words "Issued in accordance with Oil and Gas UK Guidelines" and "Medically Fit for Unrestricted Offshore Work"

[NanLaew]

.... OGUK is two years, OLF is one year after age 50, except once a few years ago they make a mistake and gave me two, thought I was on a winner but first audit back on the ship it was spotted and I was forced to go again after 12 months.

...

I have obtained 2-year validity OLF's from an approved doctor in Aberdeen twice since I turned 50. They run concurrent with the OGUK and NOGEPA ones.

I do recall that around the time UKOOA morphed to OGUK, they introduced a 1-year validity for the over 50's but it was rescinded within a year as medical evidence at that time didn't suggest the need for increasing the screening. The latest OGUK guidelines are still vintage 2008 though so things may be due for a revamp! My other posts indicate that the broad general recognition of different 'North Sea' medicals is up for review (by the Norwegians anyway) in 2014.