government has listened to the fishing industry and is reducing
the burden on small scale fishing businesses by removing the need
for medical certificates
move will apply to existing fishermen on vessels of 10 metres and
under following widespread support from fishermen and coastal
communities
ensures fishermen can continue their work supporting the UK’s
vital fishing industry and coastal economies
Following extensive consultation with the industry, the
government has listened and will waive the requirement for
routine medical checks for fishermen on vessels measuring 10
metres and under. This decision will ease financial burden and
provide support to the UK’s fishing communities.
While the safety of fishermen remains the top priority,
the government is delivering this pragmatic change so that
small-scale fishing businesses aren’t unduly forced ashore
and financially burdened by the cost of medical assessments,
allowing them to continue fishing without restriction.
This decision underscores the government’s commitment to
supporting the livelihoods of small-scale fishing businesses,
which represent over 80% of UK registered fishing vessels. Unlike
larger fishing operations, operators of vessels measuring 10
meters and under are often self-employed and frequently require
additional support.
Transport Secretary is in Cornwall today (27 March
2024) to speak with fishermen following an industry wide medical
consultation which saw widespread support from the
fishing sector and coastal communities.
Transport Secretary, , said:
This government backs our fishing industry, which is why we have
listened to fishing communities and are easing the burden on
small-scale fishermen to make sure they can continue their work
unhindered.
Our fishing sector will be able to continue operating safely,
protected by our world leading safety standards while supporting
the UK fishing industry that forms the backbone of so many
coastal economies.
Fisheries Minister, , said:
Vessels of 10 metres and under form a vital part of the UK’s
fishing industry, and today we’re taking action to ensure those
who work on them will not face the cost of medical assessments.
Following our consultation, we’ve listened to the industry, and
these changes will allow fishermen to continue their important
work productively and as safely as possible.
In November 2023, regulations came into effect requiring
fishermen working on small UK flagged vessels to have a
certificate of medical fitness. While exemptions were initially
granted for eyesight, BMI,
diabetes, and seasonal fishermen, the recent decision extends
this to all existing small-scale fishermen.
With this landmark decision, the government has also widened
the eligibility criteria. Initially, during the
consultation phase, the government proposed that fishermen on
vessels of 10 metres and under must have worked for a minimum of
4 weeks in the year before the regulations took effect. However,
recognising the potential for exclusion due to factors such as
illness, the government has extended the time limit to 2 years.
