Government gives industry a chance to have its say on
concessions that would benefit fishers on vessels of 10 metres
and under.
Safety of fishers is paramount and today will make sure
that remains the case while ensuring fishers can continue their
important work
Government continues to listen to the views from across
the fishing industry
An industry-wide consultation starts today to see how small-scale
fishers can fish as safely as possible.
In November 2023, regulations came into effect requiring fishers
working on small UK flagged vessels to have a certificate of
medical fitness. The government has worked to support those who
can still fish but would otherwise be unduly forced ashore. Some
grandfather rights have been extended for eyesight, BMI, diabetes
and most recently seasonal fishers.
Unlike larger fishing operations, those who operate vessels of 10
metres and under are usually independent and require more
support, which is why today the Department for Transport is
seeing how to best deliver medical exemptions safely so
hard-working, small-scale fishers aren’t unduly forced ashore.
The potential concession is being considered by the Secretary of
State for Transport after listening to the concerns of those in
the fishing industry as well as MPs representing coastal
communities.
Industry is being urged to have its say on the proposals, which
are being published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA).
The blanket exemption from holding a valid medical certificate
would only apply to those who have already been working on
vessels of 10 metres and under for at least 4 weeks between 30
November 2022 and 30 November 2023.
Transport Secretary said:
The safety of those who are working in our fishing industry is
paramount and it’s vital that any medical requirements work for
them. That’s why we have actively listened to views from the
fishing industry and MPs representing coastal communities,
already granting concessions for factors such as eyesight,
diabetes and BMI.
This consultation shows that we are open to proper solutions that
uphold the highest standards of safety.
See the MCA’s
GOV.UK pages to read the Medical exemption -
existing fishers on vessels of 10 metres or under
consultation.
Notes to editors
-
Reviews of medical standards are carried on out a regular
basis.
-
The Secretary of State for Transport is considering providing
an exemption under regulation 14 of The Merchant Shipping
(Work in Fishing Convention) (Medical Certification)
Regulations 2018 so that existing fishers working in fishing
vessels of 10 metres and under (registered length as defined
by the Fishing Vessels (Codes of Practice) Regulations 2017)
in length are exempt from regulations 4 and 5.
