Fishermen medical certificates decision is welcomed
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The UK Government has announced that fishermen operating on vessels of 10 metres and under will now no longer require medical certificates following pressure from Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid.
The MP said the move would safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen who had contacted him with concerns over the new safety rules.
In November 2023, regulations came into effect requiring fishermen working on UK-flagged vessels to have a certificate of medical fitness, with concessions granted for factors such as eyesight, diabetes and BMI.
It prompted lone workers and small businesses from across the north-east coast and around Scotland to contact Mr Duguid, who met with Transport Secretary Mark Harper over fears that the new rules could force some fishermen out of business.
As a result of this and pressure from other coastal communities, the UK Government has announced that the medical rules will now be lifted for existing fishermen.
This exemption will take immediate effect and will apply to fishing vessels registered in any part of the UK.
The requirement for medical certification on boats over 10 metres in length will continue to apply.
Mr Duguid said: “This is a welcome relief for fishermen who were understandably concerned about the impact these medical rules would have on their business and livelihood.
“I’m glad, through various meetings with UK Government representatives, that this decision will ease any anxiety which small-scale businesses previously had.
“The safety of those who are working in our fishing industry is paramount and the UK Government has listened to the views of the sector and made a pragmatic decision to allow our smaller fleets to prosper.”
A letter sent to Mr Duguid from the UK’s Transport Secretary MP Mark Harper said: “This new measure is a sensible and proportionate step that balances our obligations to protect the health of fishers with their right to continue to earn a living in the industry in which some have worked for their entire adult lives.”
He added: “It is right to seek to ease the regulatory burden on fishers working on smaller vessels given that they are the most likely to be self-employed or small businesses.”
