Medical Exemption – Existing Fishers on Vessels of 10 Metres and Under Consultation

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 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.

 

Industry is being urged to have its say on the proposals, which are being published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

 

Consultation

This consultation seeks your views on the Secretary of State potentially exercising the exemption power within Regulation 14 of The Merchant Shipping (Work in Fishing Convention) (Medical Certification) Regulations 2018 with respect to existing fishers working on vessels of 10 metres and under.

 

Responses are welcomed from 16 January to 27 February 2024.

 

Following the conclusion of this consultation and consideration of the feedback, a final decision with regard to publishing the exemption will be made.

For more information on the consultation and how to apply please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/medical-exemption-existing-fishers-on-vessels-of-10-metres-and-under