Fishing sector medical checks will be waived
ROUTINE medical checks for fishermen working on vessels 10 metres long or less are to be waived in an effort to ease the financial burden on the UK’s inshore fleet and support fishing communities.
The decision was announced by Transport Secretary Mark Harper on a visit to Newlyn harbour, where he met harbour officials, Cornwall MPs and representatives of the Cornish fishing industry.
Mr Harper first toured the harbour and fish market accompanied by Rob Wing, chairman of the Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, harbour master and chief executive Jonathan Poynter and MPs Derek Thomas and Steve Double.
He then attended a round-table with representatives of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation and fishing business W Stevenson and Sons, and a number of inshore fishermen.
In November 2023 regulations came into effect requiring fishermen working on small UK-flagged vessels to have a certificate of medical fitness. Exemptions were initially offered for eyesight, BMI (body mass index) and diabetes, but Mr Harper announced that these had now been extended to all small-scale fishermen.
The fishermen at the round-table told Mr Harper they had been obliged to pay for costly medical assessments to prove they were fit to work.
Some had been refused a certificate even though the fishermen were working safely, not only affecting their mental health and sense of purpose but forcing some to quit the industry.
“We were pleased to host the Secretary of State, and all those who attended the round table broadly welcomed his announcement”, Mr Wing said.
“Whilst commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous industries and safety’s therefore paramount, it’s important to strike a balance between regulatory policy and the day-to-day reality of the single fisherman fishing for mackerel a few metres from the harbour, and this extension of medical exemption for the under-10m fleet delivers that.
“Mr Harper demonstrated that the Government can effect policy change quickly, following consulta
❝❝ This government backs our fishing industry Mark Harper, Transport Secretary
tion, if there’s a pragmatic reason for doing so.
“This visit also provided the opportunity for other issues to be aired, such as the need to reduce bureaucracy between government agencies and departments and to speed up the decision-making process for fishermen who are applying for grants”.
Mr Harper said: “This government backs our fishing industry, which is why we’ve 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 which forms the backbone of so many coastal economies”.