Both the NFFO and NUTFA have been working hard on behalf of thousands of inshore fishermen (who represent 80% of the industry) as yet another piece of legislation causes great concern for their livilhood and welbeing.
Folloing up from the call for evidence, NUTFA have had a huge response from fishermen in respect of the problems faced in respect of the MCA medical certification required before the deadline of the end of November 2023.
They wrote to the CEO of the MCA in respect of the data collated but particularly wasnted to hear from fishermen who have managed a medical condition successfully for five years or more, whilst working at sea as a fisherman, whether this is a physical condition, or simply working whilst being over the weight recommendation of the BMI calculator. The letter to the MCA is available for viewing on the NUTFA Articles section of the website.
NUTFA were also nterested in how the Grand Father rights might work as a scheme for those fishermen who have worked successfully at sea with an ongoing medical condition, or for those who are not classed as being of perfect weight ratio. There is now a specific group of fishermen whose condition has been static for over five years at sea, whilst working hard in a fishing environment.
If this applies to ypu please contact Sara Ready at NUTFA for more information - it could save you from a drastic outcome! sarah@nutfa.co.uk or Whatsapp her on 07402 089170 in the first instance.
The NFFO too has been working with POs around the counyry to gather evidence themselves:
Charles Blyth writes: "By the 30th November 2023, all UK fishermen will be required to have a certificate of medical fitness.
Although in principle this is a good thing, unfortunately the medical standard being applied to single handed fishermen in the UK is likely to mean that hundreds, if not thousands of small inshore, low impact and sustainable fishing vessels will no longer be able to legally operate, even if the fisherman can demonstrate a safe track record and effective management of their medical condition. Not to mention the additional strain that the assessments will put on an already exhausted NHS.
We at the NFFO are doing everything within our power to encourage the UK government to reconsider their approach to this and to avoid putting existing hard working fishermen out of business."
If you think you or your organisation can help support our fishermen in this, please do not hesitate to contact Charles.
So as not to alaram too many, this comment from a fisherman may help allay some fears:
"I wouldn't panic too much, I've had Eng1 for 20 years, I've got 2 x medical conditions that require medication and the only thing is I can only get a 1 year medical instead of 2 years, I work/have worked with people that have high bmi and high blood pressure and they still got eng1 again only 1 year. As far as I'm aware the science is now saying a bmi between 25 and 30 is healthier than under 25, I know my doctors limit is 30 before action needs to be taken."
The NFFO's position as they see it below: