Support with Health and Wellbeing
Medical Certification - Who is required to have Medical Certification?
Following a consultation period, the MCA have come to a decision regarding medical exemption for existing fishermen.
Please click this link to see the MCA’s official information.
On the 29th November 2023, the MCA announced extension and concessions to help with industry medical certification.
Access to “Grandfather rights” was extended to April 30th 2024 for seasonal (those not fishing during winter ’23/’24). If you are fishing during the winter, ensure you have the correct medical certificate
Click here to see the MCA’s official announcement and information
Seafood Cornwall Training has put together all the details for Cornwall for contacting GPs and booking appointments for Medical Certification.
Please see attached our useful guide below for the differences between the two types of certificates – and the knowledge you need to work out which is the correct certificate for you. If you have any other questions or queries about the medical certificate that you need or if you need to take anything up with the MCA then you can contact medicals@mcga.gov.uk. Workinfishing.convention@mcga.gov.uk
If you have already written but your case is stalled or you haven’t had a full response then you can also contact Charles Blythe at NFFO, charles@nffo.org.uk.
All GPs in Cornwall are aware of the medical certificates but you might help things along by taking the ML5 certificate questions with you. Pick up a copy from SCT Office or give us a call for a paper version. Full list of MCA Approved doctors and Full list of GPs across Cornwall
SCT aims to give up to date and accurate information but if you have any new details or additional info please contact us at SCT Office 01736 364324 and we will update our information for all fishermen. For all health and safety queries on board your vessels please contact our safety project via the SCT Office 01736 3643
Health and Wellbeing Organisations
Safety and welfare are linked and the risk of accidents and incidents rises if health or welfare is not improved.
These wellbeing services offer direct support, health services and advice to the commercial fishing workforce and fishing families.
Healthy Cornwall
Healthy Cornwall, part of Cornwall Council, offers health advice and health checks for commercial fishermen and their families throughout Cornwall.
Contact them by email at healthy.cornwall@cornwall.gov.uk or call 01209 615600
Visit their website at www.healthycornwall.org.uk/
The Fishermen's Mission
The Fishermen’s Mission is the only fishermen’s charity that provides emergency support alongside practical, financial, spiritual and emotional care.
They help all fishermen, active or retired, and their families.
Contact Mike Dale or the Newlyn Centre by email at Cornwall@fishermensmission.org.uk or call 01736 363499
Visit their website www.fishermensmission.org.uk
Fairwinds - The SeaFit Programme
GetSeaFit is a joint initiative from the Seafarer’s Hospital and the Fishermen’s Mission. It has commissioned Fairwinds to provide free mental health and wellbeing support to the fishing community in Newlyn. Fairwinds offers quick access to assessment, counselling, CBT or signposting, working with other partnership agencies.
Contact Ceri Summers by email at talk@fairwindscornwall.co.uk or call 07934 720429
Visit their website www.fairwindscornwall.co.uk/seafit
Harbourside Physiotherapy
Harbourside Physiotherapy offer sessions for commercial fisherman who are struggling with pain that is stopping them from working. They are based in Newlyn but can put you in touch with people who provide free physio for fishermen all over Devon and Cornwall through the Seafit Programme.
Email Harbourside Physio at network@harboursidephysiotherapy.co.uk or give them a call on 01736 366224
Visit their website www.harboursidephysiotherapy.co.uk
Seafarer's Hospital Society
The Seafarers Hospital Society is a long-established maritime charity dedicated to meeting the health, welfare and advice needs of seafarers of any nationality based in the United Kingdom.
They provide health and welfare grants and other services exclusively for merchant seafarers and fishermen, past and present.
Give them a call on 020 8858 3696 or email admin@seahospital.org.uk
Visit their website www.seahospital.org.uk
SAIL - The Seafarer's Advice and Information Line
SAIL is an advice and information service provided exclusively for seafarers and their families. SAIL offers free, confidential and impartial advice from advisers who understand the difficulties often faced by those working at sea and those they leave onshore. The team can help with advice on financial problems, immigration, housing problems, consumer and legal issues, relationship and family issues. They also offer practical support including helping you get benefits that you are entitled to, help filling out forms and support with other agencies.
Contact SAIL from anywhere in the world by phone on 0800 160 1842 or email advice@sailine.org.uk
Visit their website www.seahospital.org.uk/help-for-you/seafarers-advice-and-information-line
