Working at sea can be tough mentally and physically. Some medical conditions and poor health as well as fatigue, stress and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can contribute to accidents. It can affect your judgment and decision-making. It’s important that you look after your health and wellbeing so that you can stay safe at sea and get home to your loved ones.
Nigel Taylor, Fisherman, Cornwall.
By the end of November 2023, international law will require all fishermen on UK fishing vessels to have a certificate of medical fitness.
Ensuring you are medically fit helps to keep you and anyone working with you safe, avoiding a predictable problem at work due to underlying medical conditions. For most fishermen (those on vessels under 24m), the medical certificate you need is an ML5, which is a form you can print from the internet and take to your GP or another doctor.
Nigel Taylor, a fisherman in Cornwall, shares his experience of his mental health suffering and the benefits of having someone to talk to.
Alan Dwan, Skipper in Cornwall, talks about the importance of seeking wellbeing support, whether it be to do with your work or family life.