News and communications

Small fishing businesses will no longer be forced ashore and financially burdened by the cost of medical assessments.

• Updated: 27 March 2024

The removal of the need for medical certificates will apply to existing fishermen on vessels of 10 metres and under.

• Updated: 27 March 2024

The government launches a consultation on medical exemptions for fishers working on vessels 10 metres and under in length.

• Updated: 16 January 2024

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has announced access to grandfather rights for fishing medicals is to be extended until spring 2024 for seasonal fishers. 

• Updated: 29 November 2023

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has launched a new app to help seafarers get the information and support they need while working.

• Updated: 14 November 2023

The fishing industry is being reminded that changes to some types of vessels must be signed off for safety reasons because of the serious risk they will become unstable as a result.

• Updated: 4 September 2023

By the end of November 2023, anyone working on a UK fishing vessel must have a certificate of medical fitness.

• Updated: 30 January 2023

This is the story of a life saved. Because the fisherman was wearing a PFD and a PLB. It is no exaggeration to say: They are life savers. Get the kit. Wear the kit. Live to tell your story too.

• Updated: 15 March 2022

Prime Minister Boris Johnson met French President Macron today at the G20 Summit in Rome.

• Updated: 31 October 2021

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Code of Practice for Small Fishing Vessels now includes a requirement for fishing boats to be inspected both in and out of the water every five years.

• Updated: 6 September 2021

The company owners of two UK-registered fishing vessels which went to sea without the correct certification have been found guilty in a prosecution by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and fined a total of £4,000.

• Updated: 1 September 2020

ILO 188 legislation came into force a year ago and was brought into law to improve safety and well-being for everyone working on fishing vessels.

• Updated: 23 January 2020

Imray Laurie Norie and Wilson has been recognised as a private chart producer, following their application to the MCA

• Updated: 13 December 2019

The MCA are hosting a roadshow around the UK to answer questions and help get the fishing community up to speed with existing requirements and proposed changes.

• Updated: 20 September 2019

New funding to improve safety in the fishing industry.

• Updated: 3 July 2019

Fishermen across the country have been urged to sign up to a new safety code, in a bid to make careers at sea safer for the UK’s fishing community.

• Updated: 13 July 2018

Two fishermen wearing life-jackets have been dramatically rescued from their liferaft by a passing fishing vessel after their vessel capsized off Prawle Point.

• Updated: 16 March 2018

The MMO has published guidance on bass fishing in 2018

• Updated: 31 January 2018

Reminder for fishermen whose licences were monitored as part of the 2015 capping exercise.

• Updated: 17 January 2018

Fish merchant charged with fisheries offences in case brought by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)

• Updated: 19 December 2017