For the premiere of the fourth series, CFPO CEO Chris Ranford and guest co-host Clive Palfrey, from Seafood Cornwall Training, who is Fathom’s in-house specialist on all things safety, are joined by Charles Blyth, the Risk, Safety & Training Lead at the NFFO. It’s been over two years since Fathom has recorded a safety-themed episode, and given the ever-shifting nature of health & safety regulation and new requirements on the horizon, it’s a really important topic to start on and a must-listen for anyone working onboard fishing vessels! 

The fourth series of the Fathom podcast has been produced by the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation (CFPO) with funding from The Seafarers’ Charity. 

The new MCA code for fishing vessels under 12m, which was implemented in September 2021 and new regulations emanating from ILO188 has caused some apprehension as to what exactly fishermen need to do to remain compliant with the law. In this episode, Charles and Clive are on hand to help disentangle some of the complexities and answer some frequently asked questions arising from these new regulations, specifically focusing in on three areas: medical examinations, lifting equipment and enclosed spaces.

In regards to medical examinations, by November 2023, all fishermen will be required to hold a medical certificate, not just those out at sea for more than 72 hours. We’re taken through the two different options open to fishermen: the ENG1 which is regarded as a higher grade medical but can only be undertaken by an MCA-approved doctor, or the ML5, which is only applicable to inshore fishermen. We compare the benefits, shortfalls, practicalities and costs involved. Listen in to find out which one is more likely to suit you!

The conversation then pivots to safety, with our guests speaking to their experience travelling around quaysides and noticing an endemic of unmaintained lifting equipment. There’s a reminder of the importance of regular, close inspections and maintaining a proper paper-trail of all your machinery. Imminent changes to the rules around enclosed spaces are also discussed, with a focus on accessing support to stay ahead of compliance as the rule changes come into force in May.

The entire episode is a must-listen health & safety checklist, with the main message from our guests that fishermen should  get themselves sorted now and to speak to organisations that can provide help. Seafit is one such organisation that can provide advice if you’re concerned about your health ahead of a medical examination. While broader advice about what you need to do to stay ahead of compliance and the grants available to help you do just that can be found by contacting the NFFO.