Seagoing training certificates
Mandatory training is required for anyone working on a commercial fishing vessel in the UK. You may be asked to supply proof that you have completed training as part of a safety inspection.
Digital certificates are available to fishers who have completed Seafish accredited training courses. To order a replacement certificate, please email trainingadmin@seafish.co.uk.
Seafish ID Cards
A range of photo ID Cards are available to fishers who have completed the required training courses and, if applicable, have the appropriate amount of sea-going experience on a UK-registered commercial fishing vessel.
Cards are available in a digital format which can be downloaded to a smartphone wallet. Plastic cards are also available.
New entrant ID card
If you are new to the fishing industry, you can apply for this card following completion of four mandatory basic safety courses – Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, First Aid and Health & Safety. No evidence of sea going experience is required for this application.
Applications must be submitted within 24 months of completing the Sea Survival course. These cards are valid for 2 years and cannot be renewed.
Experienced fisher photo ID card
Anyone who has been working on a fishing vessel for over two years, has completed all four mandatory basic safety courses and a Seafish Safety Awareness course, can apply for an Experienced Fisher ID card.
You will be required to list the names, port letters and numbers, and service start/end dates of the vessel(s) on which you have accumulated a minimum of 24 months sea time.
These ID cards are valid for 5 years after which they must be renewed.
Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate photo ID card (restricted and unrestricted)
These cards are available to Experienced fishermen who have also completed additional voluntary training courses in:
- Stability Awareness for Experienced Fishermen
- Advanced Stability Awareness
- GMDSS Short Range Radio
- Bridge Watchkeeping (2 day or 5 day)
- Engine Room Watchkeeping (2 day or 5 day MCA Approved Engine Course AEC1)
A restricted ID card is valid for fishing up to 20 nautical miles from a safe haven. An unrestricted ID card is valid for fishing beyond 20 nautical miles from a safe haven.
You will be required to list the names, port letters and numbers, and service start/end dates of the vessel(s) on which you have accumulated a minimum of 24 months sea time.
These ID cards are valid for 5 years after which they must be renewed.
How to apply for an ID card
Click here to apply for a new card, or to renew an existing card that is due to expire.
There is an administration fee of £10.00 for a digital ID card or £15.00 for a plastic card. Payment can be made by bank transfer to the account details shown on the form. Alternatively, if you wish to pay by debit or credit card, please call 0131 380 4505 and select Option 1 for Training.
If any of your courses were not Seafish courses and you think we may not have a record, you must send scanned copies to trainingadmin@seafish.co.uk so we can verify them and update your training record if required.
Do you need help?
Contact one of our training advisors by emailing training@seafish.co.uk or call 0131 380 4505 and select option 1 for the Training team.