Mandatory training is required for anyone working on a commercial fishing vessel in the UK, and you may be asked to provide evidence of completed training during a safety inspection.

Seafish offers fishers and skippers a Digital ID Card that can be stored in the wallet on your smartphone, giving you a convenient way to carry and present evidence of your fishing qualifications and training.

Your credentials are verified via a QR code which can be scanned by any smartphone camera. This initiative is also supported by the MCA who have issued guidance to their surveyors on accepting this as evidence of qualifications.

Key details

Digital ID Card: £10
Your card is stored in your smartphone wallet, allowing you to easily access and present evidence of your qualifications. You can also request a plastic card for an additional £5.

Card types available:

New Entrant – requires completion of the four basic safety training courses. Valid for two years and cannot be renewed.
Experienced Fisher – requires the basic safety courses, Safety Awareness training and at least 24 months' sea time. Valid for five years.
Skipper's Certificate – builds on the Experienced Fisher requirements and includes additional advanced training. Available as distance-restricted or unrestricted and valid for five years.

Applying for a card

You can apply online through the Seafish ATP Portal. For help with your application, email trainingadmin@seafish.co.uk or Training@seafish.co.uk, or call 0131 380 4505.

Digital training certificates

Fishers who have completed Seafish-accredited training can also request digital copies of their existing Seafish certificates. These can be stored in your online safety folder, helping you keep your training records together and readily accessible.

To request a replacement or digital certificate, email trainingadmin@seafish.co.uk.