They work in one of the world’s most dangerous industries, dealing with the daily and very real risk of injury and even death the stress of time away from home and loved ones.
Yet the trawlermen working out of Europe’s biggest fishing port have long been at arms length from occupational health services and mental health advice.
Now they will be offered free health checks through the Seafit Programme, which is being run by the Fishermen’s Mission and Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS).
It will officially launch in Peterhead next week and is aimed at fishermen and their families, offering dental treatment, mental health support and information on drugs and alcohol.
A team from Buchanhaven Pharmacy will carry out blood pressure and diabetes checks.
Peterhead’s Sea Cadet building on the Seagate will host the event for two days from Tuesday October 2.
It means local fishermen and those from overseas can access health services just a stone’s throw from the harbour.
Peter Coulson, secretary of SHS, is hopeful the SeaFit scheme can make a real difference to the north-east’s fishermen and their families.
He said: “Fishing remains the most dangerous occupation in the world and yet there are no occupational health services for fishermen.
“We hope that by bringing a range of health and wellbeing services to fishermen and their families at the harbourside we will begin to make a real and sustainable difference to their health and wellbeing.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Fishermen’s Mission to deliver this exciting new health and wellbeing programme. And we’re extremely grateful to Seafarers UK for their generous financial support.”
Trawlermen star Jimmy Buchan was a fishermen for 40 years before becoming the chairman of the Scottish Seafood Association.
He is urging those working in the industry to go along to the event for the sake of their health.
Mr Buchan said: “I think it is a tremendous project.
“We should be grateful for this and I would encourage as many people as possible to go along next week.
“There is no harm in getting your blood pressure checked. Sometimes these kinds of issues can be nipped in the bud, so it is better to see someone about them.
“I would definitely encourage everyone to take up this opportunity. I might even go along myself.”
Fishermen’s Mission chief executive David Dickens said their scheme was a chance for anyone working out at sea to get their health assessed.
He said: “We know from our work in the community that the health and wellbeing needs of fishermen and their families are often just not being met.
“This event is the first of many initiatives that we will be launching around the UK over the next few months as part of the SeaFit Programme.
“All the services on offer are free and no appointment is needed, so if you live or work in the Peterhead area and you’re interested in finding out more about getting SeaFit, come down to the Sea Cadets building and see what we can offer.”