European Union (EU) Council Regulation 2847/93 sets rules on the use of fishing resources. In its framework a number of pilot applications of telematic services for fishing fleet management have been implemented. They are based on continuous tracking of the exact position of fishing vessels is effected through satellites while messages (structured or unstructured) can be exchanged with other vessels and land or sea-based control centers. The EU fishing population is spread thin, not reaching the critical mass that would make it meaningful for health care systems to provide good and inexpensive medical coverage. In addition, fishing is an activity that takes place in rough environments: Boats stay at sea for several days, sometimes isolated from the core of a fishing fleet, often in bad weather conditions. Generally they are small in size and are manned by minimal crews. Under these conditions medical emergencies can easily evolve into critical situations, managed by inexperienced fellow mates. The severity of the fishermen working conditions was recognised by Council Directive 92/29 which goes on to state that “the use of long distance medical consultation methods constitutes an efficient way of contributing to the protection of the safety and health of workers”. Against this background a consortium to “Transfer Medical Teleconsultation and Emergency Aid Services to European Fishing Vessels” (TRATA) has been set up that envisages to provide an integrated medical emergency service by utilising the telematic infrastructure set up under Council Regulation 2847/93. The present paper is a presentation of the TRATA telematics application in the context of the services it proposes to offer and the issues involved.