Marine Management Organisation
Details
Important update 5 October 2023
The roll-out of inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) devices has restarted, ahead of legal requirements coming into force in Spring 2024.
Fishers purchasing an I-VMS device can claim grant funding of up to 1,050 per vessel by the 30 November deadline, and before the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund closes.
Any fishers yet to organise an I-VMS device for their vessel should follow this guidance and book an installation during the time periods identified for around 80% of English ports, detailed below.
Anyone who delays arranging installation outside of the dates for their port should expect to wait until later in the roll-out programme for their device to be installed.
We expect the Statutory Instrument to come into force in April 2024.
For more information, please see our guidance page.
Contents
- Introduction
- Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices
- Timescale
- Funding Criteria
- Apply now
- After you apply
Introduction
This page provides an overview of funding available for the Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) scheme for English under 12m vessels and how to apply.
For more information on about I-VMS devices and the installation process, please refer to our general guidance pages.
Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices
Initial costs associated with the installation of MMO type approved I-VMS devices can be reimbursed through grant funding from the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF), up to the value of 1,050 per vessel.
The scheme provides financial support for eligible fishers to purchase and install an I-VMS device on board their vessel ahead of the introduction of new legislation that will make it a legal requirement to have an I-VMS device on board English vessels.
If you have any questions relating to the purchase of a non-type approved device, please contact our grants team using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Timescales
I-VMS devices must be installed and operational before the introduction of the I-VMS Statutory Instrument (SI), which is not expected to come into effect until 2024.
The I-VMS roll-out plan is based on an installation schedule of port visits running from 4 September to 30 November 2023. The process for claiming funding has been streamlined and fishers should now claim their EMFF grant by providing invoice and proof of purchase from their preferred supplier..
Successful grant applications will be processed within three to five working days upon receipt of all required information.
To meet EMFF grant payment conditions, devices must be installed within 90 days of purchase and claims must be made by 30 November 2023.
Vessels operating in Welsh & Severn and Devon IFCA waters
If you are subject to existing legislation requiring the operation of an I-VMS device, either under IFCA or Welsh Government legislation, please take action immediately and notify the supplier that you are affected by I-VMS measures when arranging your installation.
Contact our I-VMS Support & Engagement team with any questions about details of the roll-out, by calling the dedicated helpline, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or emailing ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.
Funding criteria
Who can apply for funding?
All applicants must be English licensed commercial fishing vessels under 12m. Fishers can apply for grant funding once they have purchased their preferred Type Approved device. To apply you must have supporting evidence of an invoice and proof of payment.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to proceed with arranging purchase and installation of a preferred device as soon as possible.
Who cannot apply for funding?
You cannot apply for and receive funding if you have:
- been convicted of fraud under any other fisheries scheme
- been convicted of an offence that the MMO considers to be a serious infringement or fraud, in the 12 months before applying.
What can I apply for?
Applicants can apply for up to 1,050 grant towards the purchase and installation of a type approved I-VMS device on their vessel.
How to apply
All applicants applying to the Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) scheme should read our [I-VMS guidance](Inshore Vessel Monitoring (I-VMS) for under-12m fishing vessels registered in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) before applying.
You can apply for funding using I-VMS E-system
You will need to be able to pay for your entire project up front - you can then claim up to 1,050 of the costs back from MMO.
The process for claiming funding has been streamlined and fishers should now claim their EMFF grant by providing proof of purchase from their preferred supplier.
We will quickly assess your application upon receipt and notify you if any further information is required. Once we have all the required information, we will contact you to tell you if your application has been successful or not. If successful, you should receive payment into your nominated bank account within three to five working days.
When completing your