Marine Management Organisation
Details
Important update 21 April 2023
As Englands marine regulator, MMO has been supporting industry to prepare for new I-VMS legislation, providing fishers with access to grant funding to secure a Type Approved I-VMS device, so that every fisher has the opportunity to be compliant ahead of the statutory instrument being implemented.
Feedback received last year suggested that some devices may not be compliant with MMOs Type Approval specification. In response, MMO has been undertaking an independent testing process to provide additional assurance to fishers ahead of the wider roll-out of the I-VMS programme.
Suppliers were advised not to market, sell or install any devices pending the outcome of the independent testing assurance process.
On 21 April 2023, MMO took action to suspend the Type Approval status of Maritime Systems MS44 device after receiving evidence the supplier has disregarded this instruction. Whilst this suspension is in place, fishers are advised not to purchase this device if they intend to seek MMO grant funding.
MMO will shortly advise suppliers and fishers of the outcome of the independent testing process and the Type Approved status of all devices.
Contents
- Introduction
- Latest update
- Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices
- Timescale
- Further funding information
- 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.
Latest Update - November 2022
Assurance work is currently being carried out on all approved I-VMS devices. Its expected that this work will be completed during the first quarter of 2023.
While the roll-out programme continues, we understand that fishers may prefer to wait until the results of this additional testing have been published before choosing and purchasing their I-VMS device. We acknowledge the delays and impact of additional testing and are reviewing installation and grant application deadlines for the final tranche (T4) of vessels below 6 metres in length.
Further updates will be shared in due course with details of next steps for installation, grant funding and regulatory information.
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), to the value of 650 per vessel. The scheme provides financial support for eligible fishermen to purchase and install an I-VMS device on board their vessel, in order to comply with legislation that will come into effect in 2023, making it a legal requirement to have an I-VMS device on board English vessels.
Timescales
I-VMS devices must be installed and operational before the introduction of the I-VMS Statutory Instrument (SI), scheduled for 2023. To give fishers onall under 12 metre English vessels the opportunity to purchase and install an I-VMS approved device onto their vessel prior to this new legislation coming into force. MMO started a roll-out progr