GovWire

Important update 19 May 2023

Last year, following feedback, MMO acted and commissioned independent assurance testing on Type Approved I-VMS devices. This has now been completed and we have taken the decision to continue the pause of the I-VMS device roll-out until further notice.

MMO remains confident that the roll-out programme will be able to progress, but with a reduced number of Type Approved devices.

The Fulcrum Nemo and Succorfish SC2 devices will remain Type Approved following minor fixes and independent review. The other devices, Maritime Systems MS44 and the Satlink Nano, have had their Type Approved status revoked as they did not meet assurance test thresholds.

MMO is in the process of contacting all fishers with further information based on which device has been purchased.

Product Type Approved status revoked

If you have purchased a Maritime Systems MS44 or Satlink Nano device, MMO can confirm that you will be financially supported to secure suitable, replacement devices. You will be contacted directly with more information and there is no requirement for you to take any action at this stage. We appreciate you will have questions regarding removal/replacement of devices and financial impact, and we will bring you further updates on how we can support you.

Product Type Approved status retained

If you have purchased a Fulcrum Nemo and Succorfish SC2 device (which have retained Type Approval status) you will be notified directly. Please bear with us while we work with the supplier to recommence roll-out as soon as possible. You do not need to take any further action.

Fishers who have not purchased or installed an I-VMS device

Please take no further action at this stage. Further updates will be made available as soon as possible. All suppliers have been notified and advised not to sell or install devices until further notice.

I-VMS device suppliers have already been notified of our decisions. We are currently working closely with suppliers who have retained Type Approval status to plan the next stage of the roll-out of I-VMS devices. Further updates will be shared with you as soon as possible.

Update on I-VMS legislation

The roll-out of I-VMS devices is important and will help fishers to ensure they are compliant ahead of governments upcoming legislation, which will require all commercial fishing vessels operating in English waters to be tracked, including English vessels, vessels from across the UK and all foreign vessels licensed to fish in English waters.

The introduction of legislation to make I-VMS mandatory has been delayed to account for this latest information.

Enquiries

A dedicated helpline has also been set up to help with enquiries. Call 01900 508618 Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm. It will also be operating on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May from 10am to 4pm.

Before calling, please read our updated I-VMS FAQs to see if they provide the information that you need.