Marine Management Organisation
Important update 25 October 2023
The roll-out of inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) devices has restarted for both over and under six metre vessels, ahead of legal requirements which are expected to come into force in April 2024.
This information is for those with 6-12m metre vessels. Please visit our dedicated guidance page for vessels under six metres in length.
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.
Actions to take:
1. Choose your preferred device
The two type approved devices are Fulcrum NEMO or Succorfish SC2.
2. Purchase device from supplier
Youll typically receive payment confirmation on the same day.
3. Apply for your grant funding by 30 November 2023.
You can start your grant claim as soon as you have paid for your device and received proof of purchase - you do not need to wait for installation of a device to submit a grant application.
4. Receive your grant payment
On receipt of all required information, grant applications will be processed by MMO and payment will be issued to you within three to five working days.
5. Install device
Installation of your device should be arranged directly with suppliers and/or their engineers.
MMO continues to contact fishers by letter and email to make sure all fishers are aware of their options, and fishers may also receive a phone call or text.
Full details of the roll-out are published below along with FAQs about installing an I-VMS device on an over six metre vessel.
Our dedicated helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by calling 01900 508618, or you can email our I-VMS Engagement and Support team at ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.
What is I-VMS?
Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices are similar to the VMS tracking devices used by fishing vessels of 12 metres and greater. I-VMS devices monitor inshore fishing activity to help improve the management and sustainability of our marine environment, ensure proper fishing practices and prevent illegal fishing to help protect and enhance the livelihoods of fishers.
Using GPRS mobile phone signals, I-VMS devices provide positional information (such as latitude and longitude, course, speed and date and time of each positional report) which is sent to MMOs UK VMS Hub. When a device is located outside GPRS range, the device will continue to store the positional information and submit the data once GPRS coverage next becomes available. This is different to the VMS devices used by larger vessels, which transmit data via satellite and can become expensive.
Combined with data on catch volumes, scientific evidence of stock levels and a range of other significant data, I-VMS will enable more efficient decisions on local and national management measures and policies. It will also enable MMO to continually improve its targeted assurance activities as the clearer picture of fishing activity will help highlight which vessels are consistently complying with regulations on where and what they can fish, and those that may introduce risk to sustainable sea fisheries.
I-VMS legislation
The introduction of legislation to make I-VMS mandatory is expected to come into force in 2024. . Once legislation is in place, it will be a legal requirement for all vessels under 12 metres in length, both domestic and foreign, to have an inshore vessel monitoring system (I-VMS) installed and transmitting data to MMO, when they are at sea in English waters. This is part of the governments strategy to improve data collection to support development of more responsive fisheries management measures and practices that will enable industry to benefit from leaving the Common Fisheries Policy.
When the legislation comes into force it will be every fishers responsibility to ensure that they have a device fitted and that it is transmitting - if a device is not fitted to the vessel and transmitting, they will not be able to fish lawfully.
Legal measures
Fishers that are subject to existing legislation requiring the operation of an I-VMS device, either under IFCA or Welsh Government legislation, should take action immediately and notify the supplier that you are affected by I-VMS measures when arranging your installation.
Type approved devices
Following independent testing, two devices Fulcrum NEMO and Succorfish SC2 remain type approved.
Fishers should review the list of type approved devices and supplier information and act now to purchase their preferred device.
Fishers with an I-VMS device that is no longer type approved should not attempt to remove that device - the removal and safe disposal of non type approved devices is covered as part of the installation process.
Funding support
Up to 1,050 of European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) grant funding is available to support fishers secure a suitable I-VMS device and reclaim purchase and installation costs.
The process for claiming funding has been streamlined and fishers can now apply for their European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) grant by providing proof of purchase from their preferred supplier.
Successful grant applications will be processed within 3-5 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.
Read more and make your grant claim of up to 1,050 from the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for i-VMS.
Roll-out of I-VMS devices
As a responsible regulator, MMO is facilitating preparations to support industry through type approval, grant funding and a staged roll-out, so that every fisher has the opportunity to be compliant before the new legislation is introduced.
The I-VMS roll-out plan is based on an installation schedule of port visits running from 4 September to 30 November 2023, which will see. installation engineers available in key home ports for set periods. The roll-out will start in ports with the highest numbers of registered vessels, and initially focus on the over 6 metre fleet.
By targeting ports with the highest numbers of vessels, we are aiming to make the installation process more convenient and efficient for fishers, helping to reduce disruption to fishing activity, and best supporting industry.
Details of locations and dates for each phase of the roll-out are listed below and you can view or download posters with locations and dates information.
Fishers operating out of these ports should now choose their preferred device and book an installation date during the dates specified.
Those fishers operating out of smaller ports not currently included, can either visit a nearby port that is included, or book at their home port at the soonest convenient date.<