European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF): I-VMS
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-22)

European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF): I-VMS

You can find the latest Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) guidance here (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/inshore-vessel-monitoring-i-vms-for-under-12m-fishing-vessels-registered-in-england).

Contents
- Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices (#funding)
- Timescale (#time)
- Funding Criteria (#criteria)
- Apply now (#apply)
- After you apply (#after)
- Data Privacy (#privacy)
Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices

The claims window for European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grants to assist fishers with purchase and installation costs has now closed. Any fishers yet to purchase a device will need to cover the costs themselves.

As part of the terms and conditions agreed to when applying for a European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grant, there is a requirement for devices to be installed and operational within 90 days of the grant payment. The terms and conditions are at the top of this page.

More information about arranging installation of devices is available on our I-VMS guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/inshore-vessel-monitoring-i-vms-for-under-12m-fishing-vessels-registered-in-england).

If you purchased a device during the roll-out programme, before 31 December 2023, and have any questions about grant applications or the EMFF conditions please contact our grants team using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

Timescales

Applications for an EMFF grant had to be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 18 December 2023.

The EMFF scheme closed on 31 December 2023.

Funding criteria

Please note: The claims window for European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grants to assist fishers with purchase and installation costs has now closed. Any fishers yet to purchase a device will need to cover the costs themselves.

Who can apply for funding?

All applicants must be English licensed commercial fishing vessels under 12 metres. 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.

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.

How to apply

Apply for funding online.

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 application online, you will be asked to provide an installation date, or where that is not yet confirmed, the date you purchased your I-VMS device.

What information do I need to provide?

You will need the following information to complete the application:
- Your personal/business details including name/address/ business name/VAT registration number (if applicable)
- Your vessel details
- Invoice for the type approved device purchased
- Evidence of payment from your bank account to the supplier.
Information will need to be uploaded as part of your online application. You can do this via your computer or mobile device by providing screenshots or photographs.

When completing your application online, you will be asked to provide an installation date, or where that is not yet confirmed, the date you purchased your I-VMS device.

Apply now

Apply for funding using the I-VMS E-system (https://scis.marineservices.org.uk/FaSS_funding_portal.ofml)

Watch this video for a step-by-step guidance on submitting your claim:

Applying for an I-VMS grant – October 2023 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEtTanVlZVE)

Transcript for I-VMS EMFF grant application ‘how to apply’ video (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6564ad91888c060013fa7d77/Transcript_of_I-VMS_EMFF_grant__how_to_apply__video.pdf)

After you apply

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.

For more information contact our grants team:

Grants team Marine Management Organisation Lancaster House Hampshire Court Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YH

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Data privacy

I-VMS data is accessible to all UK Fisheries Administrations and other agencies, including Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCA), and can be used for a range of activity including monitoring compliance and informing evidence-based decision-making for fisheries management.

Your personal information including location information will not be accessible to other fishers or the public.

You can read the current privacy notice on the personal information charter (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Forganisations%2Fmarine-management-organisation%2Fabout%2Fpersonal-information-charter%23privacy-notices&data=05%7C02%7CWebmaster.MMO%40defra.gov.uk%7C1aba3b920ba54babae7e08ddc8593dcb%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638887007779459494%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IWGeGL8IzUOOnZsCwv1pNhBribusc2R%2FlMR%2FiKkdH0k%3D&reserved=0).