I-VMS - Frequently asked questions
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-11)

I-VMS - Frequently asked questions

1. About I-VMS

1.1 Why is I-VMS being introduced?
- Vessel monitoring is a tool that will enable a better understanding of scale, location, and seasonality of fishing activity. This additional information combined with other fisheries data will grow our understanding of fishing and will assist in quota negotiations and marine spatial planning as well as allowing us to identify and respond more swiftly to new issues.
- Data about the location, scale, and seasonality of fishing effort from the majority of English fishers will also provide industry and regulators with more powerful information they can use when presenting their case for example in planning consents for marine development, fisheries management, or resolution of gear conflict issues with other marine users.
- Coupled with the outputs from our fisheries assurance service MMO will also be able to better target our risk-based, intelligence-led assurance and inspections activities. In time, it may enable steps towards a lighter touch for fishers who demonstrate a consistently high level of compliance.
- It will enable more precise delineation between fishing grounds and protected areas meaning a better balance between keeping fishing grounds open and protecting sensitive marine habitats and species can be established.
- It will enable improved control of non-English vessels in English waters as the current requirement is for all under-12m vessels to carry a vessel monitoring device.
- Vessel monitoring could increase safety for smaller vessel operators as it could provide timely and accurate detail to inform search and rescue efforts if necessary.
1.2 Which vessels does I-VMS apply to?

I-VMS is a requirement for any licenced English under-12m vessel undertaking a trip to sea from 12 May 2025. This is part of a new licence condition introduced to support English fishers be prepared ahead of statutory legislation, expected to be laid by government later this year.

Please note:
- It is already a legal requirement to have a fully functioning I-VMS device on board if you are operating in Devon & Severn IFCA’s district, in accordance with a mobile fishing permit. If you need more information, please contact Devon & Severn IFCA at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) or xx-xxxx-xxxx.
- The Welsh Government also has a legal requirement for I-VMS to be operating on boats fishing in Welsh waters. Please contact the Welsh Government Fisheries department for further information: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) or telephone xx-xxxx-xxxx / xx-xxxx-xxxx.
Once the statutory instrument is laid, I-VMS will be mandatory for all UK and non-UK under-12m vessels operating in English waters. By ‘English waters’ this means the English section of the UK EEZ.

1.3 What basis is there for introducing a licence condition?

The licence condition for I-VMS has been introduced in line with our usual process, and in line with our powers under Schedule 3 of the Fisheries Act (2020).

This is an interim measure to support English vessel owners be as prepared as possible for when the statutory instrument comes into force, by ensuring vessels have a type-approved device installed and also so we can work with owners and suppliers to address any technical or logistical issues.

2. Type approved devices, suppliers and installation

2.1 Where can I find information about I-VMS devices type-approved by MMO?

Full details on suppliers, devices, ordering and installation are available on our list of type approved devices guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-i-vms-type-approved-devices-for-under-12-metre-english-vessels).

2.2 Can I use another tracking device instead of an MMO type-approved I-VMS device?

No. All English under-12m vessels must operate with an MMO type-approved I-VMS device to be compliant with the licence condition and the incoming legislation.

Vessels from other nationalities are not bound to this requirement, providing their device has been endorsed and recognised by their fisheries authority. The device must provide the same level of data, accuracy and performance to the UK VMS Hub when operating in English waters. AIS will not be accepted.

2.3 What should I do if I already have a device fitted to my vessel that is no longer type-approved?

You must purchase and install a type-approved device.

Do not attempt to uninstall your existing device yourself. The engineer who installs your replacement device will uninstall and safely dispose of your old device.

Research the type-approved devices to consider which will best suit your vessel and needs, placing an order as soon as possible. Suppliers can advise you on the options for your vessel type.

Supplier and device details are available on our list of type approved devices guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-i-vms-type-approved-devices-for-under-12-metre-english-vessels).

2.4 If I own more than one vessel, can I buy one I-VMS device and transfer it to the vessel I intend to operate with?

No. Each vessel will need to have its own I-VMS device installed. I-VMS devices cannot be removed from the vessel unless for repair, which needs to be arranged through your supplier and their approved engineer.

You should not attempt to install, fix or remove a device yourself and any damage or manual interference could void your device warranty and the terms and conditions of any EMFF funding (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-maritime-fisheries-fund-emff-i-vms) awarded, which may generate further investigatory action.

2.5 What do I need to consider when selling or buying an under-12m vessel?

Read the full guidance under the buying, selling and ownership changes section of the I-VMS licence condition requirements page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/i-vms-licence-condition-requirements-for-under-12-metre-fishing-vessels-registered-in-england).

If you are selling a vessel and purchased an I-VMS device with an EMFF grant that has been installed for less than three years, you must inform the MMO Grants team : call xx-xxxx-xxxx or email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

2.6 I’ve ordered a device and am waiting for confirmation and / or I have contacted my preferred supplier to make a purchase but I am yet to hear back – what do I do?

Both suppliers of type-approved I-VMS devices are currently experiencing a high volume of enquiries. They will respond to you as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about delays from suppliers impacting your ability to take a trip to sea from 12 May 2025, please contact our I-VMS support team with details of your enquiry and / or order.

If we have evidence that you are taking steps to order a device and arrange installation, we will take a pragmatic approach to enforcement while arrangements are being made.

Call xx-xxxx-xxxx (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm) or email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

2.7 I’ve ordered my device but it won’t be installed before the licence condition comes into effect on 12 May 2025 – will I risk enforcement action if I go to sea?

If you have any concerns about engineer availability impacting your ability to have a device installed for a trip to sea from 12 May 2025, please contact our I-VMS support team with details of your enquiry and / or confirmation of your installation date.

If we have evidence that you are taking steps to order a device and arrange installation, we will take a pragmatic approach to enforcement while arrangements are being made.

Call xx-xxxx-xxxx (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm) or email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

3. Financial support

3.1 Is there any funding support available?

No. Grants of up to £1,050 (per vessel) were available to support fishers with purchase and installation costs through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund until 31 December 2023. This scheme has now closed.

Any costs associated with the purchase, installation or maintenance of I-VMS devices is the responsibility of the vessel owner.

3.2 I received an EMFF grant payment and have a question - who do I contact?

Please contact our grants team by phoning xx-xxxx-xxxx or emailing xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). You can also read EMFF grants information online (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-maritime-fisheries-fund-emff-i-vms).

4. I-VMS data and legislation

4.1 Why has it taken so long to bring this legislation into effect?

It was anticipated that I-VMS legislation would come into force in 2024. The calling of the parliamentary elections that took place in July 2024, restricted the conduct of government business, including the laying of the I-VMS legislation, which then became a decision for the new government.

Working closely with the new government, DEFRA and suppliers, MMO is moving forward with I-VMS for the benefit of both fishers and fisheries management.

4.2 When will it become a legal requirement to have an I-VMS device installed and transmitting?

Licence conditions requiring the use of I-VMS devices came into effect on 12 May 2025.

MMO expects new legislation, a statutory instrument, to come into force later in 2025.

4.3 Who will have access to my data?

I-VMS data is accessible, via data sharing agreements, to all UK Fisheries Administrations and other agencies including Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCA).

You can read a copy of the current notice on the MMO personal information charter section of GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation/about/personal-information-charter#privacy-notices).

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

4.4 What will my data be used for?

Data collected by I-VMS devices will be used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to monitoring compliance, sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, safety and security, informed decision-making as well as research and analysis.

Read the I-VMS privacy notice published on the personal information charter page.

The data will also allow fishers to track their own activity (via the app or web portal) and better understand their fishing effort.

4.5 What happens if there is an issue with my I-VMS device - can I go to sea?

If you notice that your I-VMS device is not operating correctly, it is your responsibility to contact your device supplier immediately and work with them to resolve it. If you have any concerns, you can also contact us by emailing xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) with details of the issue and the vessel it relates to.

If MMO detects any issues with your device, we will contact you and provide appropriate guidance at that time.

5. Contact details

5.1 Who do I contact if I have further questions about I-VMS?

Contact the I-VMS Support & Engagement team for general I-VMS information on xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) or xx-xxxx-xxxx from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

You can also visit or call your local coastal office during office hours.

Find more information online at: www.gov.uk/mmo/i-vms-england (http://www.gov.uk/mmo/i-vms-england)

5.2 Who can I ask for guidance about I-VMS devices and packages?

Contact the suppliers directly to discuss your requirements.

Fulcrum:
- Website: https://fulcrum-maritime.groupcls.com/nemo-i-vms-type-approved-device/
- Contact telephone number: xx-xxxx-xxxx
Succorfish:
- Website: www.succorfish.com (http://www.succorfish.com/)
- Contact telephone number: xx-xxxx-xxxx
List of type approved devices: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-i-vms-type-approved-devices-for-under-12-metre-english-vessels