I-VMS licence condition requirements for under-12 metre fishing vessels registered in England
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-25)

Guidance explaining the operational requirements for Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems (I-VMS) under the fishing licence condition.

Important update - 25 September 2025

On 12 August, MMO published an article (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/i-vms-urgent-update) confirming that Succorfish (supplier of SC2 devices) was no longer forwarding I-VMS data to the UK VMS Hub, and that discussions were underway to resolve this matter.

On 19 September, Devon & Severn IFCA (DSIFCA) announced plans to introduce ReWire devices to fishers in its district. MMO understands this is a temporary measure to address the ceasing of data transmissions by Succorfish SC2 I-VMS devices to the UK VMS Hub.

The use of ReWire devices is specific to fishers currently affected by the suspended data transmission by Succorfish, within the DSIFCA district, to obtain positional information required under their bylaw and ensure fishers can be compliant.

We are in discussion with DSIFCA about the technical elements of introducing these devices, including the use of the data. We are also aware that other IFCAs with byelaws or permit requirements may also be exploring temporary options.

Fishers should contact their IFCA directly for further information.

Meanwhile, MMO continues to work with Succorfish to resolve this matter and would like to thank fishers for their patience while we do so.

All fishers should continue to operate as normal, including having their I-VMS devices switched on and transmitting positional data while at sea. Data transmissions by SC2 devices will still reach the supplier’s server.

Our measured approach to enforcement of the licence condition remains in place at this time.

We will issue another update when more information is available.

If you have any questions, please contact the I-VMS Help Desk at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) or xx-xxxx-xxxx. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

This page provides guidance on the requirements of the licence conditions and your obligations.

General information about I-VMS can be found on the I-VMS guidance page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/inshore-vessel-monitoring-i-vms-for-under-12m-fishing-vessels-registered-in-england).

Fishing vessel licence conditions

New licence condition requirements came into force on 12 May 2025.

The full requirements were issued through a variation notice to all registered commercial fishing vessel licence holders on 28 March 2025. They state that that:
- All English under-12 metre vessels registered with a commercial fishing vessel licence must have a functional MMO type-approved I-VMS device when undertaking a trip to sea.
- That the device is switched on and transmitting data to be received by the UK VMS Hub
- The device is not manually overridden or tampered with to prevent the transmission of data.
Operational guidance
- The type-approved I-VMS device must be operational whenever the vessel goes to sea.
- If the device is battery or solar powered, you must ensure it is charged and has sufficient power for the duration of the trip to sea.
- Check the status of your device - you can do this by using a mobile app or web portal provided by your device supplier – see ‘checking your device and data’ section below.
- Any issues should be reported directly to the supplier if they cannot be resolved using the troubleshooting guides provided to you.
- MMO will inform fishers if issues with the device are detected. It is the fisher’s responsibility to act and contact their I-VMS device supplier.
Checking your device and data

I-VMS devices send positional data (latitude, longitude, speed, and course) and report device ID, date, time changes in events such as battery status and data stored.

Data will transmit at regular intervals via GPRS which is a mobile phone signal to reduce transmission costs. If the I-VMS device is in an area that has no GPRS coverage, then the device will retain the generated data and transmit it all once a connection has been restored. This complies with the requirements of the licence condition.

It is your responsibility to conduct regular checks to ensure the continuing operational requirements of your I-VMS device(s). These should form part of a regular routine and take place before any trip to sea.

Check the power supply

Ensure your device is switched on your device and check the power supply is fully operational during trips to sea. If using a portable power bank, make sure it is charged prior to your trip and is connected to your device.

Transmit and check your I-VMS device data

Check your device is transmitting data correctly by accessing the data app or web portal provided by your supplier.

I-VMS device suppliers have provided either a mobile app or a web portal for you to track your own I-VMS data. As well as checking the status of your device, you will also be able to use this data to:
- View and evidence fishing patterns and activities at sea.
- Refine your efforts and business plans
- Use it as evidence in any compliance or conflict resolution.
Contact your supplier for support with login access and user guidance.

Data transmitted once the licence condition comes into effect will be accessible to all UK Fisheries Administrations and can be used to monitor compliance and inform evidence-based decision-making for fisheries management, as outlined in the I-VMS privacy notice in MMO’s personal information charter (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation/about/personal-information-charter#privacy-notices).

Mobile blackspots

We know there are areas in our waters where it won’t be possible to send a signal to demonstrate a vessel’s location in real time. Devices are capable of storing a cache of data and then transmitting that information when the vessel returns to an area with a strong signal. This ensures that I-VMS devices will provide a continuous location history.

Device troubleshooting

Each supplier has provided a user manual to help identify issues using light indicators (LEDs). As a general guide:
- Fulcrum NEMO: LEDs indicate power, faults, and battery levels.
- Succorfish SC2: LEDs show power status and possible faults.
If the device fails, you must contact the supplier immediately.

Report issues to your supplier

Each supplier has provided a user manual for device troubleshooting. If you are still unable to resolve any issues, report them to your supplier immediately. Your supplier may also contact you to make sure everything is working correctly.

Apart from the exception noted below, devices must only be installed or removed by an engineer approved by your device supplier. You should not attempt to install, fix or remove your device yourself as any damage or manual interference could void your device warranty.

July 2025: We are aware that, due to the demand created by the I-VMS licence condition, engineer availability in some areas can cause a delay to the removal and inspection of a device. If you have reported an issue to your supplier and they have requested the device is returned for inspection, it may be possible for fishers to remove the device manually. To ensure that your warranty is not void, removal of devices by individuals can only be done with written agreement from the supplier, who will provide instructions for doing so safely.

We have put this temporary dispensation in place during the licence condition period, based on feedback from fishermen and to facilitate the timely inspection / repair of devices.

In no other circumstance should fishers remove devices themselves. Devices must be re-installed by an approved engineer once the supplier has resolved the issue.

If you have any further questions after contacting your supplier, 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.

Compliance and enforcement of I-VMS

Until the statutory instrument is in place, and while industry adapts to the licence condition, we will take a measured approach to enforcement and work with fishers and suppliers to address any issues.

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 after contacting your supplier, 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.

Any enforcement action will be conducted in line with the MMO Compliance and Enforcement Strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/compliance-and-enforcement-strategy/compliance-and-enforcement-strategy).

Buying, selling and ownership changes

Buying a vessel

You must obtain a licence via our fishing vessel licensing process (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/do-i-need-a-fishing-vessel-licence) . You can also contact the I-VMS team for advice and support.

Sellers with I-VMS devices funded through an EMFF grant that has been installed for less than three years, must also inform the MMO grants team (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/i-vms-frequently-asked-questions#financial-support).

Buying a device

Fishers must choose a supplier, order the device and arrange installation. Devices must be installed and operational for any trip to sea. Guidance on the steps to take can be found on the type approved devices (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-i-vms-type-approved-devices-for-under-12-metre-english-vessels)guidance page.

Selling a vessel

You must notify MMO if you are selling a vessel as part of the licensing process. If you are selling a vessel with an I-VMS device installed, you may be able to:
- Retain ownership of the device and install it on another under-12 metre vessel
- Transfer ownership of the I-VMS device to the new vessel owner.
It is the owner’s responsibility to notify their I-VMS supplier of their intentions. Any transfer will be dependent on the agreement with the device supplier. If a transfer of ownership is allowed, the I-VMS device will need to be cleared of existing data before the new owner can use it. This is in accordance with data protection and GDPR legislation – and is why the original device owner needs to make the request.

Sellers with I-VMS devices funded through an EMFF grant that has been installed for less than three years, must also inform the MMO grants team (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/i-vms-frequently-asked-questions#financial-support).

New vessels

All new vessels must be registered with the UK Ship Register (https://ukshipregister.co.uk/registration) and obtain a licence (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/do-i-need-a-fishing-vessel-licence) before installing an I-VMS device.

A new vessel must have an operational I-VMS device prior to going to sea. Full details on suppliers, devices and how to order can be found on the type-approved devices page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-i-vms-type-approved-devices-for-under-12-metre-english-vessels) of gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our updated FAQs (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/i-vms-frequently-asked-questions) for further information.

Contact us

Our dedicated helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by calling xx-xxxx-xxxx, or you can email our I-VMS Engagement and Support team at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).