I-VMS licence condition requirements for under-12 metre fishing vessels registered in England

Fishing vessel licence conditions

New licence condition requirements comecame 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.

Details on type-approved devices and how to purchase one can be found on the I-VMS guidance page.

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 fishersfisher’s responsibility to act and contact their i-VMSI-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. 

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.

Note: You should not attempt to install, fix or remove your device yourself - any damage or manual interference could void your device warranty.

If you have any concerns after contacting your supplier, you can also contact us by emailing  ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk with details of the issue and the vessel it relates to.

Compliance and enforcement of I-VMS

OnceUntil the licencestatutory conditioninstrument is effect,in place, and while industry adapts to the licence condition, we will take a measured approach to enforcement and work with industry 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  ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk 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.guidance.

Any enforcement action will be conducted in line with the MMO Compliance and Enforcement Strategy.

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Buying, selling and ownership changes

• Buying a device

Fishers must choose a supplier, order the device and arrange installation. Devices must be installed and operational for any trip to seasea. once the licence condition is in effect. Guidance on the steps to take can be found on the I-VMStype-approved devices guidance page.page.

Selling a vessel

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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.

• New vessels:

vessels

All new vessels must be registered with the UK Ship Register and obtain a fishing vessel licence before installing an I-VMS device.   

VesselA new vessel must have an operational I-VMS device prior to going to seasea. fromFull 12details May 2025. Guidance on thesuppliers, stepsdevices toand takehow to purchaseorder and prepare for the licence condition can be found on thethe type-approved I-VMSdevices guidance page. of gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our updated FAQs for further information.

Contact us 

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.