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 currentlyis a a requirement underfor sectionany 16licenced ofEnglish yourunder-12m fishing vessel licenceundertaking fora alltrip Englishto licencedsea under-12mfrom vessels12 undertakingMay 2025. This is part of a tripnew licence condition introduced to sea.support VesselsEnglish mustfishers onlybe operateprepared withahead anof MMOstatutory type-approvedlegislation, I-VMSexpected device.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 permits@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk or 01803 8546478.
• 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: MarineEvidenceandTech@gov.wales or telephone 03000 258907 / 03000 258923.

Once the statutory instrument is laid, I-VMS will be mandatory for all UK and non-UK under-12m vessels operating in English waterswaters. (EnglishBy ‘English waters’ this means the English section of the UK EEZ).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.

Please

2.2 noteCan that:

• CLSI UKuse Ltdanother istracking thedevice onlyinstead supplier of aan MMO type-approved deviceI-VMS thatdevice?

No. isAll transmittingEnglish under-12m vessels must operate with an MMO type-approved I-VMS datadevice to be compliant with the UKlicence VMScondition Hub.

Youand shouldthe actincoming promptlylegislation.

Vessels andfrom acquireother anationalities type-approvedare devicenot bound to ensurethis thatrequirement, youproviding meettheir thedevice obligationshas been endorsed and conditionsrecognised by their fisheries authority. The device must provide the same level of yourdata, fishingaccuracy licence.

and performance to the UK VMS Hub when operating in English waters. AIS will not be accepted.

2.22.3 What doshould I needdo toif considerI whenalready choosinghave whicha type-approved device fitted to purchase?

Tomy complyvessel withthat youris licenceno condition,longer youtype-approved?

You must purchase and install a type-approved device.

Do not attempt to uninstall your existing device thatyourself. transmitsThe positionalengineer datawho toinstalls theyour UKreplacement VMSdevice Hub.will uninstall and safely dispose of your old device. 

PleaseResearch note:the CLStype-approved UKdevices Ltdto isconsider thewhich onlywill supplierbest ofsuit ayour type-approvedvessel deviceand thatneeds, isplacing transmittingan I-VMSorder dataas tosoon as possible. Suppliers can advise you on the UKoptions VMSfor Hub.your vessel type.   

Supplier and device details are available on our list of type approved devices guidance page.

 2.3 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 mustwill need to have aits uniqueown I-VMS device.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.

2.4

You I’veshould orderednot attempt to install, fix or remove a device yourself and amany waitingdamage foror confirmationmanual andinterference /could orvoid Iyour havedevice contactedwarranty myand supplierthe toterms makeand aconditions purchaseof butany IEMFF amfunding yetawarded, towhich hearmay backgenerate –further whatinvestigatory action.

 2.5 What do I do?

Ifneed youto areconsider concernedwhen supplierselling or engineerbuying delaysan willunder-12m impactvessel?

Read yourthe abilityfull toguidance fishunder andthe /buying, orselling complyand withownership thechanges licencesection condition,of pleasethe contactI-VMS ourlicence I-VMScondition supportrequirements teampage.

If withyou detailsare ofselling youra enquiryvessel and /purchased oran order.

IfI-VMS wedevice havewith evidencean thatEMFF yougrant arethat takinghas stepsbeen toinstalled orderfor aless devicethan andthree arrangeyears, installation,you wemust willinform takethe aMMO pragmaticGrants approachteam to: enforcementcall while0330 arrangements041 are6579 beingor made.email ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk

2.52.6 MyI’ve fundedordered Nemoa device hasand beenam installedwaiting –for howconfirmation doand I/ removeor andI disposehave ofcontacted my otherpreferred device?

Thesupplier removalto andmake disposala ofpurchase abut deviceI isam theyet responsibilityto ofhear theback vessel– ownerwhat anddo shouldI bedo?

Both undertakensuppliers safelyof andtype-approved inI-VMS accordancedevices withare localcurrently environmentalexperiencing guidelinesa andhigh MMOvolume guidance,of atenquiries. certifiedThey WEEEwill recyclingrespond providers.

Vesselsto fishingyou inas thesoon Devonas &possible. SevernIf IFCAyou districthave fittedany withconcerns about Rewiredelays devicesfrom shouldsuppliers directimpacting anyyour deviceability enquiriesto directlytake a trip to thesea IFCAfrom using12 theMay 2025, please contact our I-VMS support team with details below.

 3.of Financialyour support 

enquiry and / or order.

3.1

If Iwe have anevidence SC2that deviceyou andare amtaking eligiblesteps forto order a Nemodevice fromand CLSarrange UKinstallation, Ltdwe –will dotake Ia needpragmatic approach to applyenforcement forwhile funding?

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Call funded01900 Nemo508618 device(Monday doto notFriday, need9.00am to apply5.00pm) foror anyemail fundingivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.

2.7 andI’ve willordered notmy bedevice liablebut forit purchasewon’t orbe installationinstalled costs,before providingthe youlicence havecondition registeredcomes byinto 11.59pm,effect Sundayon 12 JulyMay 2026,2005 and– dowill notI missrisk yourenforcement installationaction appointment.if YouI willgo beto responsiblesea?

If foryou yourhave airtimeany contract.

Instructionsconcerns about haveengineer beenavailability postedimpacting andyour emailedability to eligiblehave vessela owners.device Youinstalled willfor needa trip to providesea thefrom PLN12 ofMay the2025, eligibleplease vesselcontact toour proceed,I-VMS alongsupport team with yourdetails vesselof nameyour enquiry and contact/ details.or  Anyoneconfirmation whoof thinksyour theyinstallation aredate.

If eligiblewe andhave hasevidence notthat receivedyou aare notificationtaking steps to registerorder shoulda contactdevice theand I-VMSarrange teaminstallation, immediately.

Registrationwe closeswill attake 11.59pm,a Sundaypragmatic 12approach Julyto 2026enforcement –while visitarrangements theare I-VMSbeing guidance page for details.made.

3.2

Call I01900 will508618 lose(Monday ato day’sFriday, fishing9.00am to get5.00pm) myor deviceemail installedivms@marinemanagement.org.uk.

 3. -Financial willsupport 

 3.1 IIs bethere compensatedany forfunding that?support available? 

No. CompensationGrants claims for loss of fishingup time to accommodate£1,050 for(per anvessel) I-VMSwere deviceavailable installationto willsupport befishers rejectedwith purchase and noinstallation paymentscosts willthrough bethe made.

3.3 Is grant funding still available? 

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund closeduntil on 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, other than those eligible for a Nemo device from CLS UK Ltd as outlined in section 3.1 above.owner.

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

Please contact our grants team by phoning 0330 041 6579 or emailing emailing ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk. You can also read read EMFF grants information online.

4. I-VMS data and legislation  

4.1 WhenWhy willhas it becometaken aso legallong requirement to havebring anthis I-VMSlegislation deviceinto installed and transmitting? effect?

It was anticipated that I-VMS legislation would come into force in 2024. The licencecalling conditionof isthe aparliamentary legalelections requirementthat undertook place in July 2024, restricted the Fisheriesconduct Actof (2020)government andbusiness, requiresincluding the uselaying of the I-VMS type-approvedlegislation, deviceswhich then became a decision for the new government.

Working closely with the new government, DEFRA and transmissionsuppliers, ofMMO positionalis datamoving toforward UKwith VMSI-VMS Hub,for thatthe camebenefit intoof effectboth onfishers 12and Mayfisheries 2025.management.

A

4.2 statutoryWhen instrumentwill thatit willbecome mandatea legal requirement to have an I-VMS device installed and transmitting? 

Licence conditions requiring the use of I-VMS devices bycame allinto under-12meffect fishingon vessels12 operatingMay in2025.

MMO Englishexpects waters.new Fishermenlegislation, willa bestatutory notifiedinstrument, onceto thecome dateinto hasforce beenlater set.  in 2025.  

4.24.3 Who will have access to my I-VMS data?  

I-VMS data that is transmitted to the UK VMS Hub, 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.

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

Read the I-VMS privacy notice on the MMO personal information charter section of GOV.UK.

4.34.4 What will I-VMSmy data be used for? 

PositionalData 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.

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

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

Read

4.5 theWhat I-VMShappens privacyif noticethere on theis MMOan personalissue informationwith chartermy sectionI-VMS ofdevice GOV.UK.

4.4- can I purchasedgo andto operatedsea? 

If anyou SC2notice devicethat –your whatI-VMS hasdevice happenedis tonot theoperating datacorrectly, thatit wasis collectedyour butresponsibility not transferred to thecontact UKyour VMSdevice Hub.

Datasupplier transmissionsimmediately toand thework UKwith VMSthem Hubto fromresolve SC2it. devicesIf ceasedyou onhave 11any Augustconcerns, 2025,you andcan MMOalso doescontact notus haveby accessemailing to ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk with them.details Youof shouldthe stillissue beand ablethe tovessel accessit yourrelates SC2to.  

If deviceMMO datadetects onany theissues portalwith /your appdevice, providedwe bywill Succorfish.contact Youyou canand alsoprovide requestappropriate yourguidance dataat directlythat from the supplier.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 ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk or 01900 508618 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 

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

Contact the suppliers directly to discuss your requirements. Please note: CLS UK Ltd is the only supplier of a type-approved device that is transmitting I-VMS data to the UK VMS Hub.

CLS UK Ltd:  Fulcrum:  

• Website: https://uk.groupcls.com/nemo-i-vms-england-2/https://fulcrum-maritime.groupcls.com/nemo-i-vms-type-approved-device/  
• Contact telephone number: +44 (0)1708 788400  

Devon and Severn IFCA

• Website:
• Tel: 01803 854648
• Email : Office@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk

Succorfish:  

• Website: www.succorfish.com 
• Contact telephone number: +44 (0)1914 476883  

List of type approved devices: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-of-i-vms-type-approved-devices-for-under-12-metre-english-vessels