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-VMSAll UK and non-UK under 12m vessels will be arequired requirementto fortransmit anyI-VMS Englishdata under-12mwhen vesseloperating undertakingin aEnglish tripwaters. toBy sea‘English fromwaters’ 12this Maymeans 2025.the ThisEnglish issection part of athe newUK licenceEEZ. conditionThe legal requirement will be introduced toby supporta Englishstatutory fishersinstrument, bedue preparedin ahead2024.

1.3 How ofwill statutoryI-VMS legislation,data expectedbenefit tofishing beactivities laidfor bythe governmentunder latersix thismetre year.  

fleet? 

PleaseI-VMS note: data will deliver many benefits to help fisheries management for the under-12 metre fleet. With the under-6 metre fleet in mind, these could include:  

• ItEnable iseffective alreadymanagement information for smaller fisheries with a legalhigh requirementconcentration of under six metre vessels to haveallow afor fullyfairer functioningfishing I-VMSopportunities deviceand onprotection boardof ifthose youfisheries.
• Support aremanagement operatingmeasures, inincluding Devonthose &around Severnmonitoring IFCA’sand district,resolving inconflict.
• Provide accordanceconsumer withconfidence aby mobilesupporting sea to plate traceability.
• Protect activity in restricted fishing permit.grounds, Ifsuch youas needmarine moreprotected information,areas please(MPAs), contactmaking Devonit &fairer Severnfor IFCAvessels at permits@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk orwith 01803access 8546478.to those area who are compliant with restrictions by providing evidence for those that are non-compliant.
• TheData Welshcan Government also hasbe aused legalto requirementsupport forscientific evidence when considering environmental incidents, such as pollution and impact on the fleet.
• I-VMS todata can be operatingused onto boatsevidence displacement of usual fishing activity as a result of marine developments e.g. ports and harbours, dredging, wind farms, subsea cables.
• In an emergency, I-VMS data could help timely search and rescue efforts.

 2. Type approved devices, suppliers and installation 

2.1 Which I-VMS devices are approved?  

MMO commissioned independent tests in Welsh2022 waters. in Pleaseresponse contactto concerns that type approved devices did not meet the Welshagreed Governmentspecifications. FisheriesOn departmentconclusion forof furtherthose information: MarineEvidenceandTech@gov.wales ortests, telephonetwo 03000devices 258907remain /type 03000approved:

• Fulcrum 258923.NEMO
• Succorfish SC2.

OnceNo other vessel monitoring device should be purchased or installed, and no other vessel monitoring devices will comply with the requirements of the statutory instrument is(due laid,in I-VMS2024) applying to English waters. 

2.2 I have not yet purchased a device, what should I do?

If you are yet to purchase a device, research the type approved devices to consider which will bebest mandatorysuit your vessel and needs, and place your order as soon as possible. Suppliers can advise you on the options for allyour UKvessel type.   

Supplier and non-UKdevice under-12mdetails vesselsare operatingavailable on our list of type approved devices guidance page.

Vessels fishing in English waters.waters Bywill ‘Englishrequire waters’an thisoperational meanstype theapproved EnglishI-VMS sectiondevice ofonce the UKnew EEZ.legislation comes into effect, expected to happen in 2024.

 2.

2.3 TypeI approvedhave devices,not yet had a device installed, what should I do?  

Devices should only be installed by suppliers and/or their approved engineers. As there is only a short window of time between now and installation when we expect the new legislation to come into effect, please arrange installation of your device with your supplier and/or their engineers now.

2.1

If Whereyou candelay Ithe findinstallation informationof aboutyour I-VMSdevice devicesany type-approvedlonger, suppliers may not be able to meet your request, meaning you risk being unable to fish lawfully by MMO?  

not having a device installed when the legislation comes into force.

SupplierYou should not attempt to install your device yourself and any damage or manual interference could void your device warranty and the terms and conditions of any EMFF funding awarded, which may generate further investigatory action.

Supplier details are availablein on section 5 of these FAQs or visit our list of type approved devices guidance page.: 

GuidanceVessels forfishing purchasingin andEnglish installingwaters awill type-approvedrequire an operational type approved I-VMS device once the new legislation comes into effect, expected to happen in 2024.

 2.4 What should I do if I already have a device fitted to my vessel but that device is availableno longer type approved?  

You should not attempt to uninstall the 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 I-VMSoptions guidancefor pageyour vessel type.   

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

2.2 2.5 I have already installed a device with type approval, what should I do?  

If you already have a Fulcrum NEMO or Succorfish SC2 device installed on your vessel, you do not need to do anything at this stage. You will need to make sure your device is active before the statutory instrument comes into effect in 2024, and we will write to all fishers in advance of that happening. 

 2.6 Can I use another tracking device instead of an MMO type-approvedapproved I-VMS device?device? 

No. All Englishunder under-12m12m English vessels must operate with an MMO type-approvedtype approved I-VMS devicedevice, toonce be compliant with the licencelegislation conditioncomes andinto the incoming legislation.force.

Vessels from other nationalities are not bound to this requirement, providing their device has been endorsed and recognised by their fisheries authority.authority, Theand 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.accepted. 

2.3 2.7 WhatAre shouldthe Itype doapproved ifdevices Isafe?

The alreadytype haveapproved aI-VMS deviceelectronic fitteddevices are passive receiving systems, measuring relative delays from extremely low power signals from the satellites, comparable to mya vesselmobile thatphone. isThey noare longerIP67 type-approved?

Youcertified, musthave purchaseto comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and installare aUK type-approvedConformity device.Assessed (UKCA)/CE marked.

Do

 2.8 My vessel is not attemptas tosecure uninstallas yourlarger existingvessels device– yourself.I’m Theworried engineerabout whotheft installsor yourvandalism replacementof my I-VMS device willand uninstallnot being able to fish. 

To date, over 200 devices have been installed on under six metre vessels and safelyMMO disposehas received no reports of yourtheft oldor device. vandalism.  

ResearchSuppliers and engineers will consider suitable installation locations that should reduce vandalism concerns whilst also ensuring the type-approveddevice’s devicesability to consideroperate whichat willits bestoptimum suitlevel.  

If yourtheft vesselor andvandalism needs,does placingoccur, anfishers ordershould asnotify soonMMO asof possible.the Suppliersincident canwith a Police crime number, where we will then advise on whether you oncan continue to fish. It is the optionsfishers’ forresponsibility yourto vesselreplace type.   the device e.g. through an insurance claim.   

SupplierEmail ivms@marinemangement.org.uk or andcall device01900 details508618 areto availablereport on ourthe listtheft or vandalism of an I-VMS device. 

 2.9 I have a small open boat; how do I keep my I-VMS device powered?  

Suppliers of both type approved devices guidancehave pageconfirmed that their I-VMS units can be fixed to under six metre vessels and offer removeable power sources. 

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

 2.4 2.10 I have a beach launched vessel, or am a seasonal fisher - do I have to transmit I-VMS data at all times when my vessel is not in use?  

The forthcoming legal requirement will require you to transmit I-VMS data when the vessel is in use and in operation in English waters. You do not have to report when the vessel is moored or brought ashore and not in use.  

About I-VMS: www.gov.uk/mmo/i-vms-england   

 2.11 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 itsan 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,install fixyour 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 awarded, which may generate further investigatory action.

 2.5 2.12 WhatConsiderations dowhen ISelling/Buying needa tounder consider12m whenvessel.

If sellingyou orare buyingconsidering selling/buying a vessel with an under-12mI-VMS vessel?

Readdevice theon fullboard, guidanceyou underMUST;

• Seek theadvice buying,and sellingcontact your I-VMS supplier and check how device ownership changeswill sectionneed ofto change when you sell/buy the vessel. I-VMS licenceSupplier conditioncontact requirementsdetails pagefound here.

  If

• Seek youadvice areand sellingcontact athe vesselMMO andfunding purchasedteam anif I-VMSyou device(the withseller) received an MMO EMFF grant thatto hassupport beenthe installedpurchase forof lessthe thaninitial threeI-VMS years,device. youCall must0330 inform041 6579 or email ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk 

Based on the level of information you provide, both suppliers and MMO Grantswill teambe :able callto 0330help 041and 6579inform oryou email ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.ukif there are any implications to consider and provide advice on the alternative options available to you, where necessary.

 3. Financial support 

 3.1 Is there any funding support available? 

No.The Grantsclaims ofwindow upfor toEuropean £1,050Maritime (per& vessel)Fishers wereFund available(EMFF) grants to supportassist fishers with purchase and installation costs throughhas thenow Europeanclosed. MaritimeAny andfishers Fisheriesyet Fundto untilact 31will Decemberneed 2023.to Thiscover schemecosts has now closed.themselves.

AnyIf costsyou associatedpurchased witha device during the purchase,roll-out installationprogramme orbefore maintenance31 ofDecember I-VMS2023 devicesand ishave theany responsibilityquestions ofabout thegrant vesselapplications, owner.please contact our grants team by phoning 0330 041 6579 or emailing ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk.  

EMFF grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-maritime-fisheries-fund-emff-i-vms 

3.2 Why have I received ana EMFFletter grantabout paymentfitting andmy havedevice awithin question90 -days whoof domy Igrant contact?payment?

IfAs part of the terms and conditions you purchasedagreed ato devicewhen withapplying anfor EMFFyour European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grant, pleasethere contactis oura requirement for devices to be installed and operational within 90 days of the grant payment.

MMO’s grants team bywill phoninginitiate 0330checks 041to 6579confirm orthat emailingthe ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk,device orhas bybeen viewinginstalled to the EMFFspecified grantsvessel informationand online.is operational within 90 days of payment of any grant funding.

4. I-VMS

You datawill andreceive legislation  

4.1a Whyletter if the device has itnot takenbeen sofitted longin toaccordance bringwith this legislationrequirement, intoand effect?

Itwhen wasno anticipatedsuitable thatexplanation I-VMShas legislationbeen wouldprovided.

You comeshould intofollow forcethe steps included in 2024.the Theletter callingto arrange installation of theyour parliamentarydevice electionswith thatyour tooksupplier placeand/or intheir Julyengineers 2024,to restrictedavoid theany conductrecovery ofproceedings governmentwhich business,may includingbe initiated. If you need to report any exceptional circumstances impacting the layinginstallation of theyour I-VMSdevice, legislation,please whichcontact thenthe becameMMO agrants decisionteam forat ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk  theor new0330 government.041 6579. 

WorkingYou closelycan withaccess the newfull government,EMFF DEFRAterms and suppliers,conditions MMOonline isat: movinghttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-maritime-fisheries-fund-emff-i-vms/scheme-terms-and-conditions

3.3 forward I withwill I-VMSlose a day’s fishing to get my device installed - will I be compensated for thethat?  

Fishers benefitshould ofcontact bothsuppliers fishersto andarrange fisheriesa management.suitable appointment date and time.

4.2

Compensation Whenclaims for loss of fishing time to accommodate for an I-VMS device installation will itbe becomerejected aand legalno requirementpayments will be made. 

4. I-VMS data and legislation  

 4.1 Do I have to have an I-VMS device installedto andgo transmitting? fishing now?  

Legislation mandating the use of an I-VMS willdevice in English waters is expected to be introduced in 2024. You can continue to fish without a requirement,device underuntil the legal requirements come into effect.

Please note: 

• It is a licencelegal condition,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 has a legal requirement for anyI-VMS Englishto under-12mbe vesseloperating undertakingon boats fishing in Welsh waters.  Please contact the Welsh Government Fisheries department for further information: MarineEvidenceandTech@gov.wales or telephone 03000 258907 / 03000 258923.

 4.2 When will it become a triplegal requirement to seahave froman 12I-VMS Maydevice 2025

installed and transmitting? 

MMO expects the new legislation, a statutory instrument, to come into force later in 2025.  2024.  

4.3 4.3 Do I have to transmit any data before the legal requirement?  

DataYes, willbut needonly toduring beyour transmittedinstallation duringphase. installationThis tois verifyso itwe hascan beenverify installed,your device is installed, operational and able to transmit I-VMS data correctly.  

WhileAfter the installation period there is no legal requirement to transmit I-VMS data to us until the licenceI-VMS conditionstatutory instrument comes into force,force. weWhile you do encouragenot youneed to dosubmit sodata to MMO in advance of the legislation, you canshould benot confidentattempt to turn off or interfere with your I-VMS device isyourself. workingAny asdamage expected.

Ifor manual interference could void your device warranty and the terms and conditions of any grant funding awarded, which may generate further investigatory action. We advise you previouslyto askedspeak to your device supplier if you would like to temporarily stop data transmissions to MMO,MMO ahead of any legal requirements.   

Any data voluntarily shared with MMO via the UK VMS Hub prior to the I-VMS regulation coming into force will be used for testing purposes and to ensure the devices are in working order, in accordance with the privacy notice.

 4.4 Do I have to transmit I-VMS data at all times when my vessel is not in use? 

The forthcoming legal requirement will require you shouldto nowtransmit contactI-VMS themdata when the vessel is in use and in operation in English waters. You do not have to restartreport data before it is a legal requirement in English waters or when the transmissions.vessel is moored and not in use. 

You should not attempt to turn off or interfere with your I-VMS device yourself.yourself Anyas any damage or manual interference could void your device warranty and the terms and conditions of any grant funding awarded, which may generate further investigatory action.

4.4 WhoWe willadvise haveyou accessto speak to myyour data?  

device supplier if you would like to temporarily stop data transmissions.

AnyPlease datanote: 

• It voluntarilyis shareda withlegal MMOrequirement beforeto thehave licencea conditionfully comesfunctioning intoI-VMS effectdevice willon onlyboard beif accessibleyou to:
  • MMOare Fisheriesoperating Monitoringin CentreDevon and& otherSevern MMOIFCA’s teamsdistrict, forin testingaccordance purposeswith toa allowmobile usfishing topermit. checkIf theyou systemsneed andmore devicesinformation, areplease incontact workingDevon order.& Severn IFCA at permits@devonandsevernifca.gov.uk or 01803 8546478.
  • EnforcementThe agenciesWelsh withGovernment has a statutorylegal obligationrequirement for I-VMS to collectbe dataoperating suchon asboats Devonfishing &in SevernWelsh IFCAwaters. Please andcontact the Welsh Government.Government fisheries department for further information: MarineEvidenceandTech@gov.wales or telephone 03000 258907 / 03000 258923.

  Once

   4.5 What does the licenceI-VMS conditiondata comescontain? 

  I-VMS intodevices effectsend onpositional 12data: Maylatitude, 2025,longitude, I-VMSspeed, dataand course. In addition, the device will thenreport bedevice accessibleID, todate, alltime UKchanges Fisheriesin Administrationsevents andsuch otheras agenciesbattery includingstatus, Inshoredata Fisheriesstored andetc. 

  Data Conservationwill Authoritiestransmit (IFCA).at Atregular thatintervals point,(every thethree dataminutes) canvia beGPRS usedwhich is a mobile phone signal to monitorreduce compliancetransmission andcosts. informIf evidence-basedthe decision-makingI-VMS fordevice fisheriesis management.in Aan newarea privacythat noticehas no GPRS coverage, then the device will beretain publishedthe ongenerated thisdata guidanceand pagetransmit nearerit all once a connection has been restored. This complies with the time. legal requirements. 

   4.6 Who will have access to my data?  

  YouPrior canto readlegislation acoming copyinto offorce the(due current2024), noticedata on will be accessible to the MMO personalFisheries informationMonitoring charterCentre sectionand ofother GOV.UK.MMO teams. Once the statutory instrument comes into force, data may be shared with: 

  • Other UK Fisheries Administrations
  • IFCAs (Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities)
  • CEFAS
  • National Maritime Information Centre
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency

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

  4.5 4.7 WhenCan will my data be used for enforcement purposes? 

  I-VMSData datais cancollected beto usedallow forfishers enforcementand purposesregulators onceto manage fisheries and competing demands for the licencemarine conditionspace. Prior comesto legislation coming into effect on(due 12April May2024), 2025.

  PriorI-VMS todata thatwill date,not I-VMSbe dataused canfor onlyenforcement tasks, although it may be used to support MMO with its preparation activities.  I-VMS data will only be used for enforcement in line with the new legislation, and only once it is in effect. 

  4.6 4.8 WhatHow happenscan iffishers thereaccess istheir anown issuevessel withmonitoring information? 

  Vessel owners, agents or skippers should use a Subject Access Request form to request I-VMS data from MMO for their vessel(s). For further information go to:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vessel-monitoring-system-data-request. 

   4.9 What happens if my I-VMS device has a fault - can I go to sea? 

  IfPrior youto noticelegislation coming into force, there is nothing preventing a fisher from being able to go to sea, unless they are operating in an area that youralready requires an operating I-VMS device e.g. by IFCA or a devolved administration, such as Wales. 

  Once the legal requirement comes into force, there will be a requirement to transmit I-VMS data when operating at sea, and fishing with a non-functioning device will be an offence. If a fisher’s device is not operating correctly, itthen isthe yourfisher responsibilitymust to contact yourtheir device supplier immediately and workreport withthe themfault tofor resolveresolution it.as Ifsoon youas havepossible. anyThe concerns,fisher youmust canthen alsoinform contactthe usMMO by emailing  ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk with of details of the issuefault and the vessel it relates to.  

  IfFurther MMOinformation detectsabout anythe issuesstatutory withinstrument yourwill device,be weprovided willin contactdue youcourse andbefore provideit appropriatecomes guidanceinto atforce, thatdue time.in 2024. 

   5. Contact details 

   5.1 Who do I contact if I have further questions about I-VMS?the roll-out who can I ask? 

  Contact the I-VMS Support & Engagement team for general I-VMS information on ivms@marine.management.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 WhoI have questions about my grant application, who can I askspeak forto? guidance 

  If aboutyou have any I-VMS devicesfunding andqueries, packages?  please contact the MMO Grants team at ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk  or 0330 041 6579. 

   5.3 I have questions about which device or package to purchase, who can I ask for guidance?  

  Contact the suppliers directly to discuss your requirements.requirements:  

  Fulcrum:  

  • Website: https://fulcrum-maritime.groupcls.com/nemo-i-vms-type-approved-device/ 

  • Contact telephone number: +44 (0)1708 788400  

  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