Guidance

I-VMS - Frequently asked questions

I-VMS - Frequently asked questions

From:
Marine Management Organisation
Published
18 January 2024
Last updated
29 January 2024 — See all updates

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?  

All UK and non-UK under 12m vessels will be required to transmit I-VMS data when operating in English waters. By ‘English waters’ this means the English section of the UK EEZ. The legal requirement will be introduced by a statutory instrument, due in 2024.

1.3 How will I-VMS data benefit fishing activities for the under six metre fleet? 

I-VMS 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:  

  • Enable effective management information for smaller fisheries with a high concentration of under six metre vessels to allow for fairer fishing opportunities and protection of those fisheries.
  • Support management measures, including those around monitoring and resolving conflict.
  • Provide consumer confidence by supporting sea to plate traceability.
  • Protect activity in restricted fishing grounds, such as marine protected areas (MPAs), making it fairer for vessels with access to those area who are compliant with restrictions by providing evidence for those that are non-compliant.
  • Data can also be used to support scientific evidence when considering environmental incidents, such as pollution and impact on the fleet.
  • I-VMS data can be used to evidence 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 2022 in response to concerns that type approved devices did not meet the agreed specifications. On conclusion of those tests, two devices remain type approved:

  • Fulcrum NEMO
  • Succorfish SC2.

No other vessel monitoring device should be purchased or installed, and no other vessel monitoring devices will comply with the requirements of the statutory instrument (due in 2024) 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 best suit your vessel and needs, and place your 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.

Vessels fishing in English waters will require an operational type approved I-VMS device once the new legislation comes into effect, expected to happen in 2024.

2.3 I have 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 when we expect the new legislation to come into effect, please arrange installation of your device with your supplier and/or their engineers now.

If you delay the installation of your device any longer, suppliers may not be able to meet your request, meaning you risk being unable to fish lawfully by not having a device installed when the legislation comes into force.

You 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 in section 5 of these FAQs or visit our list of type approved devices guidance page: 

Vessels fishing in English waters will require 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 no 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 options for your 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 

 2.5 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 approved I-VMS device? 

No. All under 12m English vessels must operate with an MMO type approved I-VMS device, once the legislation comes into force.

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

 2.7 Are the type approved devices safe?

The type approved I-VMS electronic devices are passive receiving systems, measuring relative delays from extremely low power signals from the satellites, comparable to a mobile phone. They are IP67 certified, have to comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and are UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA)/CE marked.

 2.8 My vessel is not as secure as larger vessels – I’m worried about theft or vandalism of my I-VMS device and not being able to fish. 

To date, over 200 devices have been installed on under six metre vessels and MMO has received no reports of theft or vandalism.  

Suppliers and engineers will consider suitable installation locations that should reduce vandalism concerns whilst also ensuring the device’s ability to operate at its optimum level.  

If theft or vandalism does occur, fishers should notify MMO of the incident with a Police crime number, where we will then advise on whether you can continue to fish. It is the fishers’ responsibility to replace the device e.g. through an insurance claim.   

Email ivms@marinemangement.org.uk or call 01900 508618 to report the theft 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 have confirmed 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 

 2.10 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 an 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 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.

 3. Financial support 

 3.1 Is there any funding support available? 

The claims window for European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grants to assist fishers with purchase and installation costs has now closed. Any fishers yet to act will need to cover costs themselves.

If you purchased a device during the roll-out programme before 31 December 2023 and have any questions about grant applications, 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 a letter about fitting my device within 90 days of my grant payment?

As part of the terms and conditions you agreed to when applying for your European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grant, there is a requirement for devices to be installed and operational within 90 days of the grant payment.

MMO’s grants team will initiate checks to confirm that the device has been installed to the specified vessel and is operational within 90 days of payment of any grant funding.

You will receive a letter if the device has not been fitted in accordance with this requirement, and when no suitable explanation has been provided.

You should follow the steps included in the letter to arrange installation of your device with your supplier and/or their engineers to avoid any recovery proceedings which may be initiated. If you need to report any exceptional circumstances impacting the installation of your device, please contact the MMO grants team at ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk  or 0330 041 6579. 

You can access the full EMFF terms and conditions online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-maritime-fisheries-fund-emff-i-vms/scheme-terms-and-conditions

3.3  I will lose a day’s fishing to get my device installed - will I be compensated for that?  

Fishers should contact suppliers to arrange a suitable appointment date and time.

Compensation claims for loss of fishing time to accommodate for an I-VMS device installation will be rejected and no payments will be made. 

4. I-VMS data and legislation  

 4.1 Do I have to have an I-VMS device to go fishing now?  

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

Please note: 

  • It is 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 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.

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

Yes, but only during your installation phase. This is so we can verify your device is installed, operational and able to transmit I-VMS data correctly.  

After the installation period there is no legal requirement to transmit I-VMS data to us until the I-VMS statutory instrument comes into force. While you do not need to submit data to MMO in advance of the legislation, you should not attempt to turn off or interfere with your I-VMS device yourself. 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. We advise you to speak to your device supplier if you would like to temporarily stop data transmissions to 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 to transmit I-VMS data when the vessel is in use and in operation in English waters. You do not have to report data before it is a legal requirement in English waters or when the vessel is moored and not in use. 

You should not attempt to turn off or interfere with your I-VMS device yourself as 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. We advise you to speak to your device supplier if you would like to temporarily stop data transmissions.

Please note: 

  • It is 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 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.

 4.5 What does the I-VMS data contain? 

I-VMS devices send positional data: latitude, longitude, speed, and course. In addition, the device will report device ID, date, time changes in events such as battery status, data stored etc. 

Data will transmit at regular intervals (every three minutes) 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 legal requirements. 

 4.6 Who will have access to my data?  

Prior to legislation coming into force (due 2024), data will be accessible to the MMO Fisheries Monitoring Centre and other 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. 

 4.7 Can my data be used for enforcement purposes? 

Data is collected to allow fishers and regulators to manage fisheries and competing demands for the marine space. Prior to legislation coming into effect (due April 2024), I-VMS data will not be used for enforcement 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. 

 4.8 How can fishers access their own vessel monitoring 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? 

Prior to legislation coming into force, there is nothing preventing a fisher from being able to go to sea, unless they are operating in an area that already 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, then the fisher must contact their device supplier and report the fault for resolution as soon as possible. The fisher must then inform the MMO by emailing  ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk of the fault and the vessel it relates to.  

Further information about the statutory instrument will be provided in due course before it comes into force, due in 2024. 

 5. Contact details 

 5.1 I have further questions about 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 I have questions about my grant application, who can I speak to?  

If you have any I-VMS funding queries, 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:  

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

Published 18 January 2024
Last updated 29 January 2024 + show all updates

  1. New section added: "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?"

  2. First published.

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