European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF): I-VMS
European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF): I-VMS
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Important update: April 2024
The I-VMS roll-out programme closed in December 2023, with over 80% of the English under-12 metre fleet purchasing a device and claiming back £1.3 million of European Maritime & Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for purchase and installation costs.
Vessels will need have a type approved device installed and operating when the new legislation comes into effect, which we expect to happen in 2024.
Purchasing a device is the first step in preparing for this new legislation. Arranging the installation of devices is now a priority for those yet to do so. This is for several reasons:
- To meet an EMFF requirement for devices to be installed and operational within 90 days of payment, as outlined in the scheme’s terms and conditions, which fishers agreed to when applying for grants
- To avoid appointment delays due to increased demand on suppliers and their engineers
- To ensure vessels are compliant with requirements and can be used for commercial fishing once the legislation comes into force.
Letters are being issued to any fishers claiming an EMFF grant who are yet to arrange the installation of their device. Please visit our guidance pages for further information on next steps.
Contents
- Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices
- Timescale
- Funding Criteria
- Apply now
- After you apply
Funding for Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices
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 purchase a device will need to cover the costs themselves.
As part of the terms and conditions agreed to when applying for a European Maritime & Fishers Fund (EMFF) grant, there is a requirement for devices to be installed and operational within 90 days of the grant payment. The terms and conditions are at the top of this page.
More information about arranging installation of devices is available on our I-VMS guidance page.
If you purchased a device during the roll-out programme, before 31 December 2023, and have any questions about grant applications or the EMFF conditions please contact our grants team using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Timescales
Applications for an EMFF grant had to be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 18 December 2023.
The EMFF scheme closed on 31 December 2023.
Funding criteria
Please note: 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 purchase a device will need to cover the costs themselves.
Who can apply for funding?
All applicants must be English licensed commercial fishing vessels under 12 metres. Fishers can apply for grant funding once they have purchased their preferred type approved device. To apply you must have supporting evidence of an invoice and proof of payment.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to proceed with arranging purchase and installation of a preferred device as soon as possible.
Who cannot apply for funding?
You cannot apply for and receive funding if you have:
- been convicted of fraud under any other fisheries scheme
- been convicted of an offence that the MMO considers to be a ‘serious infringement’ or fraud, in the 12 months before applying.
What can I apply for?
Applicants can apply for up to £1,050 grant towards the purchase and installation of a type approved I-VMS device on their vessel.
You will need to be able to pay for your entire project up front - you can then claim up to £1,050 of the costs back from MMO.
How to apply
Apply for funding online.
The process for claiming funding has been streamlined and fishers should now claim their EMFF grant by providing proof of purchase from their preferred supplier.
We will quickly assess your application upon receipt and notify you if any further information is required. Once we have all the required information, we will contact you to tell you if your application has been successful or not. If successful, you should receive payment into your nominated bank account within three to five working days.
When completing your application online, you will be asked to provide an installation date, or where that is not yet confirmed, the date you purchased your I-VMS device.
What information do I need to provide?
You will need the following information to complete the application:
- Your personal/business details including name/address/ business name/VAT registration number (if applicable)
- Your vessel details
- Invoice for the type approved device purchased
- Evidence of payment from your bank account to the supplier.
Information will need to be uploaded as part of your online application. You can do this via your computer or mobile device by providing screenshots or photographs.
When completing your application online, you will be asked to provide an installation date, or where that is not yet confirmed, the date you purchased your I-VMS device.
Apply now
Apply for funding using the I-VMS E-system
Watch this video for a step-by-step guidance on submitting your claim:
After you apply
We will quickly assess your application upon receipt and notify you if any further information is required. Once we have all the required information, we will contact you to tell you if your application has been successful or not. If successful, you should receive payment into your nominated bank account within three to five working days.
For more information contact our grants team:
Grants team
Marine Management Organisation
Lancaster House
Hampshire Court Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7YH
Telephone: 0330 041 6579
Last updated 18 January 2024 + show all updates
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Update 18 January 2024
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7 December update
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Transcript update
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FAQs Updated
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Small amends
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25 October update
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Small amend
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Additional advice re online application.
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I-VMS update - 16 August
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I-VMS update
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Scheme terms and conditions update
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Important Update - 23 June
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25 April 2023 update.
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Privacy Notice update
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I-VMS guidance material updated
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First published.