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Guidance

I-VMS - Frequently asked questions

I-VMS - Frequently asked questions

From:
Marine Management Organisation
Published
18 January 2024
Last updated
11 June 2026 — See all updates

This page was updated on 11 June 2026.

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 currently a requirement under section 16 of your fishing vessel licence for all English licenced under-12m vessels undertaking a trip to sea. Vessels must only operate with an MMO type-approved I-VMS device.

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 waters (English section of the UK 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 measure has been introduced to support English vessel owners be prepared for new legislation - a statutory instrument that will mandate the use of I-VMS by all vessels fishing in English waters - 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 note that:

  • CLS UK Ltd is the only supplier of a type-approved device that is transmitting I-VMS data to the UK VMS Hub.
  • You should act promptly and acquire a type-approved device to ensure that you meet the obligations and conditions of your fishing licence.

2.2 What do I need to consider when choosing which type-approved device to purchase?

To comply with your licence condition, you must purchase and install a type-approved device that transmits positional data to the UK VMS Hub.

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.

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

 2.3 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 must have a unique I-VMS device. 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 I’ve ordered a device and am waiting for confirmation and / or I have contacted my supplier to make a purchase but I am yet to hear back – what do I do?

If you are concerned supplier or engineer delays will impact your ability to fish and / or comply with the licence condition, please contact our I-VMS support team with details of your enquiry and / or order.

If we have evidence that you are taking steps to order a device and arrange installation, we will take a pragmatic approach to enforcement while arrangements are being made.

2.5 My funded Nemo device has been installed – how do I remove and dispose of my other device?

The removal and disposal of a device is the responsibility of the vessel owner and should be undertaken safely and in accordance with local environmental guidelines and MMO guidance, at certified WEEE recycling providers.

Vessels fishing in the Devon & Severn IFCA district fitted with Rewire devices should direct any device enquiries directly to the IFCA using the contact details below.

 3. Financial support 

3.1 I have an SC2 device and am eligible for a Nemo from CLS UK Ltd – do I need to apply for funding?

Those eligible for a funded Nemo device do not need to apply for any funding and will not be liable for purchase or installation costs, providing you have registered by 11.59pm, Sunday 12 July 2026.

The cost of the device, and its installation, will be covered by MMO if you register by the deadline above. Registering after the deadline, or missing the installation appointment without adequate notice to the supplier or engineer, could mean you incur charges.

Instructions have been posted and emailed to eligible vessel owners. You will need to provide the PLN of the eligible vessel to proceed, along with your vessel name and contact details.  

Anyone who thinks they are eligible and has not received a notification to register should contact the I-VMS team immediately.

Registration closes at 11.59pm, Sunday 12 July 2026 – visit the I-VMS guidance page for details.

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

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

3.3 Is grant funding still available? 

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund closed on 31 December 2023.

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.

3.4 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 ukfisheriessupport@marinemanagement.org.uk. You can also read EMFF grants information online.

4. I-VMS data and legislation  

The licence condition is a legal requirement under the Fisheries Act (2020) and requires the use of I-VMS type-approved devices and transmission of positional data to UK VMS Hub, that came into effect on 12 May 2025.

A statutory instrument that will mandate the use of I-VMS devices by all under-12m fishing vessels operating in English waters. Fishermen will be notified once the date has been set.  

4.2 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).

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.

4.3 What will I-VMS data be used for? 

Positional 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.

Fishermen can also track their own activity online and better understand their fishing effort.

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

4.4 I purchased and operated an SC2 device – what has happened to the data that was collected but not transferred to the UK VMS Hub.

Data transmissions to the UK VMS Hub from SC2 devices ceased on 11 August 2025, and MMO does not have access to them. You should still be able to access your SC2 device data on the portal / app provided by Succorfish. You can also request your data directly from the supplier.

 5. Contact details 

 5.1 Who do I contact if I have further questions about I-VMS?

Contact the I-VMS team for general I-VMS information on ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk or 01900 508618 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

Find more information online at: www.gov.uk/mmo/i-vms-england 

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

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:  

Devon and Severn IFCA

Succorfish:  

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

Updates to this page

Published 18 January 2024
Last updated 11 June 2026 Show all updates

  1. Updated FAQs to reflect new guidance for I-VMS

  2. Guidance updated to reflect that a licence condition is now in force for the use of I-VMS devices on licensed English vessels, under-12 metres in length, undertaking a trip to sea.

  3. Additional information provided in Section 1 and Section 2, notably with guidance for those taking steps to be compliant who are waiting on updates / others to resolve.

  4. Updated to support industry prepare for a new licence condition that will require the use of I-VMS devices on English registered under-12m vessels.

  5. Update 2.12

  6. 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?"

  7. First published.

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