The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has issued an update on the roll out of Inshore-Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS).

The MMO update read:

Important update – April 21 2023

As England’s marine regulator, MMO have been preparing to support industry, through grant funding to secure a Type Approved I-VMS device, so that every fisher has the opportunity to be compliant ahead of the statutory instrument being implemented.

Feedback received last year suggested that some devices may not be compliant with the MMO’s Type Approval specification. In response, MMO have been undertaking an independent testing process to provide additional assurance to fishers ahead of the wider rollout of the I-VMS programme.

Suppliers were advised not to market, sell or install any devices pending the outcome of the independent testing assurance process.

On 21 April 2023, MMO took action to suspend the Type Approval status of Maritime System’s MS44 device after receiving evidence the supplier has disregarded this instruction. Whilst this suspension is in place fishers are advised not to purchase this device if they intend to seek MMO grant funding.

MMO will shortly advise suppliers and fishers of the outcome of the independent testing process and the Type Approved status of all devices.

 What is I-VMS?

Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) devices are similar to the VMS tracking devices used by fishing vessels 12 metres and greater. I-VMS devices monitor inshore fishing activity to help improve the management and sustainability of our marine environment, ensure proper fishing practices and prevent illegal fishing to help protect and enhance the livelihoods of fishers.

Using GPRS mobile phone signals, I-VMS devices provide positional information (such as latitude and longitude, course, speed and date and time of each positional report) which is sent to MMO’s UK VMS Hub. When a device is located outside GPRS range, the device will continue to store the positional information and submit the data once GPRS coverage next becomes available. This is different to the VMS devices used by larger vessels, which transmit data via satellite and can become expensive.

Combined with data on catch volumes, scientific evidence of stock levels and a range of other significant data, I-VMS will enable more efficient decisions on local and national management measures and policies. It will also enable the MMO to continually improve its targeted assurance activities as the clearer picture of fishing activity will help highlight which vessels are consistently complying with regulations on where and what they can fish, and those that may introduce risk to sustainable sea fisheries.

I-VMS legislation

When the legislation comes into force it will be every fisher’s responsibility to ensure that they have a device fitted and that it is transmitting – if a device is not fitted to the vessel and transmitting, they will not be able to fish lawfully.

Further information from the MMO can be read here.