Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems (I-VMS) devices are required to monitor inshore fishing activity to improve marine management and sustainability, ensure proper fishing practices and prevent illegal fishing to help protect and enhance the livelihoods of fishers.

Legislation in the form of a Statutory Instrument is due to come into force making it a legal requirement for all under-12 metre vessels – domestic and foreign – to have an I-VMS device installed and transmitting data to MMO, when they are at sea in English waters. Following the end of independent testing, there is no expectation that government will progress introduction of the legislation until issues with the roll-out of I-VMS devices have been resolved.

As England’s marine regulator, MMO has been leading preparations to support industry, through Type Approval, grant funding and a staged roll-out of I-VMS devices, so that every fisher can be compliant when legislation is eventually introduced.

Four devices were Type Approved in 2021 after suppliers provided evidence of their specification. However last year, following feedback, MMO acted and commissioned independent assurance testing on all four devices to provide assurance. Fishers were advised to wait until the results of this additional testing before choosing and purchasing their I-VMS device. Two of the devices have subsequently failed the assurance process. MMO has therefore taken the decision to temporarily pause the I-VMS roll-out while it works with suppliers and fishers in resolving the issues raised. All fishers are being contacted directly to make them aware of how this affects them, and what steps are being taken to support them if any changes are now needed.

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