It's been two months since the I-VMS licence condition came into effect, and it's a great time to reflect on the progress made and address some of the most frequent questions fishers have been asking.
Since the licence condition was introduced on May 12, 2025, there has been a significant increase in the number of vessels equipped with I-VMS devices that are sharing data with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). As of today, an impressive 90% of under-12m vessels now have an I-VMS device installed, with over 70% of the active fleet regularly transmitting data to the MMO during their trips at sea. This remarkable effort by the fishing industry is greatly appreciated by the MMO, and they extend their thanks to every fisher who has engaged in the I-VMS rollout. This data is vital for the development of fisheries management plans and broader discussions concerning the marine management of UK waters.
Utilising Your Feedback
The MMO is grateful for the valuable feedback received regarding the I-VMS rollout. Whether shared by phone, email, in person with the I-VMS support team, at regional Fisheries Group (RFG) meetings, or through local coastal offices, this input is crucial in helping the MMO provide effective support. Many of these concerns have already been addressed in letters and guidance. For those who still have questions or are yet to act, here’s a recap of the most common enquiries:
The Licence Condition Process
On May 12, 2025, a licence condition was introduced requiring all English under-12m vessels to use an MMO type-approved I-VMS device during a trip to sea. This approach aims to provide a period before the Statutory Instrument (SI) comes into force, allowing the MMO to work with fishers and device suppliers to ensure everyone is prepared.
The I-VMS licence condition was introduced under the MMO’s regulatory powers, specifically Schedule 3 of the Fisheries Act (2020). This means it is now a legal requirement for all licence holders under MMO’s administration. The future intention, once the SI comes into force, is for I-VMS to become a requirement for all under-12m fishing vessels – both foreign and domestic – operating in English waters (the English EEZ). In addition to supporting English fishers, the MMO is engaging with European administrations to ensure their vessels are aware of the SI and can prepare for this change.
Detailed I-VMS requirements can be found in section 16 of your fishing licence on GOV.UK, under "understand your fishing vessel licence."
Approach to Compliance and Enforcement
In practical terms, fishers without I-VMS devices should now purchase and install one if they intend to undertake a trip to sea. Those with devices already installed should ensure they are turned on. To verify that the device is transmitting data, fishers can use the app or web portal provided by their suppliers, or they can contact the I-VMS team.
The MMO is committed to helping English fishers be as prepared as possible for the SI. Where the MMO has no record of a device purchase or installation, or where records show a vessel has been at sea without reporting I-VMS data, a letter with further guidance may be sent. If you believe your records are not up to date, please contact the MMO with the relevant information so they can be updated. The MMO will take a measured approach to any enforcement activity under the licence condition if fishers are actively taking steps to become compliant by arranging installation or working with suppliers to resolve issues.
How I-VMS Works and Common Issues
I-VMS devices record a vessel's positional data, including the device ID, date, time, latitude, longitude, speed, and course. This information is sent every three minutes to the UK VMS Hub using a GPRS signal, which is more cost-effective than the satellite data transfer used by many larger vessels. If there is a GPRS signal "dead zone," the device will store the data and transmit it once it is back in range.
Once an I-VMS device is fitted to a vessel, it operates automatically when powered (indicated by an illuminated LED on the device), eliminating the need for fishers to manually turn it on or set it up for each trip. Crucially, there is no video recording associated with I-VMS devices, nor will they be used for tracking individuals.
Common Issues
The most common issue reported by fishers since the introduction of the licence condition has been non-reporting devices. This can occur if devices need a restart or software updates after being installed and/or powered down for a period. It could also be a data transmission issue, which can be checked through the supplier's app or web portal, or by contacting the I-VMS team.
If you have questions about your device, it's recommended to contact your device supplier to report the issue. While you can also notify the I-VMS team, this is not mandatory. Regularly providing power to your device, even when your vessel is not at sea, will help ensure it receives any software updates issued by the supplier.
The Installation Process
Devices should only be installed by an engineer approved by your device supplier. Any attempts to install a device yourself could be considered tampering and may void your warranty. The MMO is aware that engineer availability in some areas can lead to delays due to the demand created by the I-VMS licence condition. If you are awaiting device installation, you might receive a letter from the MMO requesting an update to ensure an appropriate approach to any enforcement activity under the licence condition.
Removing Devices for Remediation Work
If you have been advised of, or have reported, an issue with your device or its data transmissions, and the device supplier has requested the device be returned for inspection, fishers may be able to remove the device manually. This can only be done with written agreement from the supplier, who will provide instructions for safe removal.
This temporary dispensation has been made in response to fisher feedback and to accommodate engineer availability, facilitating the timely resolution of any issues. This dispensation is in place for the remainder of the licence condition and only applies when a device needs to be returned to the supplier for investigation or repair. In no other circumstance should fishers remove devices themselves. Devices will need to be re-installed by an approved engineer once the supplier has resolved the issue.
Protecting Your Privacy
Data transmitted by I-VMS devices can only be accessed by those listed in the I-VMS privacy notice and device owners. Device owners can access their data through an app or web portal provided by their supplier. Other fishers and the public cannot view this data.
The MMO can only share this information with organisations that require it as part of regulating and managing the marine environment. This includes the MMO and other agencies, such as local IFCAs and devolved fisheries administrations, if a vessel enters their waters. Any shared data is governed by strict data sharing principles and regulations, including data protection and GDPR rules, and in line with the I-VMS data privacy notice.
Thinking of Selling Your Vessel?
If you are selling a vessel with an I-VMS device already installed, it's important to check your contractual agreement with your supplier before the sale to understand if the device can be transferred to your new vessel or to a new owner. A transfer of ownership is subject to data protection and GDPR legislation, which is why the original owner needs to make the request. You should also inform the I-VMS team so they can update their records.
For full guidance, refer to the I-VMS operational requirements section of GOV.UK.
Why I-VMS?
Now that the UK is an independent coastal state, it has the opportunity to determine the best fisheries management strategies to support a thriving industry for future generations while conserving the vital marine environment. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to improve data collection, supporting the development of more responsive fisheries management measures and practices that will benefit the industry following the UK's departure from the Common Fisheries Policy.
I-VMS devices will provide valuable data on the fishing patterns and activity of the inshore fleet. This information will directly inform crucial planning decisions and help safeguard the fishing industry for the future. Additionally, I-VMS data will support the assurance work carried out by the MMO and IFCAs, ensuring that all fishing vessels throughout England’s waters comply with fisheries regulations.
When combined with data on catch volumes, scientific evidence of stock levels, and other significant data, I-VMS data will enable more efficient decisions on local and national management measures and policies. It will also allow the MMO to continually improve its targeted assurance activities, as a clearer picture of fishing activity will help identify vessels consistently complying with regulations on where and what they can fish, and those that may introduce risk to the sustainable harvest of sea fisheries.