MMO confirms I-VMS legislation schedule for 2025

The MMO have outlined a new licence condition in a variation notice issued this week. The licence condition will come in to force on 12 May 2025 and requires the use of a type-approved I-VMS device on any English under-12m vessel undertaking a trip to sea. Over 80% of industry have already purchased and installed an I-VMS device, with more than £1.57 million in grant funding having been paid out to fishers since the roll out of I-VMS devices.  A small minority of the under-12m fleet have yet to take any action, missing out on the MMO funding which was available during the earlier roll-out period.

Vessel owners do still have time to purchase and install a type-approved I-VMS device before the licence condition comes into effect, the MMO has confirmed that suppliers and installation engineers are ready to take bookings.

The data IVMS provides gives a true understanding of what is happening across England’s marine environment and allows for evidence based decisions when it comes to marine developments, marine and fisheries management planning, regulatory displacement, niche and seasonal fisheries, as well as conservation and stock protection.

The I-VMS hotline remains open for enquiries on 01900 508618, Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm) and emails can be sent to ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk. Updated guidance can be found online at: gov.uk/mmo/i-vms-england.