The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is resuming the roll-out of the I-VMS programme, having reached an agreement with CLS UK Ltd (previously Fulcrum Maritime Systems Ltd) to supply type-approved devices to the under-12m English fleet.
MMO has made this decision to ensure that all English vessels are fitted with type-approved I-VMS devices that transmit positional data to the UK VMS Hub, in accordance with the licence condition. The marine regulator has confirmed that fishermen impacted by the suspended data transmissions from SC2 devices will receive type-approved CLS UK Ltd replacement devices at no additional cost to themselves.
The agreement with CLS UK Ltd provides stability for the sector at a time of transition and reinforces MMO’s commitment to delivering a workable and fair I-VMS solution ahead of a Statutory Instrument, which will mandate the use of I-VMS devices by all under-12m fishing vessels operating in English waters.
Peter Clark, Director of Operations at MMO said
Efficient decision-making for enhanced fisheries management, spatial planning, improved compliance monitoring, and sustainable practice is central to our ambitions for the sector. I-VMS data will play a valuable role in achieving those ambitions.
We are delighted to work with CLS UK Ltd and provide the necessary security and certainty, and value for money, to move the I-VMS programme forward. We are grateful for the patience and professionalism shown by the fleet, and your continued cooperation is vital over the coming months as we prepare for the I-VMS legislation.
In the meantime, our compliance and enforcement approach will remain measured and pragmatic. Our priority is to ensure fishermen can continue to operate safely and legally, without unnecessary burden or confusion.
MMO will write to those impacted in the coming weeks with more details and urges fishermen not to take any action at this time, such as removing or switching off any devices.
MMO encourages fishermen to contact the I-VMS team with any questions at [email protected] or 01900 508618. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Updates will also be published on the I-VMS guidance page on GOV.UK as more information becomes available www.gov.uk/mmo/i-vms-england