MMO Supports fishers in Roll-out of I-VMS.
The MMO is aware of statements and communications circulating across social media and in industry press regarding the Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (I-VMS) programme. Specifically, those relating to the recent decision to remove two devices that were confirmed as not meeting the required specification following independent testing.
In late 2022, issues were raised that devices being installed by some suppliers did not meet the required specifications. MMO acted by engaging an external expert contractor to undertake independent testing of all four devices, against the Functional I-VMS Device Specification of Requirements. The outcome of this independent testing is that two devices remain available to the fishing industry, and two devices have had their Type Approval revoked and will no longer by supported by MMO or the grant funding.
MMO’s priority is to support affected fishers who have bought devices in good faith, which do not to meet the required specifications for Type Approval, and for which Type Approval has been revoked. Those fishers will receive financial support to purchase suitable replacement devices. MMO is now working with the remaining Type Approved device suppliers to finalise arrangements which will inform approach to restart the I-VMS roll-out.
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