2021 - I-VMS type approval programme
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is conducting a programme to assess vessel monitoring systems to identify devices that meet its technical specifications for reporting of location, heading and speed by under 12m fishing vessels.
This guidance was archived on 22 August 2023
Application processed closed on 1st October 2021
A programme to assess vessel monitoring systems has been conducted and four devices have been type approved, having met technical specifications, for the reporting of location, heading and speed by under 12 metre fishing vessels.
The following information outlines the process followed. If you are interested in being updated in the event of any future I-VMS approval programme please email [email protected] to be added to a mailing list.
Vessels under 12m long will be legally required to report positional data from an approved device to the MMO operations room during fishing trips. This data will enable a better understanding of the scale, location and seasonality of fishing activity.
To support fishers in obtaining an I-VMS device that meets this forthcoming legal requirement and is suitable for their vessel, the MMO’s ‘type approval’ process is intended to bring as many suppliers into the marketplace as possible so that there’s a broad choice of devices at a range of prices for fishers to choose from. In the under-12m fishing fleet, the range of specifications for vessels - for example, in terms of powering and housing the devices – is diverse. Vessel owners are best placed, with the right support from suppliers, to decide which device and service package suits them.
Key Dates
Interested suppliers will have from the opening of the programme on 24 August 2021 until it’s close on 1 October 2021, to submit their evidence and documentation for review.
There will be an opportunity for MMO and suppliers to clarify issues until 26 October 2021.
Fishers will be able to begin researching which device and support package will be best for their vessel and budget once the process is complete when a list of approved products will be published and the installation timetable will be confirmed.
We have a slight delay while we finalise some issues, but at the moment our expected timetable for rollout remains as below. Should there be further delays we will consider extending the timetable to ensure fishers have sufficient time to research and select their device. Anyone who has any concerns or queries can contact [email protected].
Detailed Process Timetable
For a full outline of what is expected from prospective suppliers, please consult the MMO’s Conditions of Participation document
| Milestone | Start | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Publish type approval requirements (specification, Rollout Approach, T&Cs etc) | 24/08/21 | 24/08/21 |
| Receive Expressions of Interest | 25/08/21 | 03/09/21 |
| Type Approval Submission Window Closed | 01/10/21 | 01/10/21 |
| Evaluate Supplier Submissions | 04/10/21 | 15/10/21 |
| MMO raise completeness queries with suppliers | 06/10/21 | 06/10/21 |
| Suppliers provide responses | 07/10/21 | 07/10/21 |
| Issue clarifications to suppliers | 18/10/21 | 18/10/21 |
| Final Clarification window closed | 26/10/21 | 26/10/21 |
| Decide Final Results & Moderate | 27/10/21 | 10/11/21 |
| Notify Suppliers of Type Approval Results | 11/11/21 | 11/11/21 |
| Type Approval Process Complete | 18/11/21 | 18/11/21 |
Key Documents
To participate in the type approval programme, potential suppliers are required to meet I-VMS type approval steps and documentation requirements:
Frequently asked questions
Updates to this page
Published 25 August 2021Last updated 22 August 2023 + show all updates
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Page updated with I-VMS Privacy Notice & Data Protection Impact Assessment
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First published.