The MMO has confirmed that VMS is to be rolled out next year for the English <12m fleet, and suppliers have been invited to start submitting products towards a type approval process for devices that will provide the authorities with each fishing vessel’s position, course and speed.
The I-VMS rollout for the English fleet is expected to begin with vessels in the 10-11.99 metre size bracket between 17th January and 14th February 2022, followed by 8-9.99 metres between 15th February and 13th March and 6-7.99 metre boats from 14th April through to 18th July. Vessels under 6m will be required to comply by 14th November next year.
The MMO states that it has already engaged with the industry on main requirements for I-VMS devices and this information has been passed on to manufacturers, and the MMO’s engagement with the industry showed that there are requirements for a choice of devices and a range of prices, as well as for reliable equipment with technical support available, clear explanations of suitability for particular vessels and dependable installation processes.
The MMO further states that it is committed to providing a grant contribution towards the initial cost of devices and is assessing how fishermen will be supported in the event of a device failure that calls for replacement or repair.
An approved list of equipment is expected to be published later this year, alongside confirmation of the compliance deadlines for each fleet segment. This is in phases to allow fishermen, suppliers and engineers to cope with the demand for I-VMS installations.
The MMO has pledged to work with fishermen to develop and publish detailed guidance on what action they will need to take from November onwards.
