The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced the start of installations for Nemo I-VMS devices on eligible fishing vessels, following a robust registration period. More than 92% of vessel owners signed up for the new monitoring technology by the 12 July 2026 deadline, a figure the MMO described as a significant uptake amidst challenging circumstances.
These Nemo devices are being supplied and installed at no cost to those who registered on time. Each device comes with a one-year warranty from its installation date. CLS UK, the contracted company, has begun contacting vessel owners to schedule appointments, which are anticipated to be grouped regionally by port to minimise disruption to fishing operations. Vessel owners are advised to charge their devices 48 hours before their confirmed installation date, ensuring the green light is visible, and to store them safely in their original packaging until then.
The airtime contracts for the Nemo devices will commence once the installation period is complete, with CLS UK providing advance notification of any payment requests. Sean Douglas, Head of Regulatory Assurance at MMO, expressed gratitude for the industry's cooperation, highlighting the importance of the new system for fisheries management and regulatory oversight. He urged continued collaboration with CLS UK and their certified engineers to facilitate prompt installations.
This rollout comes after data transmissions from older SC2 devices to the UK VMS Hub ceased in August 2025, rendering them non-compliant with licence conditions. The MMO has clarified that while SC2 devices remain type-approved, they no longer fulfil the requirement to transmit data to the UK VMS Hub. Consequently, vessel owners are advised to carefully review any existing airtime agreements with SC2 device suppliers, such as Succorfish, and seek independent advice if necessary, as these devices will not ensure compliance.
For those eligible vessel owners who missed the registration deadline, the MMO's I-VMS team should be contacted immediately, although there is no guarantee that a Nemo device will be provided free of charge. The MMO also stressed that any vessel owners yet to acquire an I-VMS device must do so promptly to ensure compliance and avoid potential enforcement action. The I-VMS data is crucial for monitoring vessel positions, supporting fisheries management, assessing future displacement compensation, and ensuring a fair and level playing field within the industry.