England’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has issued a new I‑VMS update dated 22 January 2026. It has now been six months since Succorfish’s SC2 devices stopped forwarding position data to the UK VMS Hub, the backbone for real‑time oversight of England’s under‑12m fleet. MMO says its approach to enforcing I‑VMS will remain measured while a fix is pursued.

Two devices are type‑approved for the programme: CLS UK’s Nemo (previously Fulcrum Maritime Systems Ltd) and Succorfish’s SC2. At present, only Nemo units are transmitting to the UK VMS Hub, which is required under the I‑VMS licence condition. Skippers yet to purchase a device are being urged to factor this live status into fitting decisions.

Owners of SC2 units should review their contracts with the supplier to confirm whether the obligation to transmit to the Hub is being met. If airtime is not renewed for now, MMO requests devices remain powered on at sea. Position reports from SC2 units still reach the supplier’s server, even though they are not being routed to the UK Hub. MMO is not party to individual commercial contracts.

Nemo users should continue as normal, with devices switched on and transmitting positional data while fishing. MMO says this ongoing data feed is proving valuable as it tests and refines systems in preparation for I‑VMS becoming a mandatory requirement.

Since autumn 2025, Devon & Severn IFCA has fitted Rewire devices to some vessels as a local stop‑gap for byelaw compliance. MMO has clarified that Rewire is not type‑approved for the national I‑VMS programme, does not meet I‑VMS licence conditions or proposed legislation, and its data are not shared with MMO. Fishers should check directly with their IFCA for district‑specific requirements.

MMO remains committed to the I‑VMS roll‑out and does not intend to pause it indefinitely. The agency apologised for delays in communication and pledged a further update within the next month to confirm next steps.

Beyond compliance, tracking delivers environmental gains. Research from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea indicates that vessel position data improves stock assessments and enables more precise spatial management-supporting sustainable yields while keeping compliant small boats fishing. The promise of I‑VMS is simple: less guesswork, better protection, fairer enforcement.

For skippers, immediate priorities are practical: keep approved units powered; log any service issues with your supplier; and, if you are selecting a device, weigh transmission performance, installation lead times and after‑sales support. Speak to your local IFCA about temporary local steps and book fitting early to avoid weather‑related delays.

For help and policy detail, contact the I‑VMS Help Desk at ivms@marinemanagement.org.uk or 01900 508618, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00. Formal guidance is available via the inshore I‑VMS page on GOV.UK.

Eco Current will continue to track the resolution between MMO and Succorfish, device supply capacity, and any legislative milestones. With stable data flows, England’s inshore fleet can demonstrate stewardship and secure long‑term access to healthy stocks.