Six-Month Data Blackout Leaves Under-12m Fleet Exposed
The Marine Management Organisation has confirmed that Succorfish SC2 I-VMS devices have not transmitted positional data to the UK VMS Hub for six months, leaving regulators without location data from affected under-12m fishing vessels and fishermen facing ongoing uncertainty.
In an update issued on 22 January 2026, the MMO said it is “aware that Succorfish is no longer transmitting I-VMS data to the UK VMS Hub”, a failure that has persisted since mid-2025 and continues to block access to required positional data.
The MMO said it has remained in dialogue with Succorfish throughout the period but admitted that no resolution has been reached. “MMO has continued to engage with Succorfish to seek a resolution but to date, has been unable to agree a way forward that is acceptable to both parties,” the organisation stated.
Enforcement Assurances Offered Amid Compliance Deadlock
The MMO acknowledged that the impasse places fishermen in a difficult position, particularly those who installed SC2 devices in good faith to meet licence conditions.
“We recognise this puts fishermen in a difficult position and reiterate our assurances that MMO will continue to be measured in our approach to the enforcement of I-VMS,” the update said, stopping short of confirming how long such leniency might continue.
The lack of transmitted data means MMO and other regulators are currently unable to receive positional information from vessels using Succorfish SC2 units, despite fishermen remaining contractually tied to suppliers.
Advice Issued To Fishermen Using SC2 Devices
For fishermen operating SC2 devices, the MMO advised reviewing contractual arrangements with Succorfish to assess whether obligations to transmit data are being met.
“Consider the contractual arrangements you have with your supplier, and whether the obligation of transmitting data to the VMS Hub is being met,” the MMO said. It added that fishermen choosing not to renew airtime contracts should still keep devices switched on.
However, the MMO also emphasised that it has no role in these contracts, stating that it “does not have sight of, and is not party to, contractual arrangements between suppliers and fishermen”.
Purchasing Decisions Affected By Single Transmitting Device
The MMO confirmed that only one of the two type-approved I-VMS devices is currently transmitting data to the UK VMS Hub. The devices approved under current licence conditions are the Nemo system supplied by CLS UK, previously known as Fulcrum Maritime Systems Ltd, and the SC2 supplied by Succorfish.
“At this time, only one device is transmitting data to the UK VMS Hub which is a requirement under the I-VMS licence condition,” the MMO said, advising fishermen who have yet to purchase a device to take this into account.
For fishermen already operating Nemo devices, the guidance was unambiguous. “Continue to operate as normal, including having devices switched on and transmitting positional data while at sea,” the MMO said, adding that the data received has been valuable in testing systems ahead of mandatory rollout.
Rewire Devices Rejected As Non-Compliant
The MMO also addressed the installation of Rewire tracking devices by Devon and Severn IFCA since its previous update in September 2025.
It stressed that these units are not type-approved and do not meet I-VMS licence conditions or proposed legislation. “Data collected by Rewire devices is not shared with or used by MMO and not a part of the MMO I-VMS programme,” the update stated.
This clarification is likely to heighten concern among fishermen operating in IFCA districts where alternative systems have been fitted without clear alignment to national requirements.
Roll-Out To Continue Despite Ongoing Problems
Despite the unresolved dispute with Succorfish, the MMO said it remains committed to the I-VMS programme and does not intend to halt implementation indefinitely.
“MMO is committed to the I-VMS programme and does not intend to pause the roll-out indefinitely,” it said, apologising for delays in communication and promising a further update within a month.
For now, fishermen using SC2 devices remain caught between regulatory obligations and a technical failure outside their control, with no clear timeline for resolution.
