1030

31 May 2023
Dear Mr Smith,
Thank you for your follow up email dated 23 May and for the opportunity to respond.
I can confirm that the technical specifications for devices as part of the MMO’s I-VMS programme have not changed from those used during the original Type approval process. You can access the full details of this on our website: I-VMS type approval programme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

During the original Type Approval process all suppliers were required to provide evidence that their devices met the technical specification outlined by MMO and Type Approval was awarded on this basis. Once approved, all device suppliers competed for the sale and install of devices within the English under 12 metre fishing fleet.

Throughout the process, MMO has continued to monitor roll-out and prior to issuing grant payments evidence was also required which demonstrated test data being successfully transmitted to MMO from installed devices. Following the start of the roll-out, feedback was received from industry and other third parties, raising concerns regarding devices installed, including their functionality. MMO took immediate action and commissioned the independent testing to provide further assurance for all supplier’s devices. The tests completed during this process aligned with the technical specifications originally outlined and the technical specification was not changed as part of this process.

Mr Glover was provided with a letter outlining the results of the independent assurance testing on 13 March 2023 and this was followed by a meeting with the testing company used by MMO to discuss the results directly. Despite providing Mr Glover with a window of opportunity to address the failures identified, MMO is not satisfied that the proposals outlined by him were sufficient to address these. Mr Glover was formally notified of MMO’s intent to revoke Type Approval on 18 May 2023 and a meeting was held between MMO officials on the same date. Following the discussion with Mr Glover, an additional letter was issued to him on 19 May 2023 confirming that Type Approval would be removed. The letters issued clearly explain the approach taken by MMO and why it was considered necessary that we acted to remove Type Approval.

We have clearly communicated the reasons for removal of Type Approval from the MS44 device to Mr Glover, both through the meetings we have held with him and if in correspondence thereafter. MMO would be happy to disclose this correspondence to you, which clearly outlines the process, the reasons for failures and opportunities provided to Mr Glover to address these failures, if Mr Glover consents to us disclosing this correspondence to you. Alternatively, Mr Glover could provide this to you directly if he as not already done so.

We are committed to ensuring impacted fishing vessel owners will receive financial support to secure a replacement device. At this stage in the process, we are still assessing the wider financial impact and are unable to provide this detail but will work to ensure this is minimised when considering the future roll-out programme.

Yours sincerely,
Hilary Florek
Chair
D +44 (0) 7831 552624
E Hilary.Florek@marinemanagement.org.uk