Vessel Monitoring System: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if your vessel requires a Vessel Monitoring System and the requirements for keeping your tracking hardware active at sea.
The Vessel Monitoring System is a tracking requirement used to ensure boats are following rules regarding protected marine areas. This system helps authorities monitor vessel locations to protect the marine environment.
Who it's for
This scheme is mandatory for certain commercial vessels operating in UK waters. Specifically, it applies to any vessel that measures over 12 meters in length. If your vessel meets this size threshold, you are required to use the system to remain compliant with maritime regulations.
What you get
The primary benefit of this system is providing a method for compliance tracking. By using this technology, you can prove that your vessel is operating within legal boundaries, particularly when navigating through protected areas. This helps ensure that all maritime activities are recorded and that the rules for sensitive marine zones are being respected by everyone on the water.
What it costs you
There is no direct fee paid to a government agency for the system itself, but there are significant private costs involved. You are responsible for the initial purchase and professional installation of the required satellite hardware on your boat. Additionally, you must account for the ongoing costs of maintaining the hardware and paying for the satellite data services required to keep the tracker functioning while you are away from the coast.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that the system must be active at all times while you are at sea. You cannot turn the tracker off to hide your location or avoid monitoring. Because the system relies on satellite technology to provide constant updates, any period where the hardware is inactive could result in a failure to meet regulatory requirements.
How to apply
- Verify that your vessel's length exceeds the 12-meter threshold.
- Source the required satellite hardware used for maritime tracking.
- Arrange for the professional installation of the hardware on your vessel.
- Test the system to ensure it remains active and transmitting while at sea.