GM1600E marine GMDSS portable VHF pack

ICOM GM1600E Portable VHF Package: Safety and GMDSS Compliance

The ICOM GM1600E portable VHF radio is a survival radio communication system designed to meet the strictest maritime safety standards. Specifically developed for emergency situations and life rafts, this VHF radio complies with GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) requirements and is MED "Wheel Mark" certified, making it suitable for use on commercial and recreational vessels subject to SOLAS regulations. It meets IMO A.809(19), A.694(17), and IEC 61097-12 standards, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Robust design for extreme environments

Built to survive, the GM1600E meets the requirements for temperature resistance (from -20°C to +55°C in operation), thermal shock, vibration, and drop resistance from a height of 1 meter. Its high-visibility yellow casing ensures rapid location in emergencies. IPX7 certified waterproofing guarantees perfect operation even after immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. A "Speed ​​Water Removal" system quickly drains water from the speaker to maintain clear and intelligible audio quality, essential in critical situations. Large, ergonomic buttons allow for easy operation, even with gloves.

Dual power supply for unfailing reliability

This pack stands out thanks to its dual power supply for increased versatility and safety. It includes a sealed, non-rechargeable BP-234 lithium battery, which guarantees over 8 hours of autonomy even at temperatures as low as -20°C, in accordance with GMDSS requirements. For regular use, testing, or training, a rechargeable BP-252 Li-Ion battery with its charger is also included, thus preserving the emergency battery for real-life situations. This redundancy is an essential safety feature for survival equipment.

Technical performance and specifications

The GM1600E VHF radio operates on marine frequencies from 156.300 to 156.875 MHz with a switchable transmit power of 2 W or 1 W. Its compact dimensions (65 × 145 × 44 mm) and weight of 385 g (with the BP-234 battery) make it easy to handle and store. The superheterodyne double-conversion receiver ensures excellent selectivity (70 dB) and a sensitivity of 0.25 μV. The 0.2 W audio output guarantees clear communication in noisy environments. Unlike standard handheld VHF radios, the GM1600E is dedicated exclusively to survival communication, without additional features such as GPS or AIS, to focus on its primary mission: absolute reliability in case of distress.