If you are preparing your boat for the new season, it is essential to equip yourself with a reliable marine radio. Regulations require that every vessel navigating more than 6 miles from the coast must have a VHF radio on board to ensure safety at sea and the ability to communicate in case of emergency.
Among the most reliable brands in this sector, Icom has stood out for over 50 years in the production of marine transceivers, offering innovative and resistant models for the most extreme conditions.
But how do you choose the most suitable radio for your needs? Is a fixed radio or a portable radio better? And what features are truly essential? In this guide, we will help you navigate the best options available in 2025 to choose the perfect VHF for your boat.
When is a VHF mandatory?
A marine VHF is a fundamental tool for those who go to sea, but its presence on board becomes mandatory for all recreational units navigating beyond 6 miles from the coast.
To install a fixed VHF radio, it is necessary to obtain the Radiotelegraphy Operating License, while for its use, at least the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (RTF) is required.
Marine radios operate on frequencies between 156 and 163 MHz, with a range that depends on power and antenna. Portable radios have a maximum power of 6W, while fixed radios can reach up to 25W, ensuring a much wider communication range.
Portable or Fixed Radio: Which to Choose?
The choice between a portable VHF and a fixed one depends on the type of navigation and the crew's needs.
Portable VHF Radio
✔ Easy to use: Ready to use without installation.
✔ Independent of onboard battery: Continues to function even in case of electrical failure of the vessel.
✔ Versatile: Can be used anywhere on board or on an emergency vessel.
✔ Perfect for small boats or for those who need a backup radio.
🔻 Limitations:
- Lower range compared to a fixed VHF (3-8 miles).
- Limited battery life, especially at high power.
Fixed VHF Radio
✔ Greater transmission power (up to 25W), with a range of 15-20 miles.
✔ Connected to the vessel's antenna, improving signal reception.
✔ Ideal for those who frequently navigate beyond 6 miles from the coast.
🔻 Limitations:
- Requires fixed installation.
- Requires a continuous power source.
The Best Marine Radios of 2025
📌 Icom IC-M25 EURO – Floating Portable VHF
The Icom IC-M25 Euro is among the best-selling radios thanks to its compact and lightweight design. Perfect for any type of vessel, it offers 11 hours of autonomy and a powerful 550mW speaker for clear communications even in noisy environments.
📌 Main features:
✔ Floating and waterproof
✔ USB charging
✔ Backlit keypad and display for night use
✔ Easy to use and ideal as a main or emergency radio
Click here to discover the product
📌 Icom IC-M94DE – Portable VHF with Integrated AIS
For those seeking maximum safety, the Icom IC-M94DE is the first portable VHF with integrated AIS. In addition to functioning as a VHF radio, it displays nearby vessels with AIS in real-time, preventing collisions and improving navigation.
📌 Advanced features:
✔ Integrated AIS and GPS for tracking surrounding vessels
✔ Distress button for automatic transmission of coordinates in case of emergency
✔ Float’n Flash: floats and lights up if dropped in water
✔ AquaQuake technology to remove water from the speaker
Click here to discover the product
📌 Icom IC-M330GE – Fixed VHF with GPS and DSC
The Icom IC-M330GE is the perfect solution for those seeking a compact and reliable fixed radio. With integrated GPS and DSC function, it ensures rapid and secure communications in case of emergency.
📌 Key features:
✔ 25W of power for extended range
✔ Backlit display and intuitive controls
✔ IPx7 waterproof standard, resistant to water and harsh marine conditions
✔ AquaQuake function to keep the speaker always efficient
Click here to discover the product
Consultancy and Forms Included
To use a marine radio, it is necessary to obtain a Government License and an RTF Certificate. At BPG Radiocomunicazioni, we provide you with:
✔ All the necessary documentation to obtain authorizations
✔ Free consultation to simplify the bureaucratic process
✔ Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Unsure which radio to choose? Contact us for personalized advice!
📩 shop@bpg.it
📦 Order now on shop.bpg.it and receive your radio in 48 hours!
With this guide, you now have all the information to choose the perfect marine radio for your boat. Trust Icom for your safety at sea and take advantage of our exclusive promotion!