Icom GM1600 GMDSS Survival Craft VHF Radio - Complete Kit, Dual Batteries, Charger, IMO Certified, Yellow

Complete IMO-Certified GMDSS Kit with Dual Battery System for Training & Emergency Use

The Icom GM1600 Complete Package is the professional GMDSS solution that includes everything needed for both survival craft compliance AND daily on-board use. This comprehensive kit includes the IMO-certified GM1600 survival craft VHF radio, the BP-234 primary lithium battery for long-term survival craft storage, the BP-252 rechargeable Li-ion battery for on-board use and training, the BC-173 desktop charger, and all essential accessories. Compliant with IMO resolutions A.694(17) and MSC149(77), this dual-battery system allows maritime operations to conduct regular safety drills and training with the rechargeable battery while keeping the primary BP-234 battery sealed and ready for actual emergency deployment. Perfect for commercial vessels, passenger ships, and offshore platforms requiring both SOLAS compliance and practical on-board training capability. USCG approved and FCC certified. **SURFACE SHIPPING ONLY.** Free shipping included.

Key Features

• Complete Dual-Battery GMDSS Solution: Includes both the BP-234 primary lithium battery (9.0V 3300mAh) for survival craft emergency use AND the BP-252 rechargeable Li-ion battery (7.2V 1000-1050mAh) for on-board daily operations, safety drills, and crew training. This professional approach keeps the critical survival craft battery sealed and fresh while allowing unlimited training and testing with the rechargeable battery.
• IMO-Certified GMDSS Survival Craft Radio: Fully compliant with IMO resolutions A.694(17) and MSC149(77) for GMDSS portable survival craft radios. Meets all international maritime safety requirements for emergency communication equipment on lifeboats and life rafts. Essential for SOLAS-compliant vessels including passenger ships, cargo vessels, fishing boats, and offshore platforms.
• BC-173 Desktop Charger Included: Professional desktop charger regularly charges the BP-252 rechargeable battery in approximately 10 hours. Allows unlimited training cycles and safety drills without depleting the emergency BP-234 battery. The BC-147SA/SE AC adapter (varies by version) is included for convenient shore power or ship's AC power charging.
• Extreme Environmental Durability: Rigorously tested to survive the harshest survival craft conditions including temperature extremes, thermal shock, severe vibration, and drop resistance from 1 meter height. After passing all environmental tests, the GM1600 retains full 1 meter depth waterproof construction. Built to function reliably in emergency situations where standard marine radios would fail.
• BP-234 Primary Battery - 8+ Hours at -20°C: High-capacity primary lithium battery provides superior low-temperature performance. Delivers more than 8 hours of operating time even at -20°C (-4°F) under duty cycle Tx:Rx:Standby = 6:6:48. Designed for long-term storage readiness in survival craft with minimal self-discharge. Keep sealed in survival craft for emergency use while training with the BP-252.
• 2W RF Output Power: Transmits at 2 watts high power or 1 watt low power on emergency marine VHF frequencies (156.300–156.875 MHz). Provides reliable emergency communication range for survival craft to communicate with rescue vessels, coast guard, and nearby ships during emergency situations.
• Highly Visible Safety Yellow Construction: Bright yellow housing ensures maximum visibility in emergency situations, making the radio easy to locate in survival craft, life rafts, or if dropped. High-visibility color is critical for emergency equipment that may need to be found quickly in low-light or chaotic conditions. Bright LED indicator on top panel provides additional visual status confirmation.
• Large Keypad with Positive Button Action: Oversized buttons with positive tactile feedback allow reliable operation even while wearing gloves, in rough seas, or during high-stress emergency situations. Large 16 button for instant Channel 16 emergency access. CALL button for quick call channel selection. Wide viewing angle LCD display readable in all lighting conditions.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Coverage: Tx/Rx 156.300–156.875 MHz (GMDSS survival craft frequencies)
• Channels: USA version or GEN (General/International) version available
• Power Output: 2W (High), 1W (Low) selectable
• Type of Emission: 16K0G3E (FM)
• Waterproof Rating: 1 meter depth (tested and certified after environmental testing)
• Battery Life: BP-234: 8+ hours at -20°C (Tx:Rx:Standby = 6:6:48) | BP-252: Standard on-board use varies by conditions
• Current Drain: 1.0A (transmit at 2W), 0.7A (transmit at 1W), 200mA (receive max audio)
• Sensitivity: USA: 0.25 µV typical (at 12dB SINAD) | GEN: -2dBµ typical emf (at 20dB SINAD)
• Audio Output: USA: 350mW typical (10% distortion, 8Ω load) | GEN: 200mW
• Dimensions: 65 x 145 x 44 mm (2.6 x 5.7 x 1.7 inches) without projections
• Weight: 385g (13.6 oz) with BP-234 battery
• Operating Temperature: USA: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) | GEN: -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
• Power Supply: 7.5V DC nominal (accepts BP-234 or BP-252)
• Antenna Impedance: 50Ω (SMA fixed-type connector)
• Drop Resistance: 1 meter drop tested per IMO requirements
• Charger: BC-173 charges BP-252 in approximately 10 hours
• Certifications: IMO A.694(17), IMO MSC149(77), FCC Part 80, USCG approved, SOLAS compliant

Dual-Battery System: Professional Approach to GMDSS Compliance

This complete package represents the professional maritime safety approach to GMDSS survival craft radio management. The dual-battery system allows maritime operators to maintain full SOLAS compliance while conducting regular crew training, safety drills, and equipment testing. The BP-234 primary lithium battery remains sealed in the survival craft emergency kit, maintaining its long-term storage readiness and cold-weather performance. Meanwhile, the BP-252 rechargeable Li-ion battery handles all on-board uses including weekly radio checks, monthly safety drills, annual inspections, crew familiarization training, and pre-departure equipment testing. This approach ensures that when an actual emergency occurs, the BP-234 battery is at full capacity and ready to provide 8+ hours of emergency communication at extreme low temperatures. This is how professional maritime operations manage GMDSS equipment to meet both regulatory requirements and operational readiness.

IMO Compliance & GMDSS Certification

The GM1600 is specifically engineered and certified to meet IMO resolutions A.694(17) and MSC149(77) which establish the performance standards for survival craft portable two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus. These stringent international standards require the radio to survive extreme environmental testing including temperature cycling from -20°C to +55/60°C, thermal shock, severe vibration simulating rough seas, drop testing from 1 meter onto hard surfaces, prolonged humidity exposure, and corrosive salt spray - and then still maintain full waterproof integrity to 1 meter depth and complete operational functionality. The GM1600 passes all these destructive tests, ensuring it will function reliably when deployed in actual emergency survival craft situations. This certification is mandatory for SOLAS-compliant vessels and essential for commercial maritime safety operations worldwide.

BP-252 Rechargeable Battery for On-Board Operations

The included BP-252 is a 7.2V 1000-1050mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery designed for regular on-board use. This battery allows maritime safety officers and crew to conduct unlimited radio checks, weekly equipment tests, monthly safety drills, crew training sessions, and annual inspections without consuming the critical BP-234 survival craft battery. The BC-173 desktop charger charges the BP-252 in approximately 10 hours using the included BC-147SA/SE AC adapter. For vessels conducting frequent training or operating in regions requiring weekly radio checks, additional BP-252 batteries can be purchased to ensure one is always charged and ready. The BP-252's rechargeable design makes it cost-effective for high-frequency training use, while its Li-ion chemistry provides reliable performance in normal shipboard temperature conditions.

BC-173 Desktop Charger System

The professional BC-173 desktop charger provides reliable, safe charging for the BP-252 rechargeable battery. The charger includes intelligent charging circuitry that prevents overcharging and optimizes battery longevity. The included BC-147SA (USA plug) or BC-147SE (European plug) AC adapter allows connection to shore power or ship's AC power systems. The charger's desktop design is stable and secure, ideal for mounting in radio rooms, bridge wings, or crew training areas. Charging time is approximately 10 hours for a fully depleted BP-252 battery. The charger will NOT charge the BP-234 primary lithium battery (primary batteries are non-rechargeable by design). This charging system ensures that training batteries are always ready for the next safety drill or crew familiarization session.

Extreme Environmental Durability Testing

Before the GM1600 can be certified for survival craft use, it must pass rigorous environmental testing far exceeding standard marine radio requirements. This includes temperature extremes from -20°C to +55/60°C, rapid thermal shock cycling simulating transition from heated ship interior to cold survival craft deployment, severe vibration testing simulating rough seas and lifeboat launching, repeated drops from 1 meter height onto hard surfaces simulating rough handling during emergency evacuation, prolonged 95% humidity exposure simulating tropical conditions, and corrosive salt spray testing simulating extended saltwater exposure. Only after passing all these destructive environmental tests does Icom verify that the radio still maintains 1 meter waterproof integrity and full operational functionality. This level of testing ensures the GM1600 will work when lives depend on it.

Training & Safety Drill Applications

The complete dual-battery package enables comprehensive GMDSS training programs. Maritime safety officers can conduct realistic emergency communication drills using the BP-252 battery, teaching crew members proper Channel 16 emergency procedures, distress call formats, position reporting protocols, and rescue coordination communication. The rechargeable battery allows unlimited practice sessions without depleting the critical survival craft battery. Training scenarios can include man-overboard drills, abandon-ship procedures, emergency lifeboat communications, and GMDSS radio check procedures. Annual inspections and monthly equipment testing required by maritime safety regulations can be performed using the BP-252, with documented proof of functionality. The BP-234 remains sealed and ready for actual emergencies. This separation between training/testing and emergency readiness is the professional standard for SOLAS-compliant vessels.

High-Visibility Safety Design

The GM1600's bright yellow housing is a critical safety feature mandated for survival craft equipment. In emergency situations, especially at night, in rough seas, in smoke-filled environments, or in survival craft with limited lighting, the high-visibility yellow color makes the radio easy to locate quickly. If the radio is dropped in the survival craft, falls between seats, or is buried under emergency supplies, the yellow color aids in rapid retrieval. The bright LED indicator on the top panel provides additional visual confirmation of radio status, visible even from above when the radio is lying flat. During emergency evacuations when crew members are under extreme stress, the yellow color helps ensure the radio is grabbed and brought into the survival craft. These visibility features are not cosmetic - they are life-safety design elements that can make the difference between successful emergency communication and failed rescue attempts.

Emergency-Optimized Controls

The GM1600's interface is specifically designed for emergency use by crew members who may be under extreme stress, suffering from hypothermia, seasickness, shock, or operating in rough seas with limited visibility. The large keypad with oversized buttons provides positive tactile feedback that works even with gloved hands, numb fingers, or when wearing survival suits. The dedicated 16 button provides instant one-touch access to Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) - the international distress, urgency, and safety frequency monitored 24/7 by coast guards and rescue coordination centers worldwide. The separate CALL button allows quick access to the designated inter-ship channel for coordinating with approaching rescue vessels. The wide viewing angle LCD display remains readable from multiple angles, critical when the radio might be held awkwardly in crowded survival craft conditions. This simplified, purpose-built interface eliminates confusion during emergencies when every second counts and clear thinking may be impaired.

Operational Features

• Dual Battery Compatibility: Accepts BP-234 primary lithium for survival craft or BP-252 rechargeable for training
• Dedicated Channel 16 Button: Instant one-touch access to international emergency frequency
• CALL Button: Quick access to designated call channel for inter-ship communication
• Hi/Lo Power Selection: 2W high power for maximum range, 1W low power for battery conservation
• Large LCD Display: High-contrast wide viewing angle display readable in all conditions
• Top-Panel LED Indicator: Bright LED provides visual status confirmation from any angle
• Positive-Action Keypad: Oversized glove-friendly buttons work in emergency conditions
• Simplified Interface: Emergency-optimized controls reduce confusion under stress
• Battery Status Display: Clear indication of remaining battery capacity
• Channel Up/Down Buttons: Large arrow buttons for easy channel selection
• Optional VOX Headset Capability: For on-board hands-free training use (headset sold separately)
• Compact Survival Craft Design: Fits easily in survival craft radio storage brackets

SOLAS Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter III and IV require that certain vessels carry approved survival craft radios meeting IMO specifications. The GM1600's certification under IMO A.694(17) and MSC149(77) makes it suitable for SOLAS-compliant installations on passenger ships carrying 12+ persons, cargo vessels over 300 gross tons engaged in international voyages, fishing vessels over 45 meters, offshore supply vessels, research vessels, jack-up rigs, offshore platforms, and other commercial vessels. Maritime safety regulations and classification societies (Lloyd's, ABS, DNV, etc.) require that survival craft radios be inspected, tested, and maintained according to specific schedules - typically monthly operational checks, annual thorough examinations, and five-year detailed surveys. The GM1600 complete package with dual batteries facilitates these regulatory inspections while maintaining emergency readiness. Maritime safety managers and designated persons ashore (DPA) appreciate this professional approach to GMDSS equipment management.

SURFACE SHIPPING ONLY - Lithium Battery Regulations

This complete package includes both the BP-234 primary lithium battery (3300mAh) and BP-252 rechargeable Li-ion battery (1050mAh), which are subject to strict transportation regulations. Due to lithium battery content, this product can only be shipped via SURFACE transportation (ground/ocean freight). It CANNOT be shipped via air cargo or expedited air services. Shipping times may be longer than standard products. This restriction applies to domestic and international shipments. The batteries comply with all applicable DOT, IATA, and IMDG dangerous goods regulations for surface transport. For customers requiring expedited delivery, consider purchasing the basic package (UPC 4909723163039) which includes only the BP-234, then ordering the BP-252 battery and charger separately.

What's Included (Complete Package with Dual Batteries)

• Icom GM1600 GMDSS Survival Craft VHF Radio (Safety Yellow)
• BP-234 Primary Lithium Battery Pack (9.0V, 3300mAh) for survival craft emergency use
• BP-252 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1000-1050mAh) for on-board training and daily use
• BC-173 Desktop Charger (charges BP-252 in ~10 hours)
• BC-147SA/SE AC Adapter (varies by version - USA or European plug)
• MB-103Y Yellow Alligator-Style Belt Clip
• FA-S61V Antenna
• Neck Strap
• Owner's Manual with IMO Compliance Documentation
• Training & Maintenance Guidelines
• Free Shipping (SURFACE ONLY)

Ideal For

The Icom GM1600 Complete Package is specifically designed for commercial vessels, passenger ships, cargo ships, cruise lines, ferry operations, fishing vessels, offshore platforms, offshore supply vessels, research vessels, tugboats, pilot boats, and any SOLAS-compliant maritime operation requiring IMO-certified survival craft communication equipment with comprehensive training capability. Perfect for maritime safety managers who conduct regular GMDSS training drills, monthly equipment testing, annual inspections, and crew familiarization programs while maintaining full survival craft emergency readiness. Essential for vessel operators, offshore facility managers, maritime training centers, ship management companies, and fleet operators who must meet both GMDSS regulatory requirements and practical operational training needs. The dual-battery system represents the professional standard for SOLAS-compliant maritime operations.

Optional Accessories for Extended Capability

Additional accessories available separately include extra BP-252 rechargeable batteries for extended training sessions, MB-86 swivel belt clip for comfortable all-day wear during training, MB-96F fixed leather belt hanger and MB-96N swivel leather belt hanger for professional carrying, and VOX headset for hands-free on-board communication during training exercises. These accessories enhance the training and operational flexibility of the complete GM1600 system while maintaining full survival craft emergency capability with the BP-234 battery.

Why Choose the Complete Package?

The complete GM1600 package represents the professional maritime safety approach: maintain full SOLAS compliance with the sealed BP-234 survival craft battery while conducting unlimited training, testing, and drills with the BP-252 rechargeable battery. This eliminates the dilemma faced by many maritime operations: conducting required training versus preserving the emergency battery. With the dual-battery system, you can do both. Train crew members realistically, conduct monthly equipment checks, perform annual inspections, and maintain documented proof of functionality - all without touching the critical survival craft battery. When an actual emergency occurs, the BP-234 is at full capacity and ready to provide 8+ hours of cold-weather emergency communication. This is how professional maritime operations manage life-safety equipment to meet both regulatory requirements and operational readiness.

About Icom

Icom Incorporated has been a global leader in marine communication since 1954. With over 70 years of innovation in radio technology, Icom is renowned for engineering excellence, rugged reliability, and certified safety equipment. Trusted by commercial maritime operators, passenger ship lines, coast guards, offshore energy companies, maritime training academies, and maritime safety organizations worldwide, Icom radios are built to perform in the most demanding and life-threatening conditions. The GM1600's IMO certification and professional dual-battery approach represent Icom's commitment to meeting the highest international standards for maritime safety equipment while supporting practical operational training needs.