Advanced Marine Safety with Integrated AIS Traffic Monitoring
The Icom M94D handheld VHF marine radio combines Class D Digital Selective Calling with an integrated AIS receiver, giving you real-time vessel traffic information right in your hand. With 6 watts of transmit power, GPS navigation, and Float'n Flash technology, this USCG-approved radio delivers professional-grade marine communication for recreational boaters, sailors, and offshore cruisers who demand superior safety features and reliability.
Key Features
- Integrated AIS Receiver: Built-in dual-channel AIS receiver displays vessel traffic information, showing nearby ships' positions, course, speed, and identification on the LCD screen. The AIS target call function allows you to quickly initiate DSC individual calls to specific vessels for enhanced safety and communication.
- Class D DSC with GPS: Integrated GPS receiver enables one-button distress calling with automatic position transmission. Send distress, individual, group, and all ships calls with your exact coordinates for rapid emergency response and improved situational awareness.
- 6W RF Output Power: High power 6-watt transmit capability (also switchable to 1W low power) provides extended communication range compared to standard 5W handhelds, ensuring your voice reaches distant vessels and shore stations.
- 1500mW Loud Audio Output: Class-leading 1500mW internal speaker delivers exceptionally loud, crystal-clear audio that cuts through wind, engine noise, and harsh marine environments. External speaker jack provides 350mW output for additional flexibility.
- Float'n Flash Technology: If dropped overboard, the M94D floats and automatically flashes its LCD screen, keypad, and rear DISTRESS button for easy retrieval. Pressing the DISTRESS button while floating transmits a Man Overboard (MOB) distress signal with GPS position.
- IPX7 Waterproof Protection: Submersible to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes. AquaQuake water-draining technology uses speaker vibration to clear water from the speaker grille, preventing audio degradation after water exposure.
- 10-Hour Battery Life: High-capacity BP-306 lithium-ion battery pack (2400mAh typical) provides approximately 10 hours of operating time under normal conditions with 5:5:90 duty cycle, ensuring all-day reliability on the water.
- Active Noise Canceller: Advanced noise reduction technology filters out background engine and wind noise during transmission, ensuring your voice comes through clearly even in challenging conditions.
- Simplified Navigation Function: Store up to 50 waypoints for favorite fishing spots, marinas, or destinations. The navigation screen displays bearing, distance, and guidance to help you reach your waypoint safely.
- Weather Channel Access: Receive NOAA weather broadcasts and alerts (USA version) to stay informed about changing marine conditions and severe weather warnings.
Technical Specifications
- Channels: All USA, International, and Canadian marine channels plus weather channels
- Power Output: 6 watts High / 1 watt Low (selectable)
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7 submersible (1m depth for 30 minutes)
- Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours (5:5:90 duty cycle with BP-306)
- Dimensions: 60.9mm (W) × 145.8mm (H) × 43.8mm (D) / 2.4" × 5.7" × 1.7"
- Weight: 357g / 12.6 oz (with BP-306 battery, antenna, and MB-133 belt clip)
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C / -4°F to +140°F
- Current Drain: TX: 1500mA (6W) / 700mA (1W), RX: 700mA (internal speaker)
- Audio Output: Internal speaker: 1500mW typical (8Ω), External speaker: 350mW typical (8Ω)
- Frequency Range: TX: 156.025–157.425 MHz, RX: 156.050–163.275 MHz, DSC: 156.525 MHz, AIS: 162.025 MHz
- Antenna Impedance: 50Ω
- Type of Emission: 16K0G3E (FM), 16K0G2B (DSC), 16K0GXW (AIS)
- Certifications: FCC Part 80, USCG approved, MIL-STD-810G (multiple methods), IPX7
DSC & GPS Capabilities
The Icom M94D features full Class D Digital Selective Calling functionality with an integrated GPS receiver. In an emergency, press the spring-loaded red DISTRESS button on the rear panel to instantly transmit a distress alert with your vessel's GPS position to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels monitoring Channel 70. The radio supports individual calling (contact specific vessels by MMSI), group calling (communicate with your fleet), all ships calling, position request/reply, and DSC test calls. The DSC log stores received calls for review. Program your MMSI number easily through the menu system to activate all DSC features. GPS provides accurate position tracking, waypoint navigation, and automatic position updates for enhanced safety at sea.
Icom Advanced Technologies
- AquaQuakeâ„¢: Icom's innovative water-draining technology vibrates the speaker grille to expel water droplets, preventing audio degradation and muffled sound after the radio gets wet. Essential for maintaining clear communication in marine environments.
- Active Noise Canceller: Advanced digital signal processing reduces background noise during transmission by up to 90%, filtering out engine rumble, wind noise, and other environmental sounds so your voice transmits clearly to receiving stations.
- Float'n Flash: Buoyant design with automatic visual alert system. If dropped overboard, the radio floats face-up and flashes the LCD, keypad, and DISTRESS button to help you locate and retrieve it quickly, even in low light or rough conditions.
- MOB Auto Set Function: When Float'n Flash is activated (radio floating in water), pressing the DISTRESS button automatically transmits a Man Overboard distress signal instead of a generic undesignated distress, providing rescuers with critical MOB-specific information.
- RealTime Info Display: Operating information such as battery status, GPS fix, and channel information is continuously displayed during communication for improved situational awareness.
- Integrated AIS Receiver: Dual-channel AIS receiver monitors AIS-equipped vessels within VHF range, displaying vessel name, MMSI, position, course, speed, CPA (Closest Point of Approach), and TCPA (Time to CPA) for collision avoidance and enhanced safety.
Connectivity & Smart Features
The M94D supports Dualwatch and Tri-watch functions, allowing simultaneous monitoring of Channel 16 (or your programmed scan channel) while operating on another working channel. The favorite channel function lets you quickly access your most-used channels. External speaker mic jack (2.5mm) accommodates optional waterproof speaker microphones like the HM-228 (IPX7 compact) or HM-165 (IPX7 rugged) for hands-free operation. The radio supports 4-digit channel designation for international operation. NMEA 0183 GPS output capability allows position data sharing with compatible marine electronics (requires optional cable).
Compatibility
The Icom M94D is compatible with a full range of genuine Icom accessories including the HM-228 and HM-165 waterproof speaker microphones, BP-306 replacement battery pack, BC-251 desktop rapid charger, BC-242/BC-123S AC adapters, CP-25H cigarette lighter cable, FA-SC59V replacement antenna, MB-96F and MB-96FL leather belt hangers, and MB-133 belt clip. The radio uses a standard 50Ω marine VHF antenna connection. No external GPS required thanks to the built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver with fast acquisition time.
What's Included
- Icom M94D VHF marine transceiver
- BP-306 rechargeable Li-ion battery pack (7.2V, 2280mAh minimum / 2400mAh typical)
- BC-251 desktop rapid battery charger (charges in approximately 3.5 hours)
- AC adapter (BC-242 or BC-123S depending on region)
- CP-26 cigarette lighter cable for mobile charging
- FA-SC59V marine antenna
- MB-133 belt clip
- Hand strap
- Owner's manual and documentation
Ideal For
The Icom M94D is perfect for recreational boaters, offshore sailors, fishing enthusiasts, yacht owners, and commercial mariners who demand the highest level of safety technology in a handheld VHF radio. The integrated AIS receiver makes this radio particularly valuable for navigating busy harbors, congested shipping lanes, and coastal waters where vessel traffic awareness is critical. Ideal for powerboaters, sailboat racers, offshore cruisers, fishing vessels, water taxis, dive boats, and anyone requiring reliable marine communication with advanced collision avoidance capabilities. The Float'n Flash and MOB functions make this an excellent choice for single-handed sailors and activities where man overboard scenarios are a concern.
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 cutting-edge features like AquaQuakeâ„¢ and Active Noise Canceller. Trusted by recreational boaters, professional mariners, coast guards, and marine industries worldwide, Icom radios are built to perform in the most demanding conditions.
