Icom and the Latest Changes to the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES)

The UK/EU Marine VHF channel plan was changed a few years ago, and there has been another recent update known as the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). Initially, this was to create new, more usable simplex channels from existing duplex channels on the VHF Marine band.

To achieve this, duplex channels such as channel 20 were split into two simplex channels. These new simplex channels were then called channels 1020 and 2020, 1020 using the low side of the split frequency, and 2020 using the high side of the split frequency. Consequently, familiar channel designations, such as UKM1 (previously displayed as 37A), was changed to 1037 on later radio models. Despite the new labelling, it works in the same way as it always did.

Some of these new simplex channels are already available on the public marine VHF channel plan and some are designated for receive only.

The latest VDES update to the channel plan has allocated some channels for commercial digital use. These channels are no longer available for general marine use. A radio that complies with VDES will have the latest channel plan, including the new channels and the removal of those no longer intended for general use.

All new Icom marine radios sold (via ICOM UK) have the updated VDES channel set from January 1st, 2024.

Icom owners with a radio with a channel set that is not compliant with this new guidance can get their radio re-programmed to meet these changes. The cost for the upgrade will be £20 + VAT and a carriage charge. This subsidised reprogramming service is for radios bought through official ICOM resellers and imported by ICOM UK. Radios from other sources that we haven’t placed on the market can be upgraded, but the cost will align with our normal service fees.

Owners who may have bought a new radio in 2024 without the latest channel set can have their radios reprogrammed free of charge. However, we will charge for the return carriage.

Any future repairs we carry out, both under or out of warranty, we will automatically check the radios channel set and upgrade the radio whilst here as part of the service.

Please note that some much earlier/older Icom models may not be compliant.

If you have any questions about any of this information, please contact us on 01227 741741 or via email sales@icomuk.co.uk.