Overview of Icom’s Latest GMDSS Radio Solutions

Ships certified as SOLAS vessels need to have radios that meet the strict international radio safety standards known as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, new approval standards were set for GMDSS (SOLAS) compliance for UK-flagged vessels. The Marine Equipment Directive (MED), more commonly known as the "Ships Wheel Mark," was replaced by a UK compliance standard known as the Marine Equipment Regulation (MER), also referred to as "UK Red Ensign." All GMDSS (SOLAS) compliant equipment manufactured after January 1st, 2023, sold or installed on a qualifying UK-flagged vessel, must carry approval for the new MER standard.

Icom supplies a full VHF and MF/HF solution that meets ITU Class A DSC requirements and both European MED 96/98/EC “Wheel Mark” approval and UK Marine Equipment Regulation (MER) “Red Ensign” mark. This ensures compliance for both European merchant ships and UK-flagged vessels.

The GM600 GMDSS VHF/DSC radio together with Icom's GM800 GMDSS MF/HF marine transceiver provides a full GMDSS bridge radio line-up for the commercial maritime market place. Both radios provide loud, clear audio and feature a large 4.3-inch colour LCD display for clear visibility and a night mode feature for low light conditions.

To complete Icom’s GMDSS range, the IC-GM1600E Marine VHF handheld survival craft radio meets both “Wheel Mark” MED certification and UK "Red Ensign" Marine Equipment Regulations. The IC-GM1600E meets temperature, thermal shock, vibration, and drop resistance (from 1m height) requirements and meets international standards for life rafts and their emergency equipment.

Icom's MED-approved products, including the IC-GM1600E survival craft handheld radio, the GM600 VHF, and GM800 MF/HF fixed radios, comply with the MER directive and carry the UK Red Ensign mark as well as the MED Ships Wheel mark and are approved for use throughout the United Kingdom.

You can find out more about our GMDSS range by visiting the GM600, GM800, and IC-GM1600E dedicated product pages or by downloading our latest GMDSS catalogue from the ‘Icom Catalogues’ section of our website.

For more information on the UK Red Ensign approval, you can refer to the article: What is the Red Ensign Approval Rating?

Our GMDSS range is available from Icom Commercial Marine Dealers. For more details or to find out who your nearest dealer is, call us on 01227 741741 or email to the address below.

Icom UK Sales - sales@icomuk.co.uk