Handheld VHF radio selection starts with one simple question: what will the radio actually be expected to do? A compact set carried on a yacht tender, a radio used every day on a workboat, an ATEX-approved firefighter radio and a GMDSS survival-craft radio may all fit in one hand, but they are designed for very different jobs. This buying guide compares six real Icom, Entel and SAILOR marine radios and explains where those differences matter.
The calmest day at sea can make almost any radio look adequate. The real test comes when the deck is wet, the crew are busy, visibility has deteriorated or the equipment suddenly becomes part of an emergency response.
Handheld VHF Radio Buying Guide: The Quick Answer
For normal small-boat, yacht, RIB or tender use, a buoyant handheld VHF radio such as the Icom IC-M25 EVO or Icom IC-M37E is a sensible place to begin.
If you specifically want handheld DSC, integrated GPS and reception of nearby AIS targets, the Icom IC-M94DE provides all three.
For demanding daily commercial use, the Entel HT644 is a commercial-grade marine handheld with IP68 protection. The Entel DT944FF is a different category again: an MED firefighter VHF with ATEX IIC approval.
For the survival-craft role within GMDSS, the SAILOR SP3520 is specifically designed as a portable GMDSS VHF.
Handheld VHF Radio Selection: Why the Job Comes First
A RIB pulls away from its parent vessel. There is a light chop, spray is coming across the console and a handheld radio is lying beside the helm.
One wave hits badly.
The radio disappears over the side.
At that moment, specifications that looked ordinary on a website become very real. Does the radio float? Will it survive immersion? Can the crew find it again?
Now move the same story to a tug or workboat.
The handheld VHF radio is no longer something that comes out of a locker occasionally. It is picked up, put down and transmitted on throughout the working day. Wet gloves, salt spray and repeated handling are normal.
That changes the priorities.
Move again, this time into a hazardous-area or firefighter application. A radio can be waterproof and extremely rugged while still not holding the approval required for a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Then there is the most serious scenario of all: the crew have left the vessel and the portable VHF is now inside a survival craft.
To understand how portable VHF fits into the vessel’s wider communications installation, read our Marine VHF Radio Systems Explained guide.
Handheld VHF Radio for Leisure Boats: IC-M25 EVO & IC-M37E
Leisure Handheld VHF Radio
Portable • buoyant • convenient • ideal for small craft and backup use
On a leisure boat, portability and buoyancy can be particularly useful. A handheld may be carried aboard a tender, used around the cockpit, taken onto a RIB or kept as a portable backup to the vessel’s fixed marine VHF.
The Icom IC-M25 EVO and IC-M37E approach that job with slightly different priorities.
Icom IC-M25 EVO — Compact, Buoyant and USB-C Rechargeable
Icom specifies the IC-M25 EVO handheld marine VHF radio with 5 W RF output and 700 mW audio output.
Its power-saving Eco Mode can provide approximately 14 hours of operating time. Icom explains that Eco Mode achieves the longer operating time by reducing transmit power to 2.5 W.
Charging is via USB Type-C. The radio also includes AquaQuake, Float’n Flash and submersible construction.
Icom IC-M37E — 6 W Output and a Larger Handheld
The Icom IC-M37E handheld marine VHF radio provides 6 W RF output and 700 mW audio output.
Icom specifies approximately 12 hours of operating time with the standard BP-296 rechargeable lithium-ion battery under the stated operating conditions.
The radio is buoyant and IPX7 rated and incorporates Float’n Flash. Its Channel History function stores the last five channels used for quick recall.
Advanced Handheld VHF Radio: Icom IC-M94DE
There is a point where a handheld VHF radio becomes considerably more than a portable voice set.
You may want the radio to know its own position, participate in DSC communications and display information received from nearby AIS-equipped vessels.
That is where the Icom IC-M94DE becomes particularly interesting.
Icom IC-M94DE
Class-H DSC • GPS • AIS receiver • portable navigation functionality
Icom specifies the IC-M94DE with Class-H DSC, an integrated GPS receiver and a built-in AIS receiver.
AIS information transmitted by nearby AIS-equipped vessels can therefore be received and displayed on the handheld.
Icom specifies 6 W RF output, approximately 10 hours of operation under the manufacturer’s stated 5/5/90 test cycle with power save enabled, and a typical 1500 mW internal-speaker audio output.
The IC-M94DE also includes simplified navigation, Float’n Flash, MOB Auto Set and AquaQuake functions.
If transmitting your own AIS position is the requirement rather than simply receiving AIS targets on a handheld, see the Icom MA-510TR AIS Transponder in the F&C Marine catalogue.
For a fixed marine VHF option that includes an AIS receiver, F&C Marine also lists the Icom IC-M510E Fixed Marine VHF with AIS Receiver .
Related F&C Marine Products
DSC functionality also depends on correctly understanding the vessel’s maritime identity. See: What Is DSC on a Marine VHF Radio? and What Is an MMSI Number? .
Commercial Handheld VHF Radio: Entel HT644
Engines are running. The deck is wet. Gloves are on.
The handheld has already been picked up and put down repeatedly since the start of the shift.
Tomorrow it will happen all over again.
In this environment the important question is whether the handheld VHF radio has been built for repeated professional marine use.
Entel HT644
Commercial marine VHF • analogue • IP68
Entel describes the HT644 as a commercial-grade VHF marine portable.
It operates in analogue mode and provides INT, USA and Canadian marine channels.
Entel specifies environmental protection of IP68 — 2 metres for 4 hours.
The current specification lists a 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery, 14.5 hours at the stated 5/5/90 duty cycle, and transmitter output of 5 W high with less than 1 W on low power.
Entel also states compliance with the listed MIL-STD 810 C/D/E/F/G construction standards.
Other Commercial Handheld VHF Products at F&C Marine
ATEX Handheld VHF Radio: Entel DT944FF
This is where choosing by appearance becomes dangerous.
Put a normal rugged marine radio beside an intrinsically safe radio and the difference may not immediately look dramatic.
But in a potentially explosive atmosphere, the approval is fundamental.
Entel DT944FF
MED firefighter VHF • ATEX IIC • IP68
The Entel DT944FF forms part of Entel’s DTEx MED Fire Fighter Series.
Entel identifies it as the VHF IIC model with ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb approval.
The published frequency range is 156–163 MHz. The DT944FF operates in analogue mode and has 1 W RF output.
The rechargeable battery specified by Entel is the CNB950EV2 1800 mAh ATEX rechargeable lithium-ion battery .
Entel specifies 16.5 hours battery endurance under the stated 5/5/90 analogue duty cycle and environmental protection of IP68 — 2 metres for 4 hours.
DT944FF & ATEX Products at F&C Marine
For more background on firefighter radios, read: Entel MED/5.20 Onboard Firefighter Radio .
GMDSS Handheld VHF Radio: SAILOR SP3520
The purpose of the radio has now changed completely.
It is no longer being used to call a marina or coordinate routine deck work.
It has become part of survival communications.
That is why a GMDSS handheld VHF radio should not be viewed simply as a recreational portable in a high-visibility case.
SAILOR SP3520 Portable VHF GMDSS
Survival craft • GMDSS portable VHF • dedicated emergency battery arrangement
The SAILOR SP3520 Portable VHF GMDSS is documented as a portable VHF intended to fulfil GMDSS requirements for survival-craft radio use.
Its user manual specifies IP67 protection and separates the emergency battery from the rechargeable battery used for ordinary operation.
SAILOR B3501 Primary Emergency Battery
The yellow SAILOR B3501 primary battery , part number 403501A, is non-rechargeable.
The SP3520 manual identifies it as the primary battery for emergency use. Before use, the seal is removed and the battery is fitted to the radio.
The manual specifies sufficient energy for 8 hours of operation under its defined 10% transmit, 10% receive and 80% standby duty cycle.
Rechargeable Battery for Daily Use
F&C Marine also lists the SAILOR B3502 rechargeable secondary battery for the SP3500-series arrangement.
This is the important distinction: the emergency primary battery and the rechargeable daily-use battery are not the same thing.
SAILOR SP3520 Products & Accessories at F&C Marine
For a deeper explanation of portable survival-craft radios and batteries, read our GMDSS Handheld VHF Radio Guide .
For the wider distress and safety system, see: What Is GMDSS and How Does It Work? .
Handheld VHF Radio Comparison: Six Models Side by Side
| Model | Main Role | Transmit Output | Protection | Key Distinction | Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icom IC-M25 EVO | Compact leisure / portable backup | 5 W | Submersible marine handheld | Float’n Flash, USB-C, Eco Mode | View product |
| Icom IC-M37E | Leisure / general marine portable | 6 W | IPX7 | Buoyant, Channel History | View product |
| Icom IC-M94DE | Advanced portable marine VHF | 6 W | IPX7 | Class-H DSC, GPS, AIS receiver | View product |
| Entel HT644 | Commercial marine portable | 5 W high / <1 W low | IP68, 2 m / 4 h | Commercial-grade analogue marine VHF | View product |
| Entel DT944FF | MED firefighter / hazardous-area application | 1 W | IP68, 2 m / 4 h | ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb / MED | View product |
| SAILOR SP3520 | GMDSS survival-craft portable VHF | Portable survival-craft VHF | IP67 | Dedicated GMDSS survival-craft role | View product |
Leisure
Small boat, yacht, tender or RIB? Start with a buoyant, convenient leisure handheld such as the IC-M25 EVO or IC-M37E.
Commercial
For repeated professional marine use, consider commercial-grade construction such as the Entel HT644.
ATEX
Establish the hazardous-area requirement first. The DT944FF is specifically an MED ATEX IIC firefighter VHF.
GMDSS
Where an approved survival-craft VHF is required, use equipment designed and approved for that regulated role.
Handheld VHF Radio or Fixed Marine VHF?
A handheld VHF radio and a fixed marine VHF do not have identical installations or operating characteristics.
One major difference is the antenna.
A handheld uses a short antenna close to the operator and usually close to deck level. A fixed VHF can be connected to an external antenna installed considerably higher on the vessel.
Because marine VHF communication is heavily influenced by line of sight, antenna height and the complete antenna installation can have a major influence on practical communications performance.
F&C Marine also supplies fixed VHF equipment such as the SAILOR 6210 VHF and marine antennas including the CX4 Marine VHF Antenna .
For more detail on the complete installation, read Marine VHF Radio Systems Explained .
Before Using a Handheld VHF Radio: DSC, MMSI & Licensing
The equipment itself is only one part of marine radio operation. Licensing, operator requirements and—where DSC is involved—correct maritime identity information also matter.
MMSI stands for Maritime Mobile Service Identity. It is the nine-digit identity used by maritime digital communication systems such as DSC and AIS.
For more background see: What Is an MMSI Number? and What Is DSC on a Marine VHF Radio? .
Our Maritime Radio Licence Guide provides further background on radio licensing.
UK users can also consult Ofcom’s maritime radio licensing information .
Handheld VHF Radio Frequently Asked Questions
Which handheld VHF radio is best for a small leisure boat?
There is no single best model for every vessel. The Icom IC-M25 EVO and IC-M37E are both buoyant marine handhelds. The M25 EVO emphasises compact size and USB-C charging, while the M37E provides 6 W transmit output and a larger body.
Does the Icom IC-M94DE transmit AIS?
No. The IC-M94DE contains a built-in AIS receiver. It receives and displays AIS information from other AIS-equipped vessels. It should not be described as an AIS transponder.
Does the IC-M94DE have DSC?
Yes. Icom specifies Class-H DSC together with integrated GPS and a built-in AIS receiver.
Does a handheld VHF radio replace a fixed marine VHF?
Not necessarily. Handheld and fixed installations have different antenna and power arrangements. Many vessels use a handheld as an additional or backup means of communication.
Is IP68 the same as ATEX approval?
No. IP ratings concern environmental ingress protection under specified test conditions. ATEX approval concerns equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
What is special about the Entel DT944FF?
The DT944FF is an MED firefighter VHF with ATEX II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb approval. It is a specialist radio intended for applications where those approvals are relevant.
Can the DT944FF use Entel’s CLB850FF emergency battery?
Entel’s current documentation identifies the CLB850FF emergency one-shot battery for the DT844FF and DT885FF models, not the DT944FF.
What is the SAILOR B3501?
The B3501, part number 403501A, is the non-rechargeable primary lithium emergency battery associated with the SAILOR SP3520.
Can a leisure handheld replace a GMDSS survival-craft VHF?
Not where approved GMDSS survival-craft equipment is required. Equipment used to fulfil a statutory carriage requirement must be suitable and approved for that requirement.
Handheld VHF Radio Products Mentioned in This Guide
If you already know which type of radio you need, these links go directly to the relevant F&C Marine product and accessory pages.
Continue Your Handheld VHF Radio Research
Choosing the Right Handheld VHF Radio
A handheld VHF radio can be a compact leisure backup, an everyday commercial working tool, an advanced portable with DSC, GPS and AIS reception, an intrinsically safe firefighter radio or part of a GMDSS survival-craft system.
Those roles should not be blurred together.
For leisure use, start with practical questions such as buoyancy, size, charging and ease of use.
For professional use, consider the environment and how frequently the radio will be handled.
For ATEX, firefighter or GMDSS applications, establish the applicable approval and regulatory requirement before selecting the equipment.
That is the central message of this handheld VHF radio buying guide: choose the application first, then choose the radio.
Need Help Choosing a Handheld VHF Radio?
Tell F&C Marine the vessel type, how the radio will be used and whether there are commercial, ATEX, firefighter, survey or GMDSS requirements. Starting with the application makes it much easier to identify suitable equipment than simply comparing specification sheets.
Technical note: Product specifications, approvals and regulatory requirements can change. Always confirm current manufacturer documentation and the vessel’s applicable flag, class, coding, survey and carriage requirements before specifying equipment for a regulated or safety-critical application.