Icom IC-M25 Floating Marine VHF Transceiver (156–163 MHz)
The IC-M25 is a 5W handheld marine VHF radio with built-in Float'n Flash — it floats and activates a flashing red LED and audio alarm when dropped in water, even if the power is off. IPX7 rated (1 m / 30 min), 220 g with antenna and belt clip, Micro-B USB charging. Covers INT, USA, CAN, and WX channels. Available in Marine Blue and Black.
Why Professionals Choose the Icom IC-M25
Transmits at 5W (Hi) or 1W (Low) on FM (16K0G3E). TX covers 156.025–157.425 MHz; RX covers 156.050–163.275 MHz. Supports INT, USA, CAN, and WX channel groups including NOAA weather alert. Dual/Tri-Watch monitors Channel 16 and a second working channel simultaneously. Supports 4-digit channel display.
Float'n Flash activates automatically on water contact — red LED blinks through the rear panel, LCD and key backlight flash, audible alarm sounds. Functions even when the radio is powered off. The radio also floats with the optional HM-213 speaker-microphone attached.
IPX7 rated — submersible to 1 m for 30 minutes, confirmed in official Icom America datasheet. AquaQuake clears water from the speaker grille after submersion. No MIL-STD rating listed for this model in the official Icom America specifications.
Built-in 1500 mAh Li-ion battery (3.7V). Battery life: 11 hours at 5:5:90 duty cycle (TX Hi). Charging via Micro-B USB — compatible with standard 5V/1A USB adapters, cigarette lighter cables, and portable power banks. Charge time approximately 3 hours with supplied charger.
No DSC. No voice scrambler. Voice communication only. FCC Part 80 certified for US marine VHF operation.
Specification
General
| Frequency Range TX | 156.025–157.425 MHz |
| Frequency Range RX | 156.050–163.275 MHz |
| Usable Channel Groups | INT, USA, CAN, WX |
| Type of Emission | 16K0G3E (FM) |
| Power Supply Voltage | 3.7V DC nominal (built-in Li-ion) |
| Battery Capacity | 1500 mAh |
| Battery Life (TX Hi, 5:5:90) | 11 hours (approx.) |
| Current Drain TX | 2.3A |
| Current Drain RX (max. audio, Int SP / Ext SP) | 300 mA / 200 mA |
| Charging Interface | Micro-B USB (5V / 1A max.) |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +60°C (−4°F to +140°F) |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω |
| Dimensions (W×H×D, projections not included) | 56.6 × 134.2 × 30.5 mm (2.2 × 5.3 × 1.2 in) |
| Weight (with FA-SC59V and MB-133) | 220 g (7.7 oz) |
Transmitter
| RF Output Power | 5W (Hi) / 1W (Lo) |
| Modulation | FM (16K0G3E) |
| Max. Frequency Deviation | ±5.0 kHz |
| Frequency Stability | ±10 ppm |
| Spurious Emissions | −68 dBc typical |
| Adjacent Channel Power | 70 dB |
| Residual Modulation | 40 dB |
Receiver
| Sensitivity | 0.25 µV typical (at 12 dB SINAD) |
| Squelch Sensitivity | 0.25 µV typical (at threshold) |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | 70 dB typical |
Compliance
| FCC Certification | Part 80 (marine VHF, USA version) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 (submersible to 1 m / 30 min — confirmed in official Icom datasheet) |
| DSC | No — voice communication only |
| Measurements Standard | TIA/EIA-603 |
FCC Licensing and Compliance Support
Operation of a marine VHF radio in US waters requires an FCC Ship Station License under Part 80. This applies to all vessels operating in international waters or communicating with foreign ports. For vessels operating exclusively in US domestic waters, a license is not required by FCC rules — but a Ship Station License is strongly recommended.
As an authorized Icom dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers with understanding marine licensing requirements for commercial and fleet vessel operations. The IC-M25 does not include DSC and does not require MMSI registration. For vessels where DSC distress calling capability is required, AXDIGITAL can recommend appropriate DSC-equipped alternatives.
The IC-M25 is FCC Part 80 certified for US marine VHF operation. Contact us to confirm licensing requirements for your fleet or facility.
FAQ
What does Float'n Flash do and when does it activate?
When the IC-M25 enters water, it floats and automatically activates a flashing red LED (rear panel), LCD backlight, and audible alarm — even if the radio is powered off. This assists retrieval in low-visibility or night conditions. The radio also floats with the optional HM-213 speaker-microphone attached.
Can the IC-M25 be charged from a power bank or car charger?
Yes. The Micro-B USB port accepts any standard 5V / 1A USB power source — including portable power banks, vehicle USB adapters, and cigarette lighter cables. Third-party charging accessories are not officially guaranteed by Icom. The supplied BC-217SA charger is recommended for regular use.
Does the IC-M25 have DSC or voice scrambler capability?
No. The IC-M25 is a voice-only marine VHF radio without DSC or scrambler functions. It supports Channel 16 monitoring via Dual/Tri-Watch, weather alert on WX channels, and Favorite channel scan. For DSC distress calling or private communications capability, see the IC-M85 or contact our team for recommendations.