Icom IC-M330 Compact Fixed-Mount VHF Marine Radio (Black / White)

The IC-M330 is a compact fixed-mount marine radio — 156.5×66.5×88.2mm, 730g — built for vessels where helm space is the primary installation constraint. Smaller center consoles, RIBs, trawlers with tight companionways, and sailboat nav stations benefit from the palm-sized chassis that fits where a standard fixed-mount unit cannot. The SO-239 connector accepts standard marine coax; the supplied bracket handles dash or bulkhead mounting, with the optional MBF-5 flush mount kit available for panel-flush installations.

RF output is 25W (Hi) / 1W (Lo) across USA, Canadian, and international VHF marine channels, including NOAA weather channels with weather alert. The dedicated CH70 receiver monitors Channel 70 for DSC calls continuously — even while the radio operates on a working channel. Class D DSC covers distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, position request/report, polling, and test calls. Adjacent channel selectivity and intermodulation both exceed 70 dB on the main receiver — class-leading performance for a compact fixed-mount at this price point.

AquaQuake™ vibrates the speaker grille to expel trapped water after wave wash or rain, preventing muffled audio on the first transmission after exposure. IPX7 protection covers submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Audio output is 4.5W typical into a 4Ω load — sufficient for open helm stations without an external speaker in most conditions.

Position data for DSC distress calls comes via NMEA 0183 input from a connected chartplotter (RMC, GGA, GNS, GLL, VTG accepted). NMEA output sends DSC event data and position sentences back to the chartplotter. The IC-M330 is also compatible with the Icom MA-500TR Class B AIS transponder for integrated AIS display and DSC calling from AIS targets. Vessels without a chartplotter or NMEA GPS source should specify the IC-M330G, which adds a built-in GPS/GLONASS/SBAS receiver. FCC Part 80 certified for USA VHF marine operation.

The Icom IC-M330 is FCC Part 80 certified for USA VHF marine channels. For recreational vessels operating exclusively on domestic USA inland and coastal waters, no operator license is required to use the radio. A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is required when operating on international waters or at foreign ports.

DSC distress calling requires an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number programmed into the radio before the distress function is active. For USA recreational vessels, MMSI registration is free through BoatUS (www.boatus.com/mmsi) or Sea Tow. Commercial vessels register MMSI through the FCC directly. The MMSI is a unique 9-digit number tied to your vessel and cannot be changed without an FCC filing.

On the IC-M330, position coordinates embedded in a DSC distress call come from a connected chartplotter via NMEA 0183 input. If no NMEA source is connected, position must be entered manually at the time of the call. For vessels where chartplotter connectivity is not available or reliable, the IC-M330G with built-in GPS provides a fully independent position source for DSC calls regardless of other electronics aboard.

As an authorized Icom marine dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers with FCC Part 80 requirements and MMSI registration guidance. Contact our team before installation to confirm the correct configuration for your vessel type and operating area.