The Icom IC-M430E is a fixed-mount VHF marine transceiver with built-in Class D DSC, a colour TFT display and NMEA 2000™ connectivity, designed for modern vessels where helm space is limited. With 25 W of transmit power, a built-in GNSS receiver, AquaQuake™ water draining and IPX7 waterproof protection, it delivers the safety features and network integration that Australian boaters expect in a compact, stylishly designed unit.
The IC-M430E is a new model, released by Icom in 2026. According to Icom's own research as of September 2026, it is the first radio in its class to feature a colour display.
Key Features and Benefits
- 25 W RF Output with Class D DSC: Transmits at 25 W for maximum range on the water. Built-in Class D DSC provides a dedicated DISTRESS button for immediate digital distress alerting and direct calling to other DSC-equipped vessels and coast guard stations.
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Colour TFT Display - Three Modes: Choose from Light, Dark or Night mode depending on conditions. The wide viewing angle and bright screen remain clearly visible in direct sunlight or complete darkness. Modes switch with a single button press and backlit keys allow confident operation at night.
- Built-in GNSS (GPS) Receiver: An internal GNSS antenna provides position data for DSC distress calls without requiring an external GPS connection. For enclosed installations with limited satellite reception, the optional external GNSS antenna UX-241 is available.
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NMEA 2000™ and NMEA 0183-HS Connectivity: Plug-and-play integration with chartplotters, AIS transponders and other marine electronics via NMEA 2000. Also supports NMEA 0183-HS for broader compatibility. Compatible with the Icom MA-510TR AIS transponder, enabling DSC calls to be
transmitted directly to a selected AIS target. -
Compact Slim Body for Tight Helm Spaces: The 202 x 82 x 52.6 mm body is designed to fit in limited dash and pod spaces. The slim depth profile keeps ample clearance behind the radio for cable management.
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Simplified Flush Mounting: MFD-style mounting allows the radio to be screwed directly into place. Snap-on body covers hide all mounting hardware for a clean finish - well suited to side pod installations on centre console hardtops. A conventional flush mount kit (MBF-9) is available as an optional accessory for panels up to 38 mm thick.
- Hailer and Foghorn: 25 W hailer function for crew communication from the helm, plus an automated foghorn function, both delivered through an external horn speaker (SP-37, optional).
- AquaQuake™ Water Draining: Icom's AquaQuake function vibrates the speaker to expel water, restoring audio clarity immediately after the radio is exposed to spray or rain.
- Active Noise Cancelling: Reduces background noise on both transmit and receive for clearer audio in open-air and high-noise environments.
- Dualwatch and Tri-watch: Simultaneously monitors Channel 16 (the international distress and calling channel) and your working channel, with Tri-watch adding a third channel to the monitoring rotation.
- VSWR Detection: Built-in Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) monitoring alerts you to antenna connection issues before they affect performance at sea.
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Remote Microphone Options: The included HM-205RB speaker microphone can be mounted directly to the front panel or extended using the OPC-1000 cable. The optional CommandMic™ HM-195GB (Black) or HM-195GW (White) provides full remote control from a second helm position up to 18.3 m away, with intercom functionality between stations - ideal for sailboat installations.
VHF Marine Radio and Australian Licensing
In Australia, operating a VHF marine radio requires an ACMA ship station licence. The IC-M430E's Class D DSC function also requires your radio to be registered with an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number. An MMSI is issued by ACMA and must be programmed into your radio before DSC functions - including the DISTRESS button - are active. Without a programmed MMSI, the radio will transmit voice but DSC will not function as intended.
Contact us for guidance on ACMA ship station licensing, or visit the Radio Warehouse contact page and our team can point you in the right direction.
Icom IC-M430E Key Specifications
| Radio Type | Fixed-mount VHF marine transceiver with Class D DSC |
|---|---|
| Frequency - TX | 156.025–161.425 MHz |
| Frequency - RX | 156.050–162.000 MHz |
| Frequency - DSC | 156.525 MHz (Channel 70) |
| Channels | International (INT) channels; supports 4-digit channels |
| TX Output Power | 25 W / 1 W |
| Power Supply | 12.0 V DC (10.8–15.6 V DC) |
| Current Drain (TX at 25 W) | 5.0 A maximum |
| Audio Output - Hailer | 25 W typical |
| Audio Output - External Speaker | More than 10 W (at 10% distortion with 4 Ω) |
| Audio Output - RX Hailer | 16 W typical |
| Receiver Sensitivity (20 dB SINAD) | -5 dBµ typical |
| GPS / GNSS | Built-in GNSS receiver with internal antenna; external antenna port (optional UX-241) |
| Connectivity | NMEA 2000™ and NMEA 0183-HS |
| Display | Colour TFT LCD - Light, Dark and Night modes |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 (waterproof protection) |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C |
| Antenna Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 202 x 82 x 52.6 mm |
| Weight | 640 g (not including microphone) |
Need the full specification sheet? Download the Icom IC-M430E Brochure.
What's in the Box
- Icom IC-M430E VHF marine transceiver
- Speaker microphone HM-205RB
- Microphone hanger
- DC/AF/DATA connector cable
- Mounting bracket kit
- Flush mount gasket MBA-18
Icom IC-M430E FAQs
What is Class D DSC and why does my marine radio need it?
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a digital signalling system built into marine VHF radios that allows you to send an automated digital distress alert - including your MMSI identity and GPS position - to other DSC-equipped vessels and coast guard stations with a single button press. Class D is the standard level of DSC for recreational and commercial vessels operating in coastal waters. In Australia, AMSA and safe boating authorities strongly recommend DSC-equipped radios for any vessel venturing offshore. The IC-M430E has a dedicated DISTRESS button and full Class D DSC functionality built in.
What is an MMSI number and do I need one for the IC-M430E?
An MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your vessel in the DSC system - similar to a vessel phone number. In Australia, your MMSI is issued as part of your ACMA ship station licence. It must be programmed into the IC-M430E before the DSC DISTRESS button and other DSC functions are active. Without a programmed MMSI, the radio transmits voice only. Contact us and we can advise on how to obtain your MMSI and have it programmed before delivery.
Does the IC-M430E work with my chartplotter via NMEA 2000?
Yes. The IC-M430E supports plug-and-play NMEA 2000 connectivity, allowing it to share GPS position, DSC data and radio information with compatible chartplotters, multifunction displays and other marine electronics on your vessel's network. It also supports NMEA 0183-HS for broader compatibility with older devices.
Can I control the IC-M430E from a second helm position?
Yes, using the optional CommandMic™ HM-195GB (Black) or HM-195GW (White). The CommandMic provides full remote control of the radio from a second location up to 18.3 m away from the main unit, with intercom functionality between stations. This makes it well suited to sailboats or vessels with a second helm position at the cockpit or flybridge.
Is the IC-M430E waterproof?
The IC-M430E is rated IPX7, meaning it is waterproof and protected against temporary immersion in water. The AquaQuake™ feature vibrates the speaker to expel any water that enters it, restoring full audio clarity after exposure to spray or splashing. Learn more about IP ratings explained.
Does the IC-M430E have GPS built in?
Yes. The IC-M430E includes a built-in GNSS receiver with an internal antenna. The GPS position is automatically included in any DSC distress call. For installations inside a cabin or enclosed helm area where satellite reception is limited, the optional external GNSS antenna UX-241 can be connected for improved reception.
Contact Radio Warehouse for assistance with ACMA ship station licensing, MMSI programming, installation guidance and accessories for the Icom IC-M430E.
