Two-way radio communications manufacturer Icom has launched the world's first marine VHF hand-portable radio with an integrated AIS receiver as well as DSC and GPS.

The IC-M94DE is the first handheld marine radio that offers users receive information broadcast by other AIS-equipped vessels. The IC-M94DE provides vessel traffic information shown on the radios large display. With its new design and simple to use features, this, says ICOM, is a game-changing device for anyone who ventures out to sea for recreation or work.

The Icom IC-M94DE is the world's first marine VHF handportable radio with an integrated AIS receiver as well as DSC and GPS

Other features include 6W of RF power, class-leading 1500 mW of audio output with improved acoustic sound clarity, ensuring clear communications no matter the environment. This hand portable has more battery power (approx. 10 hours) for extended operations. You can also assign up to 50 favourite destinations, fishing spots etc. as waypoints with the enhanced Navigation feature.

The radio features Icom's own Float'n Flash and AquaQuake, keeping your radio operational if it becomes submerged. The Man Overboard function is included for operator protection. Pressing the distress button while Float'n Flash is activated will transmit the MOB distress signal, allowing the operator to be more quickly and easily located.

The IC-M94DE will be available from CH Marine in Ireland from mid-April.

Measuring just under 13cm in height, ICOM claims that its IC-M23 is the smallest and lightest buoyant handheld VHF radio on the market.

The IC-M23 is powered by Icom's most "eco-friendly" marine battery yet. The BP-266, a compact 3.7V,
1500 mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack helps reduce the overall volume and weight of the IC-M23. Yet thanks
to a newly developed PA circuit within the radio, boat users can still expect a full 5 Watts of transmit power
and up to 10 hours of typical operating time.

The new transceiver can match the audio and battery performance of comparable models. What's more, the IC-M23 sports a bright red LED which flashes if dropped in water, even if the radio is turned off making it easy to find, day or night.

600mW (typ.) of audio output makes the radio easy to hear, even when in a loud cabin or out in stormy conditions. There are volume loud/mute functions that temporarily change the IC-M23's volume
to the maximum/minimum level with two touches of a button.

Depending on the background noise level, you can easily change the volume level to capture the received
message. The IC-M23 contains well known Icom features including favourite channel feature, dual/tri watch, one-touch "Tag" scanning and a 4-step battery life indicator. It also contains Icom's unique AquaQuake feature, which uses low-frequency sound waves to clear water away from the speaker grille.

An optional extended 3 year waterproof warranty is available free of charge to customers who register on-line.

The IC-M23 is available now with a special introductory offer price of Euro 199.95 (inc.VAT) from sole Irish
leisure market distributor Western Marine (phone 01 2800321) and from all good chandlers.

Irish Marine Firms Western Marine and 53 Degrees North have announced the opening of a 'watersports superstore' at the Western Marine premises at Bulloch Harbour, Dalkey.

53 Degrees North, Ireland's Outdoor Adventure Stores with branches already at Carrickmines and Blanchardstown - caters to Climbing, Hillwalking, Biking, Camping, Hiking, and of course watersports including Kayaking, Sailing, Surfing and Swimming.

Western Marine, Ireland's Largest Marine Distributors, was established in 1966 and is based at Bulloch Harbour since 1968. Western Marine caters to all marine markets, from sailing and motorboating to commercial workboats, and specialises in inflatable boats and RIBs as well as a huge range of marine equipment, lifesaving equipment etc.

Commenting on the new store, Western Marine's MD, Hogan Magee said "We're very enthusiastic about this venture - 53 Degrees North carry a full range of clothing, footwear and equipment from value for money through to top end premium quality products and that fits very well with our own philosophy of providing of premium quality at affordable prices.

The two ranges are complimentary, with very little product overlap, and the result is a truly comprehensive watersports display that we think is unparalleled anywhere in Ireland".

53 Degrees North MD Alan McFarlane said "We're really excited about this. Western Marine has a superb reputation in all marine markets, and the combination of the Western Marine and 53 Degrees North brands will give us both a wonderful opportunity to grow our businesses.The huge range of watersports gear which we offer now has a waterside home, and a whole new customer base. With free car parking spaces available in the adjacent boatyard, shopping with 53 Degrees North at Western Marine could not be easier"

Among the huge range of brands now available under one roof are worldwide leaders including Zodiac inflatable boats and RIBs, Teleflex steerings and engine controls, Skipper and Besto lifejackets & buoyancy aids, Icom VHFs, Gleistein yacht ropes, McMurdo EPIRBs, Harken, Lewmar, Garmin GPS, Pains Wessex Flares, Musto, Helly-Hansen and Henri-Lloyd sailing clothing, Dubarry marine footwear, O'Neill wetsuits, Oakley eyewear, surfboards by Cortez, and kayaks by Islander and Wilderness.

The new store is open 7 days a week throughout the Summer, with opening hours 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday, and 1pm to 6pm on Sunday