Garmin VHF 215 Marine Radio

The radio transmits AIS data directly to your compatible Garmin chartplotter via the NMEA 2000 network. This allows you to see nearby vessels equipped with AIS transponders overlaid on your navigation screen, significantly improving your situational awareness.

The radio features a built-in GPS, which is sufficient for location reporting during distress calls. However, if you are mounting the radio in a location where it cannot receive a clear satellite signal, you may need to connect an external GPS antenna via the NMEA 0183 interface.

Yes, the VHF 215 includes a two-way hailer system. When connected to an external hailer horn, you can use the radio to broadcast messages across your vessel.

Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) allows you to send automated distress signals that include your vessel's identity and GPS coordinates. This ensures that rescue authorities and nearby vessels receive critical information immediately if you encounter an emergency.

The installation is straightforward thanks to NMEA 2000 plug-and-play connectivity, which simplifies the integration with your existing marine electronics network. As a fixed-mount unit, you will need to ensure you have a secure mounting space and a 12V DC power source available.

The radio is pre-programmed to cover all major U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels. It also provides access to 10 NOAA weather channels to keep you updated on local conditions.