The ACR SR203 is a portable GMDSS survival VHF radio with a primary lithium battery. Upon activation, it automatically sets to channel 16. It features 21 simplex channels and over 16 hours of transmit time at minus 20 degrees.
Emergency VHF radio that sets to channel 16 immediately upon activation
The ACR SR203 is a portable survival VHF radio that meets all IMO requirements for use on board SOLAS ships. The device is designed for when things go wrong: you break off the red battery protection seal and the radio is immediately ready on channel 16.
That protection seal is more cleverly designed than it sounds. The primary lithium battery can remain permanently attached to the radio without draining, so you never need to remove stickers or caps before the device can be used. There is also a dedicated call button for channel 16, allowing you to return to the emergency channel from any other channel with just one press.
The display and buttons are illuminated, which makes all the difference in a life raft in the dark. The transmitter is designed with efficiency in mind: the operating time is more than 16 hours at minus 20 degrees Celsius. The device has 21 simplex channels. This version, with article number 2827, is intended for emergency use only.
Why choose the SR203 survival VHF radio?
Immediately on channel 16: after activation, the radio automatically sets to the international emergency channel
Red protection seal: the battery remains permanently connected without draining
Over 16 hours of transmit time: measured at minus 20 degrees Celsius
Illuminated display and keys: easy to read and operate in the dark
Channel 16 call button: one-press return to the emergency channel
Meets IMO requirements: suitable for mandatory and voluntary equipment on board
Who is this product for?
The SR203 is intended for ships subject to SOLAS regulations that must have a certified survival VHF radio on board, and for owners of other vessels who voluntarily wish to have the same level of safety. This version includes only the primary battery and is therefore intended for emergency equipment, not for daily use. If you also want to use it on a regular basis, take a look at the kit with article number 2828.
What are the benefits?
Works when you can't think clearly: activate and transmit without menus or settings
No battery maintenance: the primary battery remains charged for years
Long enough for a rescue operation: more than 16 hours, even in the cold
Compliance with regulations: suitable for mandatory GMDSS equipment
Technical specifications
Product type
Portable GMDSS survival VHF radio
Article number
2827
Model
SR203
Version
Emergency use only, with primary lithium battery
Channels
21 simplex channels
Operating time
More than 16 hours at minus 20 degrees Celsius
Start channel
Automatic channel 16 upon activation
Display
Digital, backlit
Keys
Backlit, laser-engraved
Battery
Primary lithium battery, not classified as hazardous material
Battery protection
Red break-off seal, battery remains permanently connected
Regulations
Meets IMO requirements, FCC approved
Warranty
1 year
Brand
ACR
Additional features
Call button
Dedicated button to return directly to channel 16 from any channel
Optional expansion
Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery 1062 and rapid charger kit 2815 for daily use
Complete set
Article number 2828 includes the primary battery, the rechargeable battery, and the charger
License
In most countries, a license is required to use a VHF radio
Note
Discontinued model, available while supplies last
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a VHF radio license?
In most countries, yes. A VHF radio is subject to the radio licensing regulations of the country where you are sailing. The requirements of the competent authority in your country apply. For the Netherlands, you arrange this through the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur.
What does GMDSS stand for?
GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, the international system for emergency communication at sea. Ships subject to SOLAS must have a fixed number of certified VHF radios on board.
What is channel 16?
Channel 16 is the international VHF emergency and calling channel. Both ACR radios automatically jump to this channel upon activation, so you don't have to search for it in an emergency.
What is that red seal for?
It keeps the primary battery disconnected as long as the radio is not in use. You break it off in an emergency, after which the device is immediately usable. This ensures the battery stays fully charged for years without you having to do anything.
What is the difference between 2827 and 2828?
Article number 2827 contains only the primary emergency battery. Article number 2828 is the complete kit, which also includes a rechargeable battery and a charging set, intended if you also want to use the radio for daily use.
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