The ACR SR303 is a waterproof GMDSS VHF radio with a sealed primary lithium battery. Upon connection, it automatically starts in GMDSS mode on channel 16. It features NFC for reading the battery replacement date.
New generation GMDSS VHF radio with sealed emergency battery and NFC
The ACR SR303 is the new handheld GMDSS VHF radio from ACR. The device is waterproof and fully certified to comply with IMO and SOLAS regulations. This version, item number 4586, is the variant for emergency use only, supplied with the primary lithium battery.
What makes the SR303 practical is the tamper-proof seal on the battery. As long as that label is intact, you know for sure that the emergency battery has never been used. This eliminates any doubt during an inspection or after taking over a vessel. If you remove the label and connect the battery, the radio starts up by itself and automatically enters GMDSS mode: channel 16, volume at level 8, and squelch at 2. There is no need to configure anything.
The unit is clearly designed for use with cold or wet hands. It can be operated while wearing survival suit gloves, and both the display and keypad are illuminated. New is NFC: hold your phone against the radio to read the battery replacement date and product information. The device has 21 simplex channels and the primary battery lasts for more than 16 hours. A flexible rubber antenna, a belt clip, and a wrist strap are included as standard.
Why choose the SR303 GMDSS VHF radio?
Tamper-proof seal on the battery: you can see at a glance whether the emergency battery has ever been used
Starts automatically in GMDSS mode: channel 16, volume 8, and squelch 2 are ready immediately
Built-in NFC: read the battery replacement date and product information with your phone
Operable with gloves: designed for use with survival suit gloves
Illuminated display and keypad: easy to read and operate in the dark
Waterproof and robust: built for sustained use in harsh conditions
Who is this product made for?
The SR303 is intended for vessels that must comply with the GMDSS carriage requirements, and for shipping companies and owners who want to equip their fleet with a device that is easy to check during inspections. This applies to commercial shipping and larger yachts that voluntarily operate at that level. If you also want to use the radio for daily use, please check the kit with item number 4587.
What are the benefits for you?
No doubt during an inspection: the seal label shows if the emergency battery is unused
Nothing to set in an emergency: the unit starts in the correct mode by itself
Control without opening the device: check the replacement date via NFC
Works with wet, cold, or gloved hands: exactly when you need it
Compliance with regulations: certified for IMO and SOLAS requirements
Technical specifications
Product type
Handheld GMDSS VHF radio
Item number
4586
Model
SR303
Version
Emergency use only, with primary lithium battery
Channels
21 simplex channels
Operating time
More than 16 hours continuous on the primary battery
Start-up behavior
Automatically powers on in GMDSS mode, channel 16, volume 8, squelch 2
Battery seal
Tamper-proof label indicating if the battery has been used
NFC
Yes, for battery replacement date and product information
Display
Digital, backlit
Keypad
Backlit
Operation
Suitable for use with survival suit gloves
Housing design
Waterproof
Included
Flexible rubber antenna, belt clip, and wrist strap
Regulations
Certified for IMO and SOLAS regulations
Warranty
1 year
Brand
ACR
Additional features
Difference from 4587
Item number 4587 is the complete kit, which also includes a rechargeable battery and a charging station
Individual parts
Primary battery 4588, rechargeable battery 4589, fast charger 4590, antenna 4591, and wrist strap 4592
Successor to
The SR303 succeeds the SR203, which remains available while stocks last
License
In most countries, a license is required to use a VHF radio
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a VHF radio license?
In most countries, yes. A VHF radio is subject to the radio licensing rules of the country where you are sailing. For exact requirements, the regulations of the competent authority in your country apply. If you are unsure what is required in your situation, please feel free to contact us. For the Netherlands, you can arrange this via the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur.
What does GMDSS mean?
GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, the international system for emergency communication at sea. Vessels subject to SOLAS must have a fixed number of certified VHF radios on board.
What is channel 16?
Channel 16 is the international VHF distress and calling channel. Both ACR radios jump to this channel automatically upon activation, so you don't have to search in an emergency.
What does the tamper-proof seal on the battery do?
It shows whether the primary emergency battery has ever been used. If the label is intact, the battery is unused. This avoids disputes during an inspection or when taking over a vessel.
What do I use the NFC function for?
You hold your phone against the radio to read the battery replacement date and product information. Useful for the annual check of your safety equipment, without having to open the device.
What is the difference between the SR303 and the SR203?
The SR303 is the newer model with a tamper-proof seal on the battery, automatic start in GMDSS mode, and NFC. The SR203 is a legacy model and remains available while stocks last.
Ultimate UpgradeUp to €600 extra off Simrad and B&G
On top of our regular price, Simrad and B&G add an extra discount on chartplotters, HALO radar, autopilots, VHF radios and sailing instruments. Already deducted, no code needed.
