Entel HT649 GMDSS Handheld Radio (MED Certified, Package 1)

The Entel HT649 GMDSS is a high-reliability handheld marine radio specifically engineered to meet the stringent requirements of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) for emergency communications. Bearing the MED Wheel Mark certification, this model is approved for use on SOLAS vessels – meaning it’s fully compliant with the IMO and IEC standards for portable two-way VHF radios intended for survival craft on commercial ships and passenger vessels. The HT649 meets and even exceeds the specifications of IEC 61097-12 for GMDSS portable radios, making it an excellent choice for inclusion in shipboard emergency equipment packs.

This radio is built to perform under the most demanding conditions. It carries an IP68 rating, signifying complete protection against dust and the ability to be submerged in water to 5 meters depth for up to 60 minutes without failure. This level of waterproofing goes beyond the typical requirement (IP67) for GMDSS radios, providing extra assurance that the unit will function even after prolonged exposure to water (for instance, if a lifeboat is awash in heavy seas). In addition to its waterproofness, the Entel HT649 is tested to MIL-STD 810C/D/E/F military durability standards – its housing and internal components are proven to withstand drops, shocks, vibration, salt fog, and extreme temperature fluctuations. This ruggedness makes it suitable not just as an emergency tool, but also for daily use on deck in harsh weather if needed.

The Entel HT649 features an ergonomic design and a clear, backlit LCD display. The screen shows the active channel (with alphanumeric labels if programmed, or the channel number), battery status, and function icons. The bright backlight ensures readability at night or in low-light conditions such as inside a lifeboat during an emergency. The radio’s keypad is straightforward – well-defined push-to-talk (PTT) and channel selection buttons. To avoid accidental operation (crucial when the radio is stored in an emergency pack or being handled under duress), a Key Lock function is available to disable the keypad when needed. Additionally, the radio supports a Lone Worker/Man Down safety feature: it can be configured to send an alert if the user doesn’t interact with it for a preset time or if the radio senses a man-down condition (often via an optional tilt sensor). This feature can be critical for crew safety on solo watches or during emergencies.

Communication-wise, the HT649 covers all international marine VHF channels, including the primary distress and ship-to-ship channels 16 and 6, as well as other standard channels in the INT, USA, and CAN channel sets. The radio can operate in simplex mode for direct unit-to-unit communication, or in semi-duplex for channels that use shore repeaters. As a GMDSS radio, it’s mainly intended for use on Channel 16 (distress) and Channel 6 (on-scene communications) in survival craft, but it can also be used for general communications if needed (keeping in mind that it’s optimized for emergency use). It supports scanning and other typical radio features, and can be pre-programmed with additional private or port operation channels if allowed (Entel’s non-GMDSS variant or additional packages allow rechargeable use and broader channel programming – but in the GMDSS configuration, the focus is on mandated channels and simplicity).

The Package 1 (P1) configuration of the Entel HT649 (Part No. HT649P1) is tailored specifically for emergency use. It comes with a primary lithium battery (CLB750G) which is non-rechargeable – this is a high-capacity primary lithium pack designed to provide roughly 8 hours of continuous operation and have a long shelf life (typically 5 years) without recharging. Primary lithium batteries are a requirement for GMDSS radios because they must remain ready for use after years in storage inside a lifeboat or grab-bag. The CLB750G battery is high capacity and formulated to handle extreme temperatures, ensuring the HT649 will have power when you need it, even if it hasn’t been charged in a long time. (Entel also offers a Package 2 which includes a rechargeable battery and charger for routine use, but the P1 package is focused on the primary battery for emergency readiness.)

Besides the battery, Pack 1 includes a high efficiency antenna (optimized for marine VHF frequencies to ensure maximum range and clarity), a belt clip (CBH750) so the radio can be secured to a belt or lifejacket, and the necessary documentation (user guide, safety info, etc.). This package does not include a charger or a rechargeable battery, since it’s intended to fulfill carriage requirements and remain sealed in an emergency kit rather than for day-to-day communication.

For regular onboard use, Entel provides separate accessories: e.g., a rechargeable battery, a smart charger, speaker-microphones, and headsets – but these are not part of the P1 package to keep it focused on critical emergency functionality and compliance.

In summary, the Entel HT649 GMDSS is a top-tier choice for any vessel that needs a dependable emergency marine handheld. Its robust construction, deep waterproofing, and straightforward operation ensure that in a distress situation you will have a working line of communication. From cargo ships and cruise liners to offshore sailing yachts, this radio is an essential component of maritime safety gear and is trusted by professional mariners worldwide.