Garmin VHF 215 AIS Fixed-Mount Marine Radio

The Garmin VHF 215 AIS is a 25-watt fixed-mount marine VHF radio with a built-in AIS receiver, integrated GPS, and Class D DSC — designed to integrate seamlessly into a Garmin chartplotter network via NMEA 2000®. AIS targets received by the radio are displayed directly on a connected Garmin chartplotter or MFD, giving you vessel traffic awareness without a separate AIS receiver or additional wiring beyond the NMEA 2000 backbone.

Key Features

• Built-in AIS receiver — receives and decodes AIS transmissions from nearby vessels; target data displays on a connected Garmin chartplotter via NMEA 2000
• NMEA 2000® plug-and-play — connects directly to a Garmin NMEA 2000 network for seamless chartplotter integration with no additional configuration
• 25-watt transmit power — full legal output for reliable long-range voice communication
• Built-in GPS receiver — provides position data for DSC distress calls and AIS target display without requiring an external GPS source
• Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling) — position-linked distress calling and direct vessel-to-vessel calling with user-programmed MMSI
• All U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels — plus 10 NOAA weather channels with weather alert
• Frequency band coverage — full international marine VHF channel set for coastal, offshore, and international passages

Garmin Chartplotter Integration

When connected to a compatible Garmin chartplotter or MFD via NMEA 2000, the VHF 215 AIS passes AIS target data directly to the chart display — showing vessel names, MMSI, bearing, distance, speed, and course overlaid on your chart. DSC position data is also shared across the network. Compatible with Garmin GPSMAP and echoMAP series chartplotters.

• Garmin GPSMAP 8610xsv Chartplotter & Sonar MFD — 10"
• Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv Chartplotter & Sonar MFD — 12"
• Garmin GPSMAP 8616xsv Chartplotter & Sonar MFD — 16"
• Garmin GPSMAP 1623XSV Chartplotter / Multi-Function Display

Garmin VHF Radio Lineup

• Garmin VHF 115 — entry-level fixed-mount VHF without AIS
• Garmin VHF 215 AIS Fixed-Mount Marine Radio with DSC & GPS — alternate VHF 215 AIS listing
• Garmin VHF 215 — VHF 215 without AIS receiver
• Garmin VHF 315 — step-up model with additional features

Parts Desk Insights

Best use case: The VHF 215 AIS is the ideal choice for boaters already running a Garmin chartplotter who want to add AIS situational awareness without installing a separate AIS receiver or running additional data cables. The NMEA 2000 plug-and-play connection means AIS targets appear on the existing chart display immediately — no additional configuration, no extra black boxes at the helm. It’s particularly well suited to vessels in the 20–40 ft range where helm space is limited and a single-cable NMEA 2000 connection is the cleanest integration path. Boaters who don’t need AIS and want a simpler, lower-cost option should consider the VHF 215 (without AIS) or the entry-level VHF 115. Those wanting a higher-tier Garmin VHF with additional features should look at the VHF 315. Note: this radio receives AIS transmissions from other vessels but does not transmit an AIS signal — it is an AIS receiver, not a Class B AIS transceiver.