nippurmagnum
Contributor
They would need to buy the unit and register it in their home countries, but however those communicate with local searchers, they would have given Gps info to the searchers who could have closed in on the location to home in on the PLB's local transmissions and strobe lights - and be saved already.
Then they would need to return their PLBs to ACR company if that brand with a rescue story for free replacement of a new unit with new battery. I haven't had to use mine yet so after 5 years I paid $100 for new battery and professional servicing & testing.
I bought a Nautilus Lifeline for $170. Has a user-replaceable battery, and can be reused to your heart's content. Sends a beacon to any ship within 30 miles, anywhere in the world.
When I mention that I carry one on liveaboards in areas with current, most people's reaction is "I'll stay close to you then."