There are two broad categories of these devices, the first being PLBs, EPIRBs, etc. and the second being
satellite messengers such as the inReach.
The first is more "formal" (e.g. uses
government satellite constellations, is organized by international treaty, etc.) and you are required to register such beacons with the proper registry in your home country (NOAA in the US).
The second are consumer devices that use
commercial satellite networks to communicate. The only
registration involved with them is whichever arrangement you have with the
service provider such as Garmin; they are not integrated into the
government registries. Note that I make no claim here about which is more reliable, and I take any such claims with a very large grain of
salt.
In both cases there is usually some sort of
emergency notes or additional details text field you can fill in with vessel or trip details. Best is to "always leave a note", and one template you can use is this
float plan which you can then leave with your emergency contact; they will then be able to provide such information if needed.
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