Toody up at Green Island suggests the following unit ( www.findmespot.com/en-us?cid=102 ). No need for a phone. Pre-program mobile numbers to send texts to or rescue service if an emergency. More features than a PLB and a little cheaper up front.

Spot = $229 to purchase and $115 per year to register
PLB = $300-400 (depending on the brand and model)

www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24617

depending on coverage area where you're at, but in my case I always take my waterproof mobile phone (sony xperia active 200$) with me plus it records my speed runs

Nearly as important is the strobe, everyone should carry one.

People have talked of using a small fanny pack or even a tiny backpack.
If you use a kitey harness like I do one could suspend a small fanny pack between the two rings in the back where that grabby bar goes.

^they should be registered with AMSA. In doing so there is provision to put a description of your vessel or vehicle, a free text box to type anything else relevant and emergency contacts.

If you activate your PLB/EPIRB it helps if they know what they are looking for and who it belongs too. There is a big differnce between looking for a vessel or a person in the water. Also so they can contact your next of Kin or nominated person for further info.

Registration is also free.

Good to hear the feedback. I've now got myself a spare mobile phone and sim card to go in one of my spare waterproof GPS Paqua's. Think I'll also get the PLB that's currently on offer with the free strobe light. If I end up somewhere away from my car I'll use the phone to call for help. If I really get stuck somehwere I'll call for rescue. Hoping it never happens, but like wearing a helmet, gives peace of mind knowing you've taken some steps to reduce the risk.

Many PLBs are negatively buoyant (will sink). I believe the resqlink is negatively buoyant, however the resqlink+ comes with a neoprene cover (which is sewed on to the strap) that makes it positively buoyant.

While working on autonomous vessels I used to use the original SPOT beacon. With tracking mode about 95% of the messages came through. They also use them a lot for tracking adventure races with seemingly good success (I've only been on the armchair spectator side of this :-) ). e.g. the tour divide, iditarod, world solar challenge. You can see examples at trackleaders.com
I haven't used the new fancy mobile phone enabled versions. The batteries in the SPOT units are user replacable (lithium AAs) whereas PLB batteries require factory replacement every 5-7 years depending on model.

I do like the ability to check in with the SPOT and let those that care know that you are okay if you are running really late (I always seem to underestimate how long my adventures are going to take). Seems you can now also do that with PLBs using 406link.com (use the gps test button to send a message to your contact), just not too often.

Personally I think I'll get a ACR resqlink+ as PLBs have gone through more stringent testing and the waterproofing on the original SPOT looked ordinary to me. I was also thinking of getting a NP high hook buoyancy vest. The NP vest doesn't look as sexy as modern impact vests but has enough pocket space for a few safety items. I'm a little concerned about smashing the PLB with the boom or mast in a crash.... (I'm clumsy) Not sure what to do about that one.