One month ago I was on San Miguel Island, Channel Islands National Park, working as a volunteer. The island ranger was called away for about two days and I was the only person on the island for that time.
While I was being briefed on some of the daily chores, the ranger introduced me to the island SPOT, and gave me a quick course in how to use it. It certainly makes sense in that application. Workers on the island are frequently alone, radio reception is not infallible, and the unit is easy enough to pack around.
I don't believe there were too many hoops to jump through to acquire it.
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Geezer in Chief