For what it's worth, you NEVER need a license to transmit on the emergency bands (IF there is an emergency) anywhere in the world, as far as I know and certainly in the USA. Either way, the fine/sentence for "illegally" using a radio is way better than being lost at sea. I wouldn't worry about having a license if that's what's preventing you from buying VHF/UHF. I'd be more concerned about effective range on the water than anything else.
PLBs that transmit to a satellite are far more likely to be effective unless you happen to be in/near a very well used shipping lane or quite close to shore.
PLBs that transmit to a satellite are far more likely to be effective unless you happen to be in/near a very well used shipping lane or quite close to shore.