I agree a PLB is first choice. Its just that the sort of thing of sailing nightmares is you go to use it and nothing happens. You then watch planes fly over and ships go by with out them seeing you. The greatland laser is just useful as you say if they are looking for you. I already have a better LED beacon for that. My hope was something noticeable from much further away which was cheaper and just as small. But now I realise those adverts for cheap 500mW lasers are lies and because of the restrictions you mention i can't imagine them getting much cheaper or smaller than they are now. Its a dead end but thanks anyway