but still it needs a little "training" so the crew know what to expect when/if they push that button. The best part of it is that it does send out your position automatically with the call. That's the most critical info if help is needed, and it's the most difficult for "navigationally challenged" or novice crew members to convey properly.

To answer your other question -- yes AIS class B is bi-directional and you can buy AIS B transceivers for as low as about $500 that connect via NMEA to either a C-P or laptop, or both.