Do I need 2 separate Garmin Connect accounts to message between my two InReach Devices?

Hi all,

I own (and use) two separate InReach devices (a mini and an Explorer). I have "one" Garmin account on explore.garmin.com - therefore I have only one inReach address. Both devices have active subscriptions.

I would like to hand one of the devices to a team member when backpacking  - and keep the other for myself - so we can message between the two devices (inReach to inReach messaging). The problem is I can only "assign" one device to my inReach ID at a time...making it impossible use both devices on a trip.

Do I have to create a second Account on explore.garmin.com (thereby creating a second inReach address) - then assign each device a separate inReach address?

That seems to be only way I can have both devices active and communicating with each other using "inReach to inReach messaging". I also would like each device to be able to "locate" the other.

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions!

-Jeff