(a) A station in the mobile or mobile-satellite service which learns that a mobile unit is in distress must initiate and transmit a distress alert relay in any of the following cases:

(1) When the mobile unit in distress is not itself in a position to transmit the distress alert; or

(2) When the master or person responsible for the mobile unit not in distress or the person responsible for the land station determines that further help is necessary.

(b) A station transmitting a distress alert relay in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section or §80.1121(c) must indicate that it is not itself in distress.