Final answer:
An aircraft station not in distress should only transmit a distress message if it has received such a message and believes no other station has. It then aids in ensuring the distress message reaches the correct authorities and remains involved as needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
An aircraft station not in distress should transmit a distress message when it has heard a distress message directly and is convinced that the station in distress is not being heard by any earth station or any other ships or aircraft stations that are in a better position to provide assistance.
This procedure is in place to ensure that a distress message is relayed promptly and to the appropriate responding agencies, which include search and rescue entities that can coordinate an effective response. This relaying of the distress message would typically use an international distress frequency and follow the protocols as set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The aircraft station should provide all the necessary details in the distress message, including the nature of the distress, and position of the vessel or aircraft in distress. It should continue to assist within its capabilities until the rescue coordination center assumes responsibility or it is released from its obligations by the appropriate authorities.