SOS in Morse Code: The Signal
SOS in Morse code is represented as:
The SOS signal consists of three short signals (S: ...), three long signals (O: ---), and three short signals (S: ...) again. It's transmitted as a continuous sequence without any gaps between letters, making it sound like one continuous pattern.
Visual Representation of SOS
Short - Short - Short | Long - Long - Long | Short - Short - Short
What Does SOS Stand For?
Contrary to popular belief, SOS does NOT stand for anything. It's not an acronym for "Save Our Souls," "Save Our Ship," or "Send Out Succor" - these are all backronyms (words created after the fact to fit the letters).
SOS was chosen in 1906 simply because the pattern (three dots, three dashes, three dots) is:
- Easy to transmit quickly
- Unmistakable and distinctive
- Simple to recognize even through static
- Difficult to confuse with other signals
History of the SOS Signal
German Adoption
Germany became the first country to adopt SOS as their national distress signal, replacing the earlier "SOE" signal.
International Standard
The International Radiotelegraphic Convention in Berlin adopted SOS as the worldwide maritime distress signal.
First Major Use
The SS Arapahoe became one of the first ships to use the SOS signal when it lost its propeller off Cape Hatteras.
Titanic Disaster
The RMS Titanic's radio operators sent both the older CQD signal and the newer SOS signal during the ship's sinking, helping save 710 lives.
Officially Retired
Maritime authorities replaced Morse code SOS with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), though SOS remains recognized universally.
How to Signal SOS in an Emergency
While radio communications are preferred, you can signal SOS in several ways:
Flashlight or Mirror
3 short flashes, 3 long flashes, 3 short flashes
Sound Signals
Whistle, horn, or banging: 3 short, 3 long, 3 short
Fire or Smoke
Three fires in a triangle pattern
Ground Signals
Large SOS spelled out with rocks, logs, or in sand
Important Warning
Only use the SOS signal in genuine emergencies. False distress signals are illegal in most countries and can result in criminal charges. Emergency services worldwide respond to SOS signals.
The Titanic and SOS
The sinking of RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, is one of the most famous uses of the SOS signal. Radio operators Jack Phillips and Harold Bride sent distress signals throughout the night:
- They initially used CQD - the older British distress signal
- Bride suggested also sending SOS - the newer international standard
- The RMS Carpathia received their signals and rescued 710 survivors
- This event helped establish SOS as the universally recognized distress signal
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Try It Free →SOS vs Other Distress Signals
Before SOS became the standard, different countries used different distress signals:
- CQD - Used by British Marconi operators ("Come Quick, Danger")
- SOE - Used by Germany before 1905
- NC - International flag signal for distress
- Mayday - Voice radio distress call (from French "m'aidez" - help me)
SOS was chosen over these alternatives because its Morse code pattern is unmistakable and easy to transmit under stress.