What Is SOS in Morse Code?
SOS in Morse code is signaled by three dots, three dashes, and three dots:
... --- ...
To break it down with the Morse code alphabet:
- S:
...(dit dit dit) - O:
---(dah dah dah) - S:
...(dit dit dit)
While it originated from wireless telegraphy, this sequence is now known all over the world as a universal distress signal. Not just wireless telegraph operators, even the average person can now use Morse code for SOS either verbally or in writing to indicate that they are in a dangerous situation and urgently need help.
Use the Morse code translator to convert other texts to Morse code.
When Would You Signal SOS in Morse Code?
If you're in a situation where you can't speak or can't be heard, knowing how to tap out SOS will be useful, especially when other audio distress signals might not be effective. This skill is also handy if you don't want other people around you to know you're calling for help.
On that note, SOS is an excellent visual distress signal. If yourself find yourself lost somewhere in the dark and in a location too far away from people to shout for help (for example, lost on a hiking trail overnight), you can use a flashlight to send the following signal: three short flashes ("S"), followed by three longer pulses ("O"), and finally three short flashes of light "S").
Or if you're in danger and want to tell someone that you need help, try tapping SOS in Morse code on their hand or the table. This will signal distress without anyone else knowing.
Ways of Transmitting SOS in Morse Code
The Morse code sequence for SOS can be transmitted by:
- Using a flashlight
- Playing the signal via radio or telephone
- Texting the combination of dots and dashes
After mastering the SOS signal, you might consider investing time to learn Morse code.
Where Did SOS in Morse Code Come From?
SOS was chosen as a standard distress signal in Morse code because the letters are simple, quick, and easy to remember, with the three Morse code sequences included being three dots, three dashes, and three dots.
Many people think that the term "SOS" is an acronym. Afterall, the signal is popularly used by sinking ships as a maritime radio distress signal to call for help, so it is only natural to assume that SOS stands for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship". But this is a common misconception.
The truth is, the letters SOS were simply chosen as the ideal distress signal because of how easy it is to signal the individual letters in international Morse code. The three separate letters form a standard signal that is practically impossible to forget.
What Came First: The SOS Signal or Morse Code?
Morse code alphabet was invented before the SOS distress signal by about 70 years.
American Morse code was first invented in the 1830s in the US by electrical telegraphy inventor Samuel Morse. The international Morse code was agreed upon in 1851, and its use became popularized at wireless telegraph stations as a worldwide standard. This new form of communication also led to the development of other encoding systems, like binary code.
It wasn't until 1906 that the SOS distress signal was officially adopted.
What Distress Signal Did They Use Before SOS?
Before the SOS distress code was established, ships in distress would signal SSS DDD and various other letter combinations, such as QCD and NC, to call for help. However, SOS was already in use unofficially for some time as a way of communicating distress messages over radio signals.
The International Wireless Telegraph Convention, which met for the first time in 1906, played an important role in popularizing SOS. They made SOS the main maritime distress signal used globally, standardizing radio distress signals and formalizing the use of the SOS Morse code signal.
SOS as an International Distress Signal
The SOS distress call is one of several globally agreed distress signals used to communicate a need for help. It is commonly used by organizations that follow national radio regulations, like the military, police forces, navy, as well as aviation, maritime, and government agencies.
One of the most notable historical SOS calls is the one placed by Jack Phillips from the RMS Titanic, hours before the ship sank in April 1912. But the first ship reported to use the SOS distress code was the Cunard liner RMS Slavonia in 1909.
It's not just for life-threatening situations - the term SOS can also be used colloquially as a slang to communicate minor problems in a joking manner to friends or family. For example, a teenager might text their friends "SOS" when they've been grounded or if there's new drama to talk about.