SOS Morse Code
The SOS meaning seems to be the abbreviation of “save our souls” or “save our ship” but these phrases are just apronyms as they do not stand for anything. This confusion bothers many people to understand SOS properly. Let us try to make this term easy to understand for you guys.
Actually, it is a distress signal that is not supposed to be three individual letters. …—… morse code consists of three dots, three dashes and three dots without any space between them (…—…) where three dots form S and three dashes make O and then signal appears as SOS to us.
The Logic Behind “SOS”
Around the turn of the 20th century when radiotelegraph machines made their way on ships the sailors in danger wanted to seek attention, signal distress to ask for help. They needed a signal that would be able to transfer quickly and clearly. At first different organizations had their own “in house” distress signals. For example the US Navy used “NC” that was the maritime flag signal for distress.
Marconi company which leased its telegraph operators to various ships used “CQD”.Having these multiple signals was confusing and dangerous as well. A ship sending distress signals in foreign waters often faced language hurdles and even sometimes rescuers struggled to understand unfamiliar signals that delayed urgent help.
At the last International Wireless Telegraph Convention in Berlin was held to establish global standards for radiotelegraph communication where different distress signals were reviewed like Marconi’s proposed signal “-.-.–.–..” and Italy’s suggested “SSSDDD (………-..-..-..)” but they were too long then Germany’s signal “…—…” (SOS) stood out as the best option and also it was simple and easy to remember as well.
In the end, SOS became effective on July 1,1908 as a replacement of “CQD” , which is the abbreviation of ” Come Quick, Danger”.
Getting on Board with “SOS”
The first use of “SOS” took place in August 1909, just a year after it was accepted. The operators on SS Arapahoe sent SOS signals when the ship became disabled due to a broken propeller off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
The new standard was not accepted immediately everywhere. The Marconi Company was hesitant to give away its distress signal “CQD”. Because of this many Marconi-operators continued using “CQD” in their works. A clear example occurred during the Titanic disaster in 1912.
When the ship struck an iceberg, its operators transmitted “CQD” first then another operator suggested sending the newer signal called SOS distress signal as well so both signals were used together.
Why SOS?
The adoption of SOS was a significant development in the history of communication as it was a simple, easy to remember distress signal for better communication and with the passage of time it became the fastest method for signalling distress at sea.
Others ways to send SOS
As this distress signal is associated with Morse Code radio Transmission it can be transferred using different methods. For example it can be sent by turning flash on and off in the same way as dots and dashes of Morse Code Signal. This would be very useful if you would need to signal for help at night.
You can also use SOS if you face any emergency you just have to click on a whistle to alert the rescuers because it serves as an internationally recognized distress signal that provides assistance notably in maritime, aviation and land-based crises.
In conclusion, SOS is a distress signal that consists of three dots, three dashes and three dots that helps to make sure better communication in emergency crises. It is not an acronym for anything. You can send it by radio, whistle or by light.
So be conscious and wise while using it!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is SOS Morse code?
SOS Morse Code is a distress signal that consists of three dots, three dashes and three dots. SOS full Form is not “save our soul” and it is not an acronym for anything.
How to do SOS with a Flashlight?
SOS is a continuous string that produces three short flashes, followed by three long flashes and then three short flashes “…—…”.
What is SOS Morse Code Tapping?
SOS Morse Code tapping is an internationally recognized signal that consists of three quick taps(short), three slow taps(long) and then three quick taps(short) “…—…”.