SOS
The universally recognised distress signal used in maritime communication to indicate an emergency requiring immediate assistance.
The German government introduced it as part of the international Morse code in 1905. On July 1, 1908, following the International Radiotelegraph Convention of 1906, SOS was adopted globally as the standard distress signal.
- SOS was proposed in 1906
The signal “SOS” was chosen at the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Berlin because:- It is simple to transmit and recognise in Morse code (· · · – – – · · ·).
- It is unambiguous and easy to distinguish from other signals.
- SOS became mandatory in 1908
Starting July 1, 1908, all ships equipped with wireless communication were required to use SOS as the universal distress signal.
When SOS became the standard distress signal in maritime communication, it replaced the older CQD signal. It is used when a vessel is in grave and imminent danger, such as sinking or being stranded, and requires immediate assistance. The signal can be sent via radio, visual signals, or improvised methods like tapping or flashing lights in Morse code. While modern technology, such as satellite communication and emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), has largely replaced the manual use of SOS, the signal remains a symbol of distress. It is still recognised in international maritime law.
In essence, SOS reflects the urgency and life-threatening nature of the situations in which the SOS signal is employed, even though the acronym itself is not an abbreviation of those words.
