Learn SOS and Emergency Morse Signals

SOS is · · · — — — · · · (three dots, three dashes, three dots). It's the most recognised distress signal — no spaces between letters in emergency use.

You can signal SOS with a flashlight, mirror, whistle, or horn. Short signals are dots; long signals (3× longer) are dashes.

In maritime and aviation, CQD (· · · — — — ·· —) was the original distress call before SOS was adopted in 1908 by international treaty.

International distress frequency: 500 kHz (maritime) and 2182 kHz (voice). Morse distress signals are still monitored on some frequencies.