The Meaning and History Behind the Iconic SOS Distress Signal

The Origins and Meaning of the Distress Signal SOS

The distress signal SOS is recognized worldwide as a call for urgent help. Most people assume it stands for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship." But what does SOS really mean? And how did it become such an iconic distress call?

The Origins of SOS as a Distress Signal

Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for anything. It was chosen as a distress signal for its simple and unmistakable pattern of three dots, three dashes, and three dots in Morse Code: ··· --- ···. This pattern makes SOS easily distinguishable from other Morse Code characters.

SOS was first adopted as an international distress signal at the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in Berlin in 1906. It was introduced as a standard emergency signal for Marconi International Marine Communication Company ship radios. The signal replaced the previous CQD distress call which had caused some confusion.

There are several theories about where the actual letters SOS came from:

• It may have been chosen because it is a simple patter that is easy to remember and transmit.
• The SOS pattern matches the rhythmic pattern of "three dots, three dashes, three dots" in Morse Code.
• "SOS" coincidentally matches the first 3 letters of early English words like "Save" or "Succour" (meaning aid/help).

So while SOS doesn't technically stand for anything, it was probably chosen due to the convenience of the letters matching the Morse Code pattern. The meaning of SOS is that it is recognized worldwide as the standard distress signal.

Use of SOS Over the Years

Since becoming the first internationally recognized distress call in 1906, SOS has been used in countless emergency situations on ships, airplanes, and by people stranded in remote locations.

One of the first uses of SOS to attract major public attention was in 1912, when the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after hitting an iceberg. The radio operators on board the Titanic alternately sent out CQD and SOS distress signals.

On January 23, 1943, the SS Dorchester cruise ship sank after being torpedoed by a German submarine. Four chaplains aboard the ship helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets. Survivors later described hearing the chaplains calling out SOS signals until the ship went under.

In 1947, pilot Star Tiger disappeared over the Atlantic while en route from Azores to Bermuda. The last message received was an SOS call from the plane reporting bad weather conditions.

Many ships, expeditions, and downed aircraft have relied on SOS over the past century to call for help in emergencies when all other means of communication failed. It remains internationally recognized as the best way call for urgent assistance when in grave and imminent danger.

SOS in Popular Culture

The ubiquity of SOS as a distress signal has made it a common term recognized by the general public. As a result, it often appears in popular culture:

• SOS is referenced in the ABBA song of the same name, about a woman calling for help from a lonely island.
• Many movies feature characters calling SOS after being stranded or crashing, including Gravity, Cast Away, and Lord of the Flies.
• The band Rihanna starts her 2011 song "S&M" with the Morse code pattern for SOS tapped out on a cymbal.
• SOS became the title and slogan for the poverty relief campaign Comic Relief started by comedians in the UK in 1985.

The use of SOS in books, music, and movies shows how ingrained it is in the public psyche as the international distress call. Most people immediately recognize it as a cry for urgent help.

SOS in the Modern Age

Although radio communication has changed dramatically from the early 20th century, SOS remains the best-known distress signal today. It is still defined in the International Telecommunication Union's radio regulations and maritime law as the internationally recognized Morse code distress call.

However, most emergency signaling today is done by satellite EPIRB beacons on ships and aircraft which send out automated localized distress signals. Personal locator beacons allow individuals in remote locations to call for help via satellite.

While these modern devices have largely replaced manual SOS radio calls, SOS is still used to draw attention to emergencies. The signal is recognized globally, so flashing SOS messages is an effective way to identify a distress situation and call helpers to action.

When to Use SOS

So when should you actually use SOS yourself? This distress signal should only be used in situations of grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance:

• Life-threatening medical emergency in a remote location
• Ship sinking or crashed plane in open waters
• Stranded without food/water in extreme environment
• Under attack with no means of self-defense

Think of SOS as the emergency call equivalent to dialing 911. It should only be used when in desperate trouble with no other way to call for help. False or prank SOS calls are illegal in many countries.

How to Send an SOS Distress Call

If you ever find yourself in a life-threatening emergency without a beacon or phone to call for help, follow these steps:

1. Use any communication device available - radio, signal mirrors, fires, flare guns, etc.
2. Make the SOS pattern clearly 3 short, 3 long, 3 short.
3. Keep repeating at intervals until you receive a response.
4. Be prepared to give your location and describe the details of your emergency.

Flashing SOS signals optically can also be effective to get attention from aircraft and rescuers on land. Hopefully knowing how to make a proper SOS distress call will never be necessary - but it could save your life if you ever become stranded without other options.

Conclusion

While SOS may not technically stand for anything, it carries tremendous meaning as the internationally recognized Morse code distress signal. Created in 1906, it continues to serve as the best-known way to call for urgent help when in grave danger. The simple SOS pattern is designed to be easy to remember and transmit when no other means of communication are available. Hopefully this overview helps provide context on the origins and proper use of this iconic distress call.

FAQs

What does SOS stand for in Morse code?

SOS doesn't actually stand for anything. In Morse code it is simply a pattern of three dots, three dashes, and three dots (··· --- ···). This simple sequence makes it very distinguishable from other letters.

When should you send an SOS signal?

Only use SOS when in grave and imminent danger that requires immediate help. For example, if stranded without food/water, sinking ship, crashed plane, or under attack. It should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies.

What is the best way to send an SOS?

Use any communication devices available to send the SOS pattern visibly or audibly. Flash lights, signal fires, flares, radio etc. Repeat at intervals until you receive a response. Be ready to provide details on your location and emergency.

Is it illegal to send a false SOS?

Yes, sending a false or prank SOS distress call is illegal in many countries. Only use SOS in a real emergency where lives are in imminent danger.

How did SOS become a distress signal?

SOS was adopted as the international Morse code distress signal at the 1906 Berlin Radio Convention. It replaced the previous maritime signal CQD due to SOS being more distinct and easier to remember.