The pattern is simple, recognizable, hard to mistake for anything else and easy to remember. It’s designed to be easy to communicate to others. The Morse Code is a line of three dots, three dashes, and three more dots. If you’ve been wondering “what does SOS stand for?” The truth is that it doesn’t stand for anything. Of course a traditional SOS is still recognized and will be responded to as normal if received by the Coast Guard or other emergency services, but it is technically an outdated method of requesting aid. Many people in the general population are surprised to learn that SOS was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System back in 1999. This came a year after it had become the choice of the German government for maritime emergencies. The International Radio Telegraphic Convention chose the SOS signal in 1906. Though the SOS signal is well known in most circles these days, its original use was strictly maritime. Most of the general populace believes that “SOS” signifies “Save Our Ship.” Casual students of radio history are aware that the use of “SOS” was preceded by “CQD.” Why were these signals adopted? When were they used? History of the SOS Signal There is much mystery and misinformation surrounding the origin and use of maritime distress calls. Harmony asks “Do the letters in the term SOS represent three words? If so, could you let me know what they are?” Thanks to Neal McEwen for allowing us to use some information from his articles “SOS”, “CQD” and the History of Maritime Distress Calls.
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