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Office, E.E. July 1: Adoption of SOS as the International Distress Signal. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/58570 (accessed on 09 November 2026).
Office EE. July 1: Adoption of SOS as the International Distress Signal. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/58570. Accessed November 09, 2026.
Office, Encyclopedia Editorial. "July 1: Adoption of SOS as the International Distress Signal" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/58570 (accessed November 09, 2026).
Office, E.E. (2025, July 01). July 1: Adoption of SOS as the International Distress Signal. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/58570
Office, Encyclopedia Editorial. "July 1: Adoption of SOS as the International Distress Signal." Encyclopedia. Web. 01 July, 2025.

July 1: Adoption of SOS as the International Distress Signal

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SOS is a standardized Morse code distress signal consisting of three short dots, three long dashes, and three short dots (· · · — — — · · ·). Contrary to widespread misconception, the sequence is not an acronym for “Save Our Ship” or “Save Our Souls,” but was selected for its simplicity, rhythmic clarity, and high recognizability in radio transmission. On July 1, 1908, it was formally adopted as the international maritime distress signal, replacing a variety of competing calls and marking a milestone in the regulation of wireless telegraphy.

SOS Morse Code CQD Radiotelegraphy

References

  1. Coe, Lewis. Wireless Radio: A History. McFarland & Company, 1996.
  2. Howeth, L.S. History of Communications-Electronics in the United States Navy. Bureau of Ships and Office of Naval History, 1963.
  3. International Radiotelegraph Convention, Berlin, 1906.
  4. Goss, Michael. SOS to the Rescue: The Story of Radio Rescue at Sea. Blandford Press, 1957.
  5. Bray, R.S. The Communications Miracle. Oxford University Press, 1995.
  6. John, Richard R. Network Nation: Inventing American Telecommunications. Harvard University Press, 2010.
  7. Official Proceedings of the International Radiotelegraph Conference, Berlin, 1906.
  8. Daniels, George. The Story of SOS. Nautical Publishing, 1969.
  9. Lord, Walter. A Night to Remember. Henry Holt and Company, 1955.
  10. International Maritime Organization. GMDSS Manual. IMO Publications, 2017.
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Subjects: Telecommunications
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