Reference
SOS in Morse Code
SOS in Morse code is three dots, three dashes, three dots, sent as one continuous signal: ... --- ... . It is the international distress call, chosen because the pattern is short, symmetrical and impossible to confuse with anything else.
Does SOS stand for anything?
No. Despite popular sayings like "save our souls" or "save our ship", SOS is not an abbreviation. It was picked purely because the Morse pattern is distinctive and easy to send and recognise, even by someone in a panic.
SOS was adopted as the worldwide maritime distress signal in 1908. Before it, different services used different calls, and a single agreed signal made rescue far more reliable.
How to signal SOS
By sound or light, send three short signals, three long signals, then three short signals, with no gaps between the letters so it reads as one unit. Pause, then repeat.
You can flash it with a torch, tap it on a pipe, or sound it on a whistle. Because the rhythm is so recognisable, rescuers can identify it even through noise or at a distance.
Frequently asked questions
What is SOS in Morse code?
It is three dots, three dashes, three dots (... --- ...), sent as one signal without gaps between the letters. It is the universal call for help.
Does SOS stand for save our souls?
No. SOS is not an abbreviation. Sayings like save our souls came later. The signal was chosen only for its clear, symmetrical Morse pattern.
How do you send SOS with a flashlight?
Flash three short pulses, three long pulses, then three short pulses, keeping them as one group. Pause, then repeat until you get a response.