Morse Code SOS

Three dots, three dashes, three dots — ··· ––– ···. Recognized worldwide without translation.

Only use this signal in genuine emergencies requiring real rescue or assistance.

Why SOS, specifically?

Easy to send, impossible to mistake.

SOS was adopted as the international distress signal in 1908 because its pattern (3 short, 3 long, 3 short) is simple to send under pressure and unmistakable even with a weak or noisy signal — it doesn't actually stand for any phrase.

FAQ

Morse code SOS, explained.

Does SOS actually stand for something?

No — it's commonly backronymed as “Save Our Ship” or “Save Our Souls,” but it was chosen purely because ···–––··· is fast to send and easy to recognize, not because the letters spell anything official.

Is SOS still used today?

It's largely been superseded by satellite-based systems (GMDSS) for official maritime distress, but it remains the universally recognized symbol for “help” in Morse, scouting, and pop culture.

How do I type or read a full SOS message, not just the signal?

Use the Morse Code Translator for any longer message, or the Morse Code Alphabet chart to look up individual letters.

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