Three dots · Three dashes · Three dots — sent as one continuous signal · 9 signals total
SOS Blinking Light
This is the exact pattern used with flashlights, mirrors, and signal lamps
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for SOS?
Select the correct Morse code for the SOS distress signal:
How to Tap the SOS Distress Signal in Morse Code
To transmit the SOS signal (...---...), use this sequence:
ITU Timing Rules
- Dot (·) = 1 unit
- Dash (−) = 3 units (3× longer)
- Signal gap = 1 unit
- Letter gap = 3 units
- Word gap = 7 units
Timing Reference Table
| Speed | Dot | Dash | Letter gap | Word gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 wpm | 240ms | 720ms | 720ms | 1680ms |
| 10 wpm | 120ms | 360ms | 360ms | 840ms |
| 17 wpm | 70ms | 210ms | 210ms | 490ms |
| 20 wpm | 60ms | 180ms | 180ms | 420ms |
How to Signal SOS — 5 Methods
🔦 Flashlight
Flash 3 short, 3 long, 3 short. Pause 1 second between each group of 3. Repeat every 10 seconds.
👋 Tapping
Tap 3 fast, 3 slow, 3 fast on any surface. Short taps = S, long taps = O. Works through walls.
📱 Phone Torch
Use your phone's flashlight app or SOS mode. Many phones have a built-in emergency SOS feature.
🪞 Mirror
Reflect sunlight: 3 short flashes, 3 long, 3 short. Effective up to 10 miles in clear conditions.
📣 Sound
Whistle, horn, or shout: 3 short blasts, 3 long, 3 short. Standard maritime distress signal.
🔥 Smoke / Fire
Create 3 smoke signals, pause, 3 more, pause, 3 more. Classic wilderness survival signaling.
What Is the SOS Distress Signal in Morse Code?
SOS is the internationally recognized distress signal: nine signals (three dots, three dashes, three dots) sent as one continuous 9-element symbol with no inter-letter gaps. When you search for "sos morse code" or "SOS in morse code", the answer is always the ITU-standard pattern: ...---....
Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for anything. It was chosen purely because of its simplicity. Popular phrases like "Save Our Souls" and "Save Our Ship" were invented after the signal was already in use.
The signal is officially written as ···−−−··· — a single unbroken sequence with no spaces between the letters S, O, and S.
How to Remember the SOS Signal
Three short, three long, three short — the most famous Morse pattern in the world. Easy to send by light, sound, or tapping on any surface.
The Pattern: Why 3-3-3?
SOS was chosen specifically because ... --- ... is the easiest Morse pattern to recognise even in poor conditions. Three identical groups, alternating between short and long, stand out immediately from regular traffic.
- S = · · · (3 dots — fastest possible 3-signal sequence)
- O = − − − (3 dashes — clear contrast to S)
- S = · · · (3 dots — symmetrical, memorable)
History of the SOS Signal
SOS vs CQD — What Was Used Before?
Before SOS, Marconi operators used CQD as a distress signal. CQ was the general call for "attention all stations" and D stood for distress. The Titanic's senior wireless operator Jack Phillips initially sent CQD before also sending SOS — saying "Send SOS, it's the new call, and it may be your last chance to send it."
Frequently Asked Questions — SOS in Morse Code
What is the SOS distress signal in Morse code?
The SOS distress signal in Morse code is ...---... (3 dots, 3 dashes, 3 dots). It's the standard ITU code used worldwide for life-threatening emergencies.
What is the Morse code for SOS?
The Morse code for SOS is ...---.... Tap the sequence as: dot, dot, dot, dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
How do you send SOS in Morse code?
Short tap, short tap, short tap, long press, long press, long press, short tap, short tap, short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
How many signals does SOS have in Morse code?
SOS uses 9 signals total: 6 dots and 3 dashes.
How do you signal SOS with a flashlight?
Flash 3 short blinks, then 3 long blinks, then 3 short blinks. Pause for 1–2 seconds then repeat. Short blinks represent dots (S) and long blinks represent dashes (O).
When should I use the SOS signal?
SOS is used only in life-threatening emergencies at sea, in the air, or on land. Adopted by the International Radiotelegraph Convention in 1906, it remains the universally understood call for help.
Is the Morse code for SOS the same internationally?
Yes — ...---... is defined by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Recommendation M.1677 and is used worldwide.
Is SOS still used today?
While maritime Morse code was retired in 1999, SOS remains a universally recognised distress signal. The SOS pattern with a flashlight or whistle is still a valid survival technique taught worldwide.
Related Morse Code Prosigns
Other prosigns commonly used alongside the SOS distress signal: