How do you signal SOS in morse code?

You can signal SOS in morse code using any method: sound (three short beeps, three long beeps, three short beeps), light (three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes), or tapping (three short taps, three long taps, three short taps). Use our translator tool above to practice.

When should I use SOS morse code?

Use SOS morse code only in genuine emergencies where you need immediate assistance and cannot communicate through normal channels. Examples include being lost in the wilderness, stranded at sea, trapped after a disaster, or any life-threatening situation where you need to attract rescuers' attention.

SOS Morse Code: Emergency Signal Guide with Audio & Visual

Quick Answer: SOS in Morse Code

SOS in morse code is ... --- ... - three dots, three dashes, three dots. It is the internationally recognized distress signal used worldwide in emergencies. SOS does NOT stand for "Save Our Souls" - the letters were chosen because this pattern is unmistakable and easy to transmit through sound, light, or tapping. Use our translator tool above to hear and practice the SOS signal.

The SOS Morse Code Pattern Visualized

... | --- | ...

3 short (S) 3 long (O) 3 short (S)

3 Ways to Send SOS Morse Code in an Emergency

1. Sound / Audio

Make three short beeps, followed by three long beeps, followed by three short beeps. Use a whistle, horn, or your voice.

beep-beep-beep | BEEEEP-BEEEEP-BEEEEP | beep-beep-beep

2. Light / Flash

Flash a light or torch three short times, then three long times, then three short times. Use a flashlight, phone screen, or signal mirror.

flash-flash-flash | FLLAASH-FLLAASH-FLLAASH | flash-flash-flash

3. Tapping / Touch

Tap on a surface three short taps, then three long taps, then three short taps. This is the famous method used by prisoners of war.

tap-tap-tap | TAAAP-TAAAP-TAAAP | tap-tap-tap

More Emergency Morse Code Phrases

HE

HELP

.... . .-.. .--.

General call for assistance

HE

HELP ME

.... . .-.. .--. / -- .

Personal emergency

MA

MAYDAY

-- .- -.-- -.. .- -.--

Life-threatening emergency (voice/radio)

UR

URGENT

..- .-. --. . -. -

Urgent but not life-threatening

DA

DANGER

-.. .- -. --. . .-.

Warning of danger

SA

SAVE US

... .- ...- . / ..- ...

Group in danger

Survival Communication Tips Using Morse Code

1

Always signal in 3’s

Three fires . Three blasts on a whistle . Three flashes . Any signal repeated in groups of three is known globally as a distress signal .

2

Repeat SOS constantly

Do not send SOS once. Repeat the pattern with short intervals between the repeats so rescuers have many opportunities to pick up your signal.

3

Use whatever source of light available

Use a phone screen, automobile headlights, a torch or even sunlight reflected off a mirror to flash SOS in morse code visible for miles.

4

Learn morse code before you have to

Practice with our learn morse code guide and morse code translator before you find yourself in an emergency circumstance.

SOS Morse Code - Frequently Asked Questions

SOS in morse code is ... --- ... - three dots, followed by three dashes, followed by three dots. It is the internationally recognized distress signal used in emergencies.

Contrary to popular belief, SOS does NOT stand for 'Save Our Souls' or 'Save Our Ship.' The letters SOS were chosen purely because the morse code pattern (... --- ...) is easy to transmit and recognize. It is simply a distress signal with no acronym meaning.

No, there are other emergency signals. Mayday (from the French m'aidez meaning help me) is used in voice radio. In morse code, SOS is the primary distress signal, but the signal TTT (- - -) is also used to indicate an urgent but non-life-threatening situation.

Master Emergency Morse Code Signals

Practice SOS and other emergency phrases with our free translator tool.

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SOS Morse Code: Emergency Signal Guide