International Radiotelegraph Conference SOS worldwide distress call

In 1906, the International Radiotelegraph Conference held in Berlin established “SOS” (· · · – – – · · ·) as the worldwide standard distress call. This decision was made to create a clear, unambiguous signal that could be easily recognized and understood in emergencies. The “SOS” signal, chosen for its simplicity and distinctiveness, replaced the earlier “CQD” distress signal introduced by the Marconi Company. The adoption of “SOS” as the universal distress call significantly improved maritime safety by providing a consistent and easily identifiable method for ships in distress to communicate their need for immediate assistance. This standardization was a crucial step in enhancing global communication and safety protocols at sea.