International distress signals: useful advice

Everyone should know what international distress signals are. After all, despite the fact that today everything is fine, we do not know what has prepared our lives for tomorrow. That is why it is so important to secure yourself and understand the system of signs.

SOS signal

Signs and codes are generally accepted for all states, languages and rescue services. Believe me, no rescue service will confuse the signs that you are trying to convey.

The SOS signal is considered a call for help, since English translates as "Save Our Souls". Such a signal can be transmitted in different ways, from which its meaning does not change. For example, three of these letters can be laid out of stones on the beach, or with the help of branches on a large open glade.

The SOS signal can be transmitted from the ship by writing three large letters on the deck itself. This signal can also be transmitted by Morse code, using an intermittent network signal or a radio transmitter. Be sure to remember this code: three dashes, three dots, three dashes.

Universal signals

International distress signals are the same for each country. So wherever you are, use them boldly. So help will come much faster.

If you are in the mountains, then you should use a "six-one" signal. That is, there should first be six short signs, and then a pause. Thus signals can be submitted by any available means. For example, you can use a whistle or a powerful flashlight. So if you go to the mountains, protect yourself and take these items.

International distress signals used not in the mountains are called "three-one". That is, first three short signals are sent, then a long pause. It is very important to give signs correctly, so that they are identified precisely as distress signals. If you use a whistle or a flashlight, give three short, clear signs, then take a moment's pause. Then repeat the signals again.

How to call for help in the forest

If you are lost in the woods, despair is definitely not worth it. Even in such an uninhabited place, one can wait for help. Using international distress signals in the forest, you can draw the attention of rescuers.

The most effective and noticeable signal is breeding a fire. Firewood in the woods certainly enough. The main thing is to go on a hike, to take with you a large number of matches.

Of course, the effectiveness of a fire depends on the place of its breeding. If you ignite it on the bottom of the ravine or in the forest more often, there will be little sense from it, and it is unlikely that you will be able to attract attention to it.

Another thing is to light a fire in a well-visible open area. For this purpose, a forest glade or a towering hill is ideal. There have been many cases in which, in good windless weather, the smoke from the fires rose to a distance of about fifty kilometers above the ground. However, in order to achieve this effect, the fire itself must be of considerable size.

Please note that if you burn only one fire, a person who has noticed it may not realize that you are in danger. The international signal of distress will be considered three fires, kindled on one vertical line or laid out in the form of a triangle.

The distance between campfires should not be less than fifty meters. In doing so, prepare a large stock of dry logs, because it will be very disappointing if at the right time it ends, and you will remain unnoticed.

International rescue signals on the ship

If you are in a desperate situation on the ship, then pay attention to such life-saving signals, which are equally deciphered in any place, wherever you go:

• If there is a signal rocket, be sure to use it;
• Make an open flame, while ensuring that it does not spread through the ship;
• Flip the national flag;
• Give a flag signal;
• Use continuous sounds that any devices that produce fog signals can produce;
• Slowly raise and lower your arms, diluted to the sides.

Signal Table

An International Distress Call Table will help you transmit the codes you need. For this, signs must be laid out in open glades or on the slopes of the hills. The larger the size of the signs, the greater the likelihood that they will be noticed from a great height.

Signs can be made from everything that comes to hand: from pieces of clothing, stones, branches. On the seashore, this can be done with the help of algae or pebbles. In any case, it is very important to achieve a color contrast.

In whatever situation you are in, do not despair. Wherever you are: in the mountains, in the forest or in the sea, you can use the rescue signs, and you will certainly be helped. Going on a hike in the mountains or in the woods, do not forget to take a flashlight, a whistle and matches. Try to make yourself felt as good as possible.