During the early 20th century, maritime travel was becoming increasingly important, and with it, so too was the need for effective communication methods at sea. At the International Radiotelegraphic Convention, held in 1906, representatives from various nations gathered to establish global regulations governing radio communication. One of the principal outcomes of this meeting was the need for a clear and universally recognizable distress signal for use by ships in emergencies. The SOS signal, represented in Morse code as three short signals followed by three long signals and then three short signals again, was proposed due to its simplicity and distinctiveness.

The SOS signal quickly gained traction due to its ease of transmission and recognition, becoming the standardized distress signal for ships in trouble. Boats equipped with radio communication were able to send out an SOS, alerting nearby vessels and shore stations to their plight. The adoption of this signal greatly improved rescue operations and enhanced the overall safety of maritime travel. As it spread throughout the shipping industry, SOS became synonymous with emergencies at sea, proving invaluable during countless incidents.

By the time World War I occurred, SOS was firmly entrenched in maritime communication practices. Its effectiveness was demonstrated numerous times during conflicts and humanitarian operations, further solidifying its importance. This universal distress call not only benefited the maritime industry but also served as a model for other forms of emergency communication in the years that followed. Today, SOS is recognized worldwide as a signal of distress, highlighting its enduring legacy in emergency procedures across various fields.