Everyone should know what international distress signals are. Indeed, despite the fact that today everything is fine, we do not know what life has prepared for us for tomorrow. That is why it is so important to protect yourself and understand the system of signs.
SOS signal
Signs and codes are considered generally accepted for all states, languages and rescue services. Believe me, no rescue service will confuse the signs you are trying to convey.
The SOS signal is considered a call for help, as it is translated from English as “Save our souls”. Such a signal can be transmitted in different ways, from which its meaning does not change. For example, these three letters can be laid out from stones on the beach, or using branches in a large open meadow.
The SOS signal can be transmitted from the ship by writing three large letters on the deck itself. This signal can also be transmitted in Morse code, using an intermittent network signal or radio transmitter. Be sure to remember this code: three dashes, three dots, three dashes.
Universal signals
International distress calls are the same for every country. Therefore, wherever you are, feel free to use them. So help will come much faster.
If you are in the mountains, then you should use the six-one signal. That is, there must first be six short characters, and then a pause. In this case, the signals can be submitted by any available means. For example, you can use a whistle or a powerful flashlight. Therefore, if you go to the mountains, protect yourself and take these items.
International distress signals not used in the mountains are called “three-one”. That is, first three short beeps are given, then a long pause. It is very important to give the signs correctly so that they are recognized precisely as distress signals. If you use a whistle or a flashlight, give three short clear signs, and then pause for a minute. Then repeat the signals again.
How to call for help in the forest
If you are lost in the forest, you should definitely not despair. Even in such an uninhabited place you 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 considered to be a fire. There is certainly enough firewood in the forest. The main thing when setting off on a campaign is to take a large number of matches with you.
Of course, the effectiveness of the fire depends on the place of its breeding. If you kindle it at the bottom of the gorge 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.
Another thing is to light a fire in a well-visible open area. For this, a forest glade or a towering hill is ideal. There have been many cases when, in good calm weather, smoke from bonfires rose to a distance of about fifty kilometers above ground level. However, in order to achieve such an effect, the bonfire itself must have considerable dimensions.
Please note that if you light only one bonfire, a person who has noticed it may not be aware that you are in danger. The international distress signal will be considered three bonfires, lit on the same vertical line or laid out in the form of a triangle.
The distance between the bonfires should not be less than fifty meters. At the same time, prepare large stocks of dry logs, because it will be very disappointing if at the right time it ends and you go unnoticed.
International ship rescue signals
If you find yourself in a hopeless situation on a ship, then pay attention to such rescue signals that are equally decrypted in any place, wherever you go:
- if there is a flare, be sure to use it;
- make an open flame, while making sure that it does not spread throughout the ship;
- flip the national flag;
- give a flag signal;
- use continuous sounds that can produce any devices that give foggy signals;
- slowly raise and lower your arms apart.
Signal Table
An international distress alert chart will help you transmit the codes you need. To do this, signs need to be laid out in open glades or on hillsides. The larger 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 algae or pebbles. In any case, it is very important to achieve color contrast.
Whatever situation you are in, do not despair. Wherever you are: in the mountains, in the woods or in the sea, you can use life-saving signs and they will certainly help you. When hiking in the mountains or in the forest, do not forget to bring a flashlight, whistle and matches with you. Try to make yourself known as best as possible.