A communication system using sequences of short and long signals (dots and dashes) to represent letters and numbers. While largely replaced by digital communications in maritime use, Morse code remains recognised as an emergency signalling method using light or sound, and the SOS distress signal is still universally understood.
Category: Maritime Communication
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DSCDigital Selective Calling, a semi-automated method of establishing a radio call using digital codes transmitted on VHF, MF, and HF radio frequencies.LRITLong Range Identification and Tracking, an international system for tracking vessels globally, adopted by the IMO as an amendment to SOLAS.MaydayThe internationally recognised voice radio distress signal, spoken three times at the beginning of a radio distress call to indicate that a vessel, aircraft, or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.NAVTEXNavigational Telex, an international automated medium-frequency direct-printing service for delivery of navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts, as well as urgent maritime safety information to ships.Pan-PanAn internationally recognised urgency signal, spoken three times at the beginning of a radio message, indicating that there is an urgent situation on board a vessel but no immediate danger to life or the vessel.SARSearch and Rescue, the coordinated effort to locate and recover persons in distress at sea, involving maritime rescue coordination centres (MRCCs), coast guard units, naval vessels, and commercial ships.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026