maritime distress signals

Maritime distress signals are methods used by ships to communicate emergencies and request assistance at sea. These include visual signals like flares, signal flags, and light signals, as well as sound signals such as horns or sirens. Radio transmissions like Morse code SOS or specific emergency frequencies also serve as distress calls. The purpose is to quickly alert nearby vessels and coast stations about the emergency, enabling timely rescue efforts. Different signals are recognized internationally, ensuring consistent understanding regardless of language barriers, and are crucial for safety in maritime navigation.