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Previous: TV, Electronics Pioneer Robert Page Burr, K1MI, SK Next: Orrin Henry "Hank" Brown, W6HB, SK

SOS, SK

NEWINGTON, CT, Feb 3, 1999--Full implementation of the satellite-based Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) on February 1 generated a slew of news reports chronicling the end of Morse code. "Morse Code, which spelt out the demise of the Titanic and the end of two World Wars, on Monday fell victim to the relentless march of technology," a Reuters report began.

"They should listen to the ARRL DX CW contest coming up!" remarked Whitey Doherty, K1VV, on the Yankee Clipper Contest Club reflector. He was referring to the ARRL International DX Contest CW weekend February 20-21 (see QST, Dec 1998, p 97). But Amateur Radio remains one of the last bastions of radiotelegraphy, it seems.

Other press reports and magazine articles around the world reporting the official end of the use of maritime CW called it "the end of an era." The formal startup of GMDSS means the end of "SOS" and the international listening watch on 500 kHz--and of the use of Morse on the high seas. Some shore stations marked the occasion on the air. "Tonight we are silenced forever as Marconi's wizardry gives way to the satellites," radioed one Canadian shore station. "As we bid farewell, we salute those who took the watch before us at Belle Isle and St Anthony. 73 from VCM. AR SK." Another Canadian station, VOJ, said, "CW now gives way to GMDSS. We hope it stands the test. To all who sail, safe seas and 73 de VOJ. TU SU AR SK."

Hams at some of the last operational shore facilities in Greenland, Iceland, and Denmark mounted Amateur Radio special event operations. For example, operators from Qaqortoq Radio (OX3OXF), Nuuk Radio (OX3OXI), Aasiaat Radio (OX3OYR), Reykjavik Radio (TF3TFA), Torshavn Radio (OY3OXJ), Lyngby Radio (OZ1OXZ, OZ5OXZ, and OZ1OXB) are scheduled to be on the air all month on 160-10 meters. Other shore stations around the world decommissioned Morse code usage and gear months or even years ago.

An article, "SOS, RIP" in The Economist for January 23, 1999, points out that Morse will "continue to be used by amateur radio operators, spies, and some members of the armed forces," but adds "the switch to GMDSS marks the end of the last significant international use of Morse."

A footnote: The signal "SOS" was established as an international standard at the International Radio Conference of 1906. The "CQD" distress call was originated by the Marconi Company in 1904. Titanic radio operator Jack Phillips sent both CQD and SOS (properly sent as a single character) to be certain there was no misunderstanding.

Good Web reference:

For a look at one of the East Coast's better known shore stations, WCC, see http://www.qsl.net/wv1k/wcc.html.

Previous: TV, Electronics Pioneer Robert Page Burr, K1MI, SK

Next: Orrin Henry "Hank" Brown, W6HB, SK