SOS The United Kingdom and European Alps
Principle of SIX - SOS signals
Six signals within 1 minute, pause for 1 minute and repeat the six signals within 1 minute. Repeat the sequence until respond.
Sound signals e.g.:
Whistle
Shouting
Visual signals e.g.:
Flashes (Torch/headlamp)
Mirror / reflective metal
Waving clothes
Respond signal
3 signals within 1 minute, pause for 1 minute and repeat 3 signals within a minute.
SOS North America
Principle of THREE - SOS signals
3 signals within 1 minute, pause for 1 minute, repeat 3 signals within a minute, and repeated until respond.
Sound signals e.g.:
Whistle
Gunshots
Visual signals e.g.:
Flashes (Torch/headlamp)
Mirror/ reflective metal
Waving clothes
The distress signals and answers need not be identical. A periodic signal in an unusual place for an extended period should attract attention.
Stationary SOS signals
3 objects in a triangle shape that can draw attention e.g.:
Build 3 fires in a triangle shape with 100 paces apart on open high ground. Beware not to start a wildfire.
Build 3 rock piles in triangle shape 100 paces apart on open high ground.
Signals to helicopter or aircraft:
YES - raise two hands up to form a letter “Y” to indicate positive.
NO - one hand up and one hand down to form a letter “N” to indicate negative.
Information from:
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