Distress symbol

There are many symbols that are used to represent distress. Used on their own or in combination, they can indicate that you need assistance.

General

• Three of anything - fires, loud noises etc.
• SOS in Morse Code by flashing lights, loud noises, radio.
• Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side. If in the water, from the surface to overhead.

Sounds

• A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute.
• A continuous sounding of any fog-signalling apparatus.

Flags

• National flag flown upside down
• The International Code Signal of distress indicated by the code group November Charlie.
• A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.
• An orange coloured sheet with a black square over a black circle.
• An orange coloured sheet with a black