The sinking of the Titanic on 15 April 1912 claimed some 1500 lives and sparked a wave of reforms in maritime communications. To explore the role of radio during the disaster, as well as related events before and after, click and drag to navigate within the timeline or use the slider at the bottom. To read a particular item, click the “More” button.
Shore-to-ship wireless telegraphy is demonstrated
One of Guglielmo Marconi’s many maritime wireless successes
Stranded on a sandbar, a ship is rescued
Finnish fishermen freed from an ice floe
The idea takes hold but the signal, “SSSDDD,” does not
Move acknowledges the growing role of wireless in maritime rescues
A call for help in 3 letters
It’s easy: three dots, three dashes, three dots
The flag signal “NC” doesn’t take hold for wireless
But not all radio operators adopt it
Use of “CQD” distress call receives wide coverage
First reported use of “SOS” in an actual maritime emergency
Ships visiting U.S. ports must carry wireless equipment
On its maiden voyage, it embarks from Southampton, England, bound for New York City
It’s one of the world’s most advanced wireless systems
Distress calls received, but not by everyone
In all, about 1500 people perish
David Sarnoff, future president of RCA, plays a role
Round-the-clock staffing of ships’ wireless stations also called for
It requires radio stations and radio operators to be licensed
Telecommunications technology a major feature
500 kilohertz is new frequency for maritime distress signals
Ships without such alarms must have continuous-duty radio operators
The International Maritime Organization is also established in 1948
The beginning of the end for Morse Code
The satellite network will be dedicated to telecommunications at sea
When all else fails, Morse code proves its worth
All ships must now carry multiple means for signaling distress
Captain and crew fail to issue distress call
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