HEY! OVER HERE!

Knowing These 10 Distress Calls Might Save Your Life

Image: nikko macaspac

While we sincerely hope that you never find yourself in a situation where you might need to cry for help, it is essential to know how to do it properly. This knowledge is not only just for oneself but also to recognize a distress signal coming from others. Scroll down to learn the meaning of ten signals, from the world-famous S.O.S. to more specific ways to call for help.

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We will start with the most universally recognized distress signal, typically transmitted via Morse code in a sequence of three dots, followed by three dashes, and then followed by another three dots (· · · − − − · · ·).

Many people believe that S.O.S. stands for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship", but in reality, these letters don’t stand for anything. The reason for this combination of letters lies in the fact that it is easily recognizable, it can be repeated continually and no other command uses it.

Image: Pasqualino Capobianco

Another easily recognizable distress signal, thanks in no small part to movies and television, is Mayday. The term was invented in 1923 when England and France needed to agree on a good distress signal that could be easily understood by everyone.

S.O.S. was already in use, but that signal could not be adopted because the letter 'S' was hard to distinguish over the telephone, especially in a chaotic emergency situation. Enter May-day, which is the phonetic equivalent of "M'aidez", the French for "Help me."

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Pan-Pan calls (pronounced "pahn-pahn") are used for urgent situations that are not life-threatening. When someone aboard a boat, ship, aircraft, or other vehicle uses this signal, they are conveying that they need help and that the situation is urgent, but for the time being, does not pose an immediate danger to anyone's life or to the vessel itself.

Radioing "pan-pan" informs potential rescuers that an urgent problem exists, whereas "mayday" calls indicate that all other activities should be dropped to immediately begin a rescue. To declare pan-pan correctly, the caller repeats it three times: "Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan."

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Not all alert calls are emitted by the person or vessel in need of rescue. Sécurité (often repeated three times, "Sécurité, sécurité, sécurité") is a procedure term used in the maritime radio service that warns the crew that the following message contains important safety information.

This warning is commonly used by coast radio stations before the broadcast of navigational warnings and meteorological information.

Image: Patrick Tomasso

Yet another example of an alert signal that is not emitted by the vessel in distress, is the Mayday Relay. This call is issued by a third party on behalf of another vessel or aircraft that is unable to do so.

Mayday Relays are typically issued to the Coast Guard or any other authority with jurisdiction over the area, to notify them of the situation taking place.

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In radio terminology, "Break, Break, Break" is the expression used when interrupting in the middle of a non-distress communication because you have an emergency.

This expression serves as a way of saying, "Sorry to interrupt your conversation but there is an emergency going on and I need your help".

Image: Trinity Moss

The communication Mayday Relay Relay is used when relaying a Mayday message to a second vessel or station if the initial relay has not been successful and needs to be re-transmitted.

Sometimes, the distances that need to be reached are too far, or weather conditions complicate the relay. In these situations, a Mayday Relay Relay may be used by a vessel requesting assistance for a third party in distress.

Image: Matteo Miliddi

While the use of flags as a means of communication on ships was more common back in the day, when radio communications were not available, some major flag signals still need to be known by those responsible for sailing a vessel.

The most urgent code for help is the "N" flag arranged over the "C" flag, which is used to communicate the International Code Signal of distress.

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A signal that was used before S.O.S. was adopted universally, CQD originated from the signal CQ, which expressed "seeking you," or "all stations." The signal CQ was commonly used among wireless operators as a time-saving means of addressing all stations with a single signal.

The ability of CQ to convey distress was eventually diminished by frequent use. Therefore, in 1904, Guglielmo Marconi's wireless company announced the distress signal CQD would be used, signifying "Seeking you. Distress!".

Image: Jerzy Gorecki

An ancient device like a signaling mirror has saved innumerable lives and continues to be an invaluable resource in emergencies all over the world.

To use a signaling mirror, hold it in your hand and slowly bring the mirror up to your eye while making sure that the reflective surface is not obscured by your hat or fingers. Then, tilt the mirror up toward the sun, until you see a small bead of light. Once you've found the bead of light, move it toward your intended target (be it a plane or searcher), and keep the bead of light in view as you do this. Move the mirror in such a way that the target understands that you are voluntarily trying to contact them.

Planning your next adventure

Ultimate survival guide: The 10 essentials of hiking

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Walking in the outdoors is excellent for our physical and mental health. And in the United States we have wonderful landscapes to make the most of this unique sport. However, while hiking is a very popular activity, it is not always practiced properly. Whether you plan to visit a National Park, venture into the woods, or explore bear country, it's best to prepare accordingly. Here are 10 pro tips to keep in mind when going hiking.

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If you've never hiked or camped before, don't worry, it's never too late! The best thing you can do is start slowly. First, find a path near your house and do small hikes every day. Once you realize how much you love getting your body moving, choose a place you've always wanted to visit. If nothing comes to mind, go through an atlas or a book on hiking to pick the perfect place for a new adventure.

Next, you can start proper training and even join a local hiking club to learn the ropes and meet new people. Finding a buddy to share the experience with can make all the difference, —trust us, conversation helps make training more enjoyable. Now that you're all set, it's time to get ready!

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Packing is probably the most important thing when you go hiking. It’s where all starts and doing it properly can make the whole trip a success or a failure. First, lay out everything you think you'll need and strategize from there. Big items go first, but remember, try to keep weight as low as possible. For example, look at the amount of clothing you plan to bring, then cut it in half. It's not a wilderness experience otherwise!

If space becomes a problem, you can get some compression sacks for slimming down puffy items, like sleeping bags or outerwear. You can also deflate dry-food packs with a pin and cover the hole with tape. Finally, put survival items in the front of the pack for fast emergency access.

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On the trail, adequate shoes make all the difference. Many people get blisters or other ailments just for choosing the wrong shoes. The best way to avoid these issues is to prepare. For starters, find shoes that are comfortable and right for your feet type. Don't order your next pair online, it’s better to visit a retail store and try on multiple pairs.

Socks are as important as shoes. Choose synthetic or wool socks that absorb moisture better for long days in the outdoors. The insoles that come in boots may not be a very good fit for your foot. The more cost-effective solution is to replace them with better ones. Also, always pack up some moleskin, duct tape, or other first-aid implements, just in case. Finally, remember to tie your boots correctly to prevent rubbing and you are good to go!

Image: Baihaki Hine

Setting up a campsite is not hard if you take some key steps. First, find a site 200 feet from a lake or a stream and choose durable surfaces whenever possible. Spend extra time searching out a sheltered location to avoid the wind. Also, look up to make sure no dead trees or branches threaten to fall on your site.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, wait until the winds die down —often at sunset— to pitch your tent. If you can, orient the door to the east for early sun and place your tent so the smallest side faces the wind. Secure and anchor your tent properly with nylon cords and stakes and you’ll be ready to spend the night in the open.

Image: Iren Polishchuk

Where campfires are allowed, it's important to know how to build —and put out— flames properly. First of all, find fuel: an armload of twigs and sticks will get the fire going. Search for dry wood under driftwood piles. If necessary, shave off the wet bark.

The next step is to make a pit. Choose a safe place and dig a small pit surrounded by wind-breaking rocks. Place a firestarter —for example, cotton balls, egg cartons, or wine corks— on a bed of sticks leaving gaps for air to fuel the flames. Place a fist-size stack of wood shavings, twigs, and paper over your fire starter and light it up. Carefully supply larger sticks and blow on them gently to fan the flames.

Before leaving the campsite, remember to put out the fire. Use water and mix the ashes and embers with soil. Make sure it’s completely out: if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

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Like wine to the gods, water is the nectar of hikers. But, how to stay hydrated during long exercise hours in the outdoors? Start the day with plenty of liquid. While you sleep, you lose as much as 1.5 pounds of fluid through sweat and respiration. In the morning, replenish with 16 to 24 ounces of water.

While trekking, don’t wait till you are dead thirsty to drink water. Instead, sip 4 to 6 ounces of liquid every 20 minutes, it'll help you feel stronger. Also, since sweat is made up of sodium and potassium, it’s important to keep an eye on electrolytes. Try to alternate water with a sports drink or munch on salty snacks. If you start feeling dizzy, have a headache, or find it difficult to concentrate, you are probably dehydrated. Set up camp: A long rest, a good meal, and lots of water will get you back on track.

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If you are traveling from low to high elevation plan an extra day or two to allow your body to adjust. Avoid arriving directly to trailheads above 10,000 feet and instead plan a day hike at a lower elevation. The first couple of days try to moderate your effort. Since air is very dry at high altitudes, always stay hydrated and abstain from drinking alcohol.

Also, don't ascend more than 2,000 feet per day, and at night set camp below the highest elevation you've reached. If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness, like persistent headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, or loss of coordination, stay put. Go down if the symptoms don't improve within 24 hours.

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If your hiking trip is during the summer months, you’ll have to be extra careful with the high temperatures. Always have a backup plan for your water supply and bring hard candy to suck and keep your mouth moistured.

Try to protect your body from the sun's rays. Don't wear shorts or short sleeves. Cotton clothes retain moisture better than synthetics and will keep you cooler. Wear a full-brimmed hat and extra-dark sunglasses at all times. Use sunscreen on any exposed flesh, like your face and the backs of your hands, and reapply frequently.

Don't hike during the middle of the day, when temperatures reach their peak. In open country, go from shade to shade. Move for half an hour and rest for another half. You can even hike at night and make the most of a starry sky!

Image: Andy Holmes

Let’s face it, most of North America is bear country. It’s important to take precautions when hiking near their habitats to prevent unfortunate encounters. First of all, don’t hike alone. Bears are less likely to attack groups than individuals. Also, always make noise. Given the opportunity, most bears will avoid human contact.

Storing food properly and paying attention to the terrain can give you an advantage. But even if you stay vigilant the whole time, you may come across a grizzly or a black bear. Pack bear spray or a bear bell and keep them handy. If you find yourself face to face with a bear, give it a chance to hear you and flee before their protective instincts kick in. However, if you feel you are about to be attacked, find a high tree to climb or lie face down and play dead.

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Forget bears, the most common and dangerous risk when hiking is a river crossing. Here's how to do it safely. Since narrow spots are deeper and faster, always cross a river at its widest point. Check your map for forks, they contain less water and are potentially easier to cross.

If you have to cross a glacial river, do it early in the day. This way, you’ll avoid the higher runoff volume that comes with afternoon melting. In fast-moving waters, cross at a slight angle, heading downstream but facing upstream. If you fall, don't panic. Remove your pack if it prevents you from getting up. If the current takes you, flip on your back and calm down. When you reach calm water, swim back to shore.