The spelling of the word "CQD" can be confusing as it is not commonly used in modern communication. It was a distress signal used by ships before the adoption of the more well-known "SOS". The spelling is based on the International Morse Code where "CQ" refers to a general call and "D" signifies distress. In IPA phonetic transcription, "CQD" would be written as /siː.kjuː.diː/ with the stress on the first syllable. While it may not be used today, "CQD" remains a historical symbol of maritime distress.
CQD is a distress signal used in maritime communication to indicate emergency situations. It is an abbreviation derived from the French phrase "Sécurité, Coopération, et Devoir" which translates to "Safety, Cooperation, and Duty." Originally, this distress signal was used by wireless telegraph operators in the early 20th century, before the adoption of the more widely known SOS signal.
CQD is used by ships or stations to alert others of a critical situation, indicating that immediate assistance is required. It is typically sent out via radio telegraphy using Morse code, where the distinctive sequence of dots and dashes signifies the distress signal. The signal is repeated three times in quick succession, giving it a distinct pattern that allows it to be recognized as an emergency message.
Upon receiving a CQD distress signal, other ships or stations in the vicinity are expected to respond promptly, offering any available assistance or alerting the appropriate authorities to coordinate rescue efforts. The CQD signal is an internationally recognized call for help and is still used in some maritime protocols today.
While the CQD distress signal has largely been replaced by the universally recognized SOS signal, it is important to acknowledge its historical significance and how it paved the way for the development of modern distress signals in maritime communication.