CQD, transmitted in Morse code as - · - · - - · - - · · is believed to be the first distress signal adopted for radio use. It was announced on January 7, 1904 by "Circular 57" of the Marconi International Marine Communication Company, and became effective, for Marconi installations, beginning February 1, 1904. During the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, its radio operator Jack Phillips initially sent "CQD", still commonly used by British ships. Harold Bride, the junior radio operator, then suggested the new code "SOS" be used, and Phillips began to alternate.