Radiotelegraph and flashing light signaling use the International Morse Code. This is the Navy dot-and-dash system. Those who use it most often, however, do not speak of "dots and dashes." Instead they say "dits and dahs" --- the "dah" rhyming with "baa." It is easier to learn the code when calling out the short light flashes or sounds as "dits" and the longer light flashes or sounds as "dahs."

When skilled radiomen or signalmen send to one another, the even, steady spacing of their letters and words is a beautiful thing to hear or see. In fact, on ships operating together, radiomen or signalmen can often tell who the man is on the other ship by the rhythm of the code. Here is the ideal spacing for the simple term "We do hope":

Notice that the dots are one unit long and the dashes are about three units long. Between the dots and dashes of a letter is one unit. Between letters are three units. Between words are seven units.