When considered as a standard for information encoding, Morse code had a successful lifespan that has not yet been surpassed by any other encoding scheme.
Morse
code was used as an international standard for maritime communication until
1999, when it was replaced by the global maritime distress safety system.
(“The art and skill of radio-telegraphy.”-William G. Pier Pont Nolt)
When the French Navy ceased using Morse code in 1997, the final message transmitted was “Calling all. This is our last cry before our eternal silence.” (“Morse code communicators finally meet.”-ABC News)