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No matter what, the CO and OOD of the Fitz have a lot of ‘splainin to do.

But I still think it’s possible to lie your way into a deliberate collision in the last minute. “Don’t worry, I’m turning to port, I’ll pass behind your stern.”

Then turn hard to starboard, the Fitz never in their wildest dreams believing this could happen.

Given that the CO was in his sea-cabin, as it would appear from the reports, and presumably the XO was in the kip as well, the OOD and the CIC watch officer have a lot of splainin to do. Was CIC properly tracking the merchant? Was it making course and speed recommendations to the OOD? Was the OOD alerted to the fact that this was a close contact that bore serious watching? Was CIC screaming to the OOD to get the captain on the bridge? Was the OOD screaming for the Captain?

It goes on and on. Of course, CO, XO and Navigator will have to explain how the OOD and CIC watch officer were properly qualified for their positions, etc. etc.

Fertile grounds for a board of inquiry.

Bottom line though, some poor O-2 / O-3 deck officer is in a world of hurt.