[Lou L]

The bridge was under-manned in a moderately-congested shipping lane; the OOD was driving the ship at a fairly high rate of speed (20 kts); there was no situational awareness demonstrated by the bridge team, and no communications between them and the CIC watchstanders; those operating the radar screens didn't understand how to adjust or use them properly. The OOD had several close CPAs leading up to the collision, and continually failed to call the Captain to the bridge. It was a disaster waiting to happen.

The OOD should practically be court-martialed, but the CO should've never allowed them to drive the ship on their own. I speculated quite a bit based on the early reports of this accident; after reading the final report, I can't believe the sheer incompetence that permeated throughout this command.

[Cuttnhorse]

Good post Lou,

As lead navigator, QM2, on a destroyer many, (many) years ago, this just makes me crazy.

Too damn much dependence on technology and not enough looking through binos and not enough basic training.

[Mariner]

20 kts in a congested seaway.

Dereliction of Duty. Recklessness.

In the olden days we would never go above 12kts anywhere near ships not on our precise heading.

Hell, we would transit the Pacific at 16kts.

Those sitting RADAR in CIC didn’t even know how to read the screens. And there was no functional communication between them and the Bridge watch.

No wonder ComSeventhFlt lost his job.

Where are the Courts Martials?!?!?!?!

[Uncle Miltie]

Holy crap. My skipper and I did better on a 50 foot charter boat at night.