U.S. Coast Guard Interviews ACX Crystal Crew After Warship Collision – gCaptain

Both parties are at fault. Question to investigate is why it happened and what process failed. What were the CO's night orders and standing orders for the OOD? The CO's of the five CG ships I sailed on all had the same general night orders regarding approaching ships. If closest point of approach was within 1000yds, CO is called and briefed on current situation and future actions. If I, as OOD, did not inform the CO of the correct action as the give-way vessel, the Old Man would be on the bridge in his underwear in one minute. Course change is usually the most dramatic action to indicate give-way status. A twin screw gas turbine cruiser is much more maneuverable than any single screw slow speed diesel large merchant ship.

If ship was in a busy channel, the CO would be on the bridge all night. CG bridge watch on an high endurance cutter is usually (7) OOD, QMOW, and rotating helmsman, messenger, lookout, throttleman (flex duties) and BMOW. CIC would have a small staff. I don't understand how this collision happened, unless it was just a series of simple mistakes that added up.

Clearly port side damage to the merchant and Stbd side damage to the destroyer. Could not be a clearer picture in my mind.