Understanding Ship Collisions in Modern Naval Operations

Ship collisions are tragic events that can have serious consequences, especially in the context of modern naval operations. The US Navy, like any other maritime force, is not immune to these incidents. In recent years, two notable ship collisions—namely the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain—have drawn significant attention. These incidents highlight the complex challenges faced by ships, their crew, and the sophisticated technological systems designed to prevent such collisions.

Factors Contributing to Ship Collisions

It is widely believed that ships do not respond to emergencies as quickly as cars do. By the time a collision is noticed, it is often too late to avoid a collision. This lag in response is often compounded by human error and technological reliance.

Human Error in Watchkeeping

Watchkeeping is a critical aspect of maritime navigation. A somewhat knowledgeable person who is a Surface Warfare Qualified Officer of the Deck on three US Navy ships explains the importance of proper watchkeeping. In both the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain incidents, it was clear that there were significant lapses in the standard procedures. The primary responsible parties for watchkeeping are the Junior Officer of the Deck (JOOD) and, in certain circumstances, another designated person. Their role is to continuously monitor the radar and conduct what is known as 'Scopehead CPA' (Closest Point of Approach).

Scopehead CPA

Scopehead CPA involves marking the radar reflections to determine if and when a collision will occur. This traditional method is essential for ensuring that crew members can visualize and understand the potential risks without relying solely on automated systems. However, the reliance on automated systems has increased over time, leading to a loss of basic navigational skills.

Communication and Decision-Making

Effective communication between the Officer of the Deck (OOD) and the Combat Information Center (CIC) is crucial. Both parties should continuously compare their calculated CPA values and ensure that they are on the same page. In the case of the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain, it appears that these communication lines were either not established or not maintained effectively.

Training and Competency

The quality of training plays a significant role in preventing such incidents. Surface Warfare Officers traditionally underwent a 16-week course called the Surface Warfare Officer's Basic Course (SWOBC), which covered essential topics such as the rules of the road for ships, watchkeeping, and plotting courses. However, this course was discontinued in the late 1990s due to budget cuts, and the training was shifted to a more compressed 4-week course, supplemented by simulation training and 'homegrown' ship-specific training methods.

Loss of Traditional Training Methods

One of the critical issues identified is the loss of traditional training methods. Training that was once fluid and hands-on is now more rigid and automated. As a result, ship crews have fewer opportunities to develop the practical skills necessary to handle emergencies effectively. This shift has led to a reliance on technology, which, while helpful, can sometimes result in the crew overlooking basic safety measures.

Technological Challenges

Among the technological challenges, radar and navigation systems are key. Despite their sophistication, these systems can still have limitations. A ship collision may occur due to system errors, software bugs, or misinterpretation of data. It is crucial for the crew to be familiar with these systems and understand their limitations.

Conclusion

While technology plays a vital role in maritime navigation, human factors cannot be overlooked. Proper training, effective communication, and adherence to established protocols are essential to prevent ship collisions. The incidents with the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain underscore the importance of maintaining traditional training methods and ensuring that crew members are well-prepared to handle any emergency situation.

Related Keywords

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Further Reading

To delve deeper into the causes and prevention of ship collisions, you may wish to read the following articles:

USS Fitzgerald Collision: An Analyst QA Commanding a Guided Missile Cruiser: The USS Roosevelt Report on Command