The Costa Condordia hit a rock January 13 and is resting in shallow water. I’ve waited one week to write my comments, fully aware that initial reactions can be incorrect. At this time I will state the following: I am disgusted in the reported actions of the ship’s Captain. Navigating the ship to perilous areas, and reportedly leaving his post prior to his charges seems to me to be a complete deriliction of duty. This Captain earned his license about the same time as I did. I have had to swear an oath to protect human life, secondarily to protect property. This man seems to me to not represent a true Captain, especially compared to those who have taken their oath seriously.
There is a stated heirarchy of authority aboard ships. If the Captain abandons his station, each of his subordinates cannot unilaterally issue commands. Anarchy will then naturally prevail, as we’ve experienced. I’m appalled by his reported behavior, and consider him to be undeserving of the rank of Master. If he is not punished, who will then be confident to put their trust into someone who is deserving of the title of Captain?
