USS Fitzgerald collides with ACX Crystal off coast of Japan

[Kennebec_Captain]

@rmurphy1966

Pulling out the flashing light on a merchant ship? Well if your good at it, it’s doable. If I knew I was going to an area I might need to use it I would certainly take some time with some flashing light programs to brush up on sending. It’s something you never forget, but it’s a skill that atrophies rapidly as well. It’s also probably not the best use of a watch officers time in an imminent collision situation.

The signal light is used to get attention, not send a message, either steady on and sweeping or rapid flashing or both. It’s a proven and effective method to get another vessel’s attention. Usually used for fishing boats where the crew is focused on fishing.