[DenverTaco07]

I suppose CIC could have evaluated the RADAR reflection of the tanker as a cloud. Going back to The_Blur's sentiment, you have to be proficient and trained on what is and isn't. My guess is that if a tanker did show up "fuzzy" like a cloud does on RADAR (of course they may be using something other than the SPS-55 / OJ-194 that I was accustomed too), then perhaps there was a malfunction / calibration issue in the equipment. Still, Bridge and lookouts exist to spot such things visually - but again, circumstances, like fog / low visibility we don't know of as yet.

Perhaps they should start ensuring OS1s and other senior staff (heck, get the ensigns and LTJG up there on console they are not above that) are manning RADAR consoles - especially when in busy waters at night. I remember when we were nearing any sort of port or busy straights like near Singapore, we'd have more than one on console surface tracking - when you are in the middle of the Pacific, you can get away with one.

anyway, just my bucket of pennies.