In various jurisdictions, there is legislation that restricts the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Similarly, using headphones to listen to music while driving is subject to fine. Limiting distraction may be extended to operating a nuclear submarine:
"A US nuclear submarine rammed another ship causing nearly US$90million ($96.4 million) damage - while its navigator was listening to his iPod.
The Sun reports sailors aboard the USS Hartford had also rigged up loudspeakers so they could play music on duty."
In American dollars, the damages exceed 90 million dollars. The late Senator Everett Dirksen once was quoted as saying that "a billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking about real money". Perhaps, during an economic turndown, American taxpayers feel that same way about the "millions".
USS Hartford: March 1999
[UPI Photo/Don S. Montgomery/U.S. Navy]
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rugrat
ccdarling
Erica K
Director of Studies
Stephanie Russell-Kraft
Jeremiah Horrigan
Salon.com
Comments
I'm with Kathy - how do you find these things? Rated
Andy, I read the international news outlets. For example, one of the best ways to find out about what is happening in the UK is to read the news services from continental Europe. As such, interesting American news can be found through the international press.
designanator - ha! I bet the navigator is now listening to the "blues".
The report slammed the navigator, who was listening to his iPod in his cabin while revising for an exam at the time.
So it was really his not being at his station that's the cause, apparently, not listening to his iPod. By analogy, I wouldn't blame flush toilets for the crash if the navigator had been doing something else...
I remember this incident from last year but never knew the cause--although unless the navigator had the "con" he was probably neither the cause or fault. But it is indicative of the "lax discipline" that was cited when the Captain was relieved of his duty.
this story is ludicrous. people have less than no sense - its not a lack of sense that lets you do something this stupid - it is a willful lack of concern for the possible consequences.