Nice mess

AS A naval architect, now retired, I have had considerable experience of the stability problems of ships, both cargo and passenger, and in general I feel that the stability rules are adequate.

However, as in other walks of life, no rules can be idiot-proof (your report on the Costa Concordia sinking, 20 January). Therefore, as an occasional cruise ship passenger, I have certain reservations about the handling of these ships.

On the first cruise I took, six or seven years ago, the (youngish) Master chose to ignore a request from the Italian Coastguard, an argument which, as I said at the time, he could not win. As a result of that event, the ship was delayed for 12 hours.

This latest incident, in which the Master deviated unnecessarily from his route, has done nothing to improve my confidence.

It is well known that a large part of the Master’s responsibility on a cruise ship is to be nice to the passengers.

It would be good to be assured that the Master was always appointed first and foremost because of his experience and competence, and not because of his social skills.

Fraser Gillespie

Bonhill Road

Dumbarton