Answer. (a) No special instructions were given, but he had general instructions contained in the book of Rules and Regulations supplied by the company. (See p. 24.) (b) Yes, but having regard to subsequent events they would have been better if a reference had been made to the course to be adopted in the event of reaching the region of ice.
8. (a) What was in fact the track taken by the Titanic in crossing the Atlantic Ocean? (b) Did she keep to the track usually followed by liners on voyages from the United Kingdom to New York in the month of April? (c) Are such tracks safe tracks at that time of the year? (d) Had the master any, and if so, what discretion as regards the track to be taken?
Answer. (a) The outward southern track from Queenstown to New York, usually followed in April by large steam vessels. (See page 24.) (b) Yes, with the exception that instead of altering her course on approaching the position 42° N. 47° W., she stood on on her previous course for some 10 miles farther southwest, turning to S. 86° W. true at 5.50 p.m. (c) The outward and homeward bound southern tracks were decided on as the outcome of many years' experience of the normal movement of ice. They were reasonably safe tracks for the time of year, provided, of course, that great caution and vigilance when crossing the ice region were observed. (d) Yes. Capt. Smith was not fettered by any orders to remain on the track should information as to the position of ice make it, in his opinion, undesirable to adhere to it. The fact, however, of lane routes having been laid down for the common safety of all would necessarily influence him to keep on (or very near) the accepted route, unless circumstances as indicated above should induce him to deviate largely from it.
9. (a) After leaving Queenstown on or about the 11th April last, did information reach the Titanic by wireless messages or otherwise by signals of the existence of ice in certain latitudes? (b) If so, what were such messages or signals and when were they received, and in what position or positions was the ice reported to be, and was the ice reported in or near the track actually being followed by the Titanic? (c) Was her course altered in consequence of receiving such information, and, if so, in what way? (d) What replies to such messages or signals did the Titanic send, and at what times?
Answer. (a) Yes. (b) See particulars of ice messages already set out (pp. 26-28). (c) No; her course was altered as hereinbefore described, but not in consequence of the information received as to ice. (d) The material answers were—
At 12.55 p.m. steamship Titanic:
To COMMANDER, Baltic.
Thanks for your message and good wishes. Had fine weather since leaving.
SMITH.
At 1.26 p.m. steamship Titanic: