Californian Neglected its Duty

What sequence of events led to the Titanic’s sinking, as detailed in the report?

• A fire onboard, lack of lifeboats, and high speed.

• Ignored ice warnings, insufficient safety measures, and lack of lifeboats.

• Faulty equipment, sabotage, and high passenger volume.

• Iceberg collision, lifeboat shortages, and delayed distress signals.

How does the report attribute responsibility for the loss of life on the Titanic?

• Exclusively to the Californian's captain.

• To multiple factors, including the Titanic's crew and Californian’s inaction.

• Solely to the White Star Line's design flaws.

• Primarily to Senator Smith’s investigation findings.

How does the report’s conclusion about the Titanic’s crew support the idea of negligence?

• It praises their handling of the lifeboats.

• It highlights their lack of emergency training.

• It absolves them of responsibility due to limited resources.

• It blames them for ignoring ice warnings.

What role do the Titanic’s design flaws play in the report's findings?

• They absolve the crew of negligence.

• They are secondary to human error in importance.

• They are highlighted as primary contributors to the sinking.

• They are dismissed as irrelevant.

What does the term "reprehensible" mean as used in the report?

• Forgivable

• Admirable

• Deserving criticism

• Unnoticed

In the context of the text, what does “dictates of humanity” imply about the Californian's failure to act?

• Following orders under pressure.

• Moral obligations to assist those in need.

• Legal requirements for maritime conduct.

• Emotional decisions based on fear.

What is the primary purpose of the detailed recommendations in the report?

• To place sole blame on the White Star Line.

• To highlight legal changes needed for maritime safety.

• To praise the Carpathia’s rescue efforts.

• To explore the technical challenges of shipbuilding.

How does the author structure the argument about the Californian's failure?

• By providing chronological evidence of its actions.

• By contrasting its inaction with the Carpathia’s heroism.

• By recounting firsthand accounts from Titanic survivors.

• By analyzing technical malfunctions aboard the Californian.

Why does the author include recommendations for wireless regulations?

• To ensure operators are trained for emergencies.

• To encourage amateur participation in ship communication.

• To prioritize passenger comfort over safety.

• To make wireless technology more profitable.

How does the discussion of Captain Rostron serve the author’s purpose?

• It distracts from the Californian’s failures.

• It serves as a counterpoint to illustrate effective leadership.

• It criticizes the slow response of other captains.

• It reveals the Senate’s bias toward American ships.