Edward J. Smith quickly rose through the ranks in the prestigious White Star Line with his valuable experiences as a British Merchant Navy Officer. He was known for his stoicism and discipline, and in 1904 he was promoted to commodore of the company’s flagship. He was appointed as captain of the Titanic during its maiden voyage (from Olympic), but he had prior plans of retiring after the assignment.
Smith stayed true to his principles and mission as captain even during their final hours of duty. Speaking before his men, he said, “Well boys, do your best for the women and children, and look out for yourself.” Those were his final words.
The Ship Was Modeled After the Ritz Hotel
While its competitors built smaller, faster ships, the Titanic and its sister ships were designed bigger and more luxurious. It was the aim of its owner to make it more like a hotel than a ship. In fact, its interior was made to look like a lighter version of the Ritz Hotel in London. Its rooms were inspired by an Empire style; decorative cabin styles ranged from the Renaissance to Louis XV, all coupled with first-class features.
Passengers could while their time in the Veranda Cafe with the panoramic view of the ocean, or palaver at the Cafe Parisien as if they were by the sidewalk in France. Those who wanted to be alone could go find a reading place, write, or weight train at the gym.
The Captain Didn't Make the Tough Call
William McMaster Murdoch was the officer in charge when the iceberg collision took place. With sixteen years of experience, he was promoted to Chief Officer of the Titanic but temporarily served as the First Officer that night. Upon seeing the iceberg he commanded the ship to be turned, but there had been many accounts of his order which was hotly debated after the disaster. Some say he called for a "Hard-a-starboard," to turn the ship to port left, while others say it may have been a Hard a'port."
It only took 37 seconds for the ship to hit the large iceberg from the moment of its sighting. Some question the efficiency of his decision and wonder if better commands could have been issued to avoid the accident.
There Were Several Warnings of Ice From Other Ships
Throughout the day there had been several ships that reported sightings of icebergs along the Titanic’s path. But this wasn’t uncommon, and the captain never thought such conditions could be dangerous. Despite reports of “field and pack ice,” he commanded the ship to sail near full speed.
Everything was done by the book. Even the ship’s sailing speed wasn’t deemed negligent, and their operations were properly documented. The SS California was anchored a few miles from the Titanic before the collision. They had been delayed overnight due to the icebergs themselves. But their warnings were cut off by Jack Phillips, the radio operator of the Titanic who was busy taking messages for the passengers.
There Were No Binoculars in the Crow’s Nest
There had been a sort of mixup in Southampton port among the sailors. This was perhaps due to the crossover of officers from the Olympic, or the last-hour boarding of crew members. The Titanic sailed its maiden voyage with no binoculars afforded in the crow’s nest.
However, this wasn’t deemed pivotal in avoiding the iceberg. Even with a binocular on hand, the night was so dark, devoid of moonlight, that it could not have spotted the iceberg much earlier than the officer did with his own eyes. The surface of the ocean was so tranquil that no one could have detected waves lapping against large floating obstacles.