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'I wasn't referring to the use of automation which I don't think is a huge problem'
You may not, but others do across the aviation world. Here's what the CAA had to say in 2011:
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SafetyNotice2011017.pdf
Somewhat prophetic, don't you think?
Then from this latest CAA release:
'It is felt that the underlying instrument flying skill set of some of these candidates may be introducing latent problems when managing and using these more complex systems.
There is a well recognised dichotomy affecting both aeroplane and helicopter operators known as 'automation dependency' which affects those who operate these highly complex types. This has been reinforced by BALPA who expressed concerns about new helicopter pilots joining the industry who rely too much on automated systems, and tend to focus on managing the systems rather than flying the aircraft.
Whilst operators may implement SOPs that require optimum use of autopilot functionality there still remains a need to ensure flight crews can manage a manual flight situation. This may not be manifested until manual flight control is suddenly needed as is the case of an autopilot failure or recovery from an undemanded aircraft attitude.
There are of course those on this thread who will bang the drum for increased automation and have done already, at length, on other threads. However it doesn't take a genius to spot the patterns in recent years in both the fixed and rotary wing worlds and to recognise that not every pilot on the line is going to be as skilled, diligent or mentally capacious as those for whom automation is a gift from God. Until they are, which may take some time, then it looks like the measures imposed by the CAA to make unintentional 'landings' on the sea more survivable are wholly appropriate.