SND - I too remember those days ŵith JimL and Co in the S61N. Basic for sure and of course despite the vast improvement in avionics, displays, awareness tools and AFCS we still operate to the same limits we did then.
But before we swing too many lamps and try to convince ourselves things were safer we ought to remember the Penzance disaster, the Brent SPAR and Cormorant Alpha. All crew related fatals sadly! I have restricted to only three. There were many more, sadly.
I agree entirely on the subject of automation. It is worse than useless without comprehensive training, fully formed SOPs and competent crew. These, in my view, are the three hooded horsemen in our industry at the higher levels.
To get better the patient has to recognise they are sick. I think we are just about there now! The question though is what is the cure. How do we administer it and more importantly, ensure the patient takes his medicine.
DB