Alternate Crew Shedules Based on Boat Status

[PIXEL_Bully]

I think this would be a fantastic feature: the ability to automatically assign different task priority schedules based on the status of the boat.

For example, when the alarm is active, an alternate "battle stations" schedule could be activated, where engineers would automatically focus on maintaining depth or reloading/maintaining the torpedoes. This way, they wouldn't be performing these tasks constantly when we're simply out on patrol.

But why stop there? We could have alternate schedules for various scenarios, such as being submerged, running silently, or under air attack.

Currently, I find I have to micromanage the crew a lot to set specific tasks depending on the situation, as the static task priority schedule can only go so far. Increased automation capabilities would reduce the need for hands-on management, allowing me to sit back and watch my U-boat operate like a well-oiled machine, ready to take direct control only when the S hits the F!

[ждун]

the only thing that is not automatable on cruise is switching to redlight at night, but everything else is working like a well-oiled machine, assuming you set the task priorities smart.

[Smokey]

Red light at night not being automatable seems like an oversight, I haven't checked, is blue light automatic when using the dive schedule?

[Red_Seven_]

Originally posted by ждун:

the only thing that is not automatable on cruise is switching to redlight at night

Yes, but they're talking about alarm and battle stations. Nothing is really automatable in those situations.

[Crunchy_Bacon]

When travelling long distances I like to set both Chief Engineer and my Torpedo mechanic to managing engines on an opposite sleep schedule so I get max fuel efficiency. I also like to do this with 2 navigators when I get 3 command officers. When nearing a contact I have to revert everybody back to prepare and this means resetting all their work schedules and clicking on plenty of little boxes.

[Currahee]

Originally posted by Smokey:

Red light at night not being automatable seems like an oversight, I haven't checked, is blue light automatic when using the dive schedule?

Yes both of these are needed and seems like a simple thing. Could even add the option in the Crew settings.

Auto red light at night
Auto blue light at depth

[PIXEL_Bully]

Originally posted by ждун:

the only thing that is not automatable on cruise is switching to redlight at night, but everything else is working like a well-oiled machine, assuming you set the task priorities smart.

I think you miss my point. I'm not talking about tuning things on or off, I would like the flexibility of a whole alternate schedule.
Currently, the priorities are static. I'm looking for true automation, akin to a real boat where each crew member knows their place and task, and the important point is these can change according to the situation. 

Currently, each crew member knows their place and task, but this doesn't adapt to changing situations. 

Example: If I assign my engineer to cook up the toprs via priority, he will doggedly do this every hour of every day when on patrol. There is currently no way of saying: Hey, I only want you to maintain the torpedoes if we are at battle stations if not keep those engines singing, other than micromanagement and telling him to do it. 

Or for example, if we are dived, but not at alarm, there is no way of automatically getting a spare officer to go play cards to chill down the men other than telling him to go do this, if I do it via the static schedule he will constantly play cards. 

This is not realistic, crew tasks should change according to the situation. On a real boat the crew would indeed do this and not need to be told by the captain every task directly.

[[XIII]Opsec]

Each of your officers is/can be assigned a role with specific priorities. While not automated, you can easily reassign an officer to a prepared battle stations role you have tailored the responsibilities of.

When going into battle stations, bring up your crew tab and change the officer role so he will prioritize the tasks you want during an engagement.

[PIXEL_Bully]

Yes, what you are saying is correct, you can reassign the schedule after you activate the alarm but this is totally not the point of this post.
As you say, its not automated. But my point is, wouldn't it be great if the game had the flexibility where it could be automated?

In my opinion having to activate the alarm AND reassign the schedule of the crew member is just busy work. Having the crew member automatically react with different schedule on alarm activation just makes sense in the terms of logicality and realism.

Some, like yourself I assume, like to be more hands on, others like me, prefer the more automated approach.
I'm not saying either is wrong, or better than the other, its just down to individual play style or tastes, and it would be nice to have the option to chose.

[Red_Seven_]

Originally posted by XIIIOpsec:

When going into battle stations, bring up your crew tab and change the officer role so he will prioritize the tasks you want during an engagement.

It's not as easy as this.

If the officer you want to follow his task prioritoes isn't on duty at the time the alarm goes off he'll simply not do it. Instead he'll follow the "don't sleep, just do something useful" background priorities which usually means he's going on damage control or command station as a leader.

If you want them to actually follow their own tasks priorities you'd also need to set them on duty for that time (green/gray in the schedule).

[CellNav]

Originally posted by Red_Seven_:

If the officer you want to follow his task prioritoes isn't on duty at the time the alarm goes off he'll simply not do it. Instead he'll follow the "don't sleep, just do something useful" background priorities which usually means he's going on damage control or command station as a leader.

That's the biggest problem with the ALARM for those officers that aren't suppose to be "on duty" during the alarm. They need manual management, which may be the whole point of the busy work.

Originally posted by Red_Seven_:

If you want them to actually follow their own tasks priorities you'd also need to set them on duty for that time (green/gray in the schedule).

If we had another schedule (ALARM) then we fool them into thinking they are "on duty" (green) and perform their roles correctly with minimal player input. We won't have to open the schedule and "green" everything to automate them.

Frankly I think the code should green them when the alarm sounds, thereby using their role properly which seemed to be the old method a long time ago (before alarms were a thing).

Back then everyone followed their role, then somebody decided an auto ALARM schedule was needed forcing us to follow a pre-design that doesn't change much, the player is still manually doing everything (especially if you have certain skills to use).