I agree that the Captain and also his officers were not really up to the task.
But one also should not forget that those "close pass by,s" are not solely the own doing of the Masters/Officers but also quietly accepted by the companies and the passengers too. Ever heard passengers come back from a trip ? one of the most things you hear,,, OUR CAPT managed to do (this and that)
That does not excuse any wrong doing (I call it stupidity) of the Capt and/or officers but they are also under pretty high pressure to put on a show !!!!
The point that officers/crew at the beginning downplay a situation is rather normal,,just imagine what goes on if right away it is announced WE SINKNG,,, chaos and panic would be sure and really would hamper any abandon ship effort. When at such a time to give the abandon ship order. No idea on my side,,one has to be there, and I dare to say that 9 of 10
Capt,s agree with me that even they don,t know how they would react or their officers.
The Capt was most probably not up to the job the way it comes out, but one thing either,,which in some comments shines through seemingly,,,a Capt on a pax vessel can not rescue all passengers by himself. He is in the end only as good as the officers supplied to him by the company.
However I fully agree that this Capt screwed pretty much up !!!