Laconic,
Welcome to Subsim! Concerning your visual range question, I typically try to stay 10nm away from the lead contact during the day, and around 5nm at night. I'm sure you can get closer, but these are the general guidelines I use. Tomoose's advice is right on as well- concerning your approach. As far as crew recommendations, I like to ensure a solid damage control team, as well as high marks for my radar/hydrophone guys. I figure the better they are at detecting targets, the more successful my patrols will be.
Best of luck, and good hunting,
Howler
