Swoop, the only real way to beat the Dark of Night is one, Play in low light conditions, make sure there is no glare on your monitor.
I play with usually one light in an adjacent room on. Some people go as far to put red bulbs in their lamps. But thats kind of wierd.
Secondly, get your watch officer and give him some medals, When you have a watch officer on deck, the chances of you spotting a ship or aircraft in the dark of night are greatly increased.
My Strategy for Awards and Promotion is pretty simple.
Officers First. All of my Officers have IC 1st or 2nd, My CE has the German Cross and guess what? He never tires.
When promoting Non Coms, and Sailors, I go for the ones with the most patrols, I think in about two more patrols, all my crew will have either clasp or War Badge.
Skills matter, but its your choice, just pick what you need most.
For Example Ive got 4 machinists, so I can have two on the engines at all times.