I do not think that draw distance has anything to do with it. I rather would say that is not the captain's task and that is why they have the crew call ships out even though uou cannot (yet) see them.
I use the WO's bearing all the time. (Nearest visual contact) whenever the watch crew calls out.
Then the UZO. (Useless at 22Km).
I use the gunner to identify the target or, if I feel like it, I do it myself. I have other things to worry about really.
OLtzS Ashikaga