Having the missiles aimed at ocean targets does mean that a missile launched accidentally because of an electrical short-circuit or other malfunction would land harmlessly in the ocean. This one positive practical consequence of the detargeting pact has negligible importance, however, because a purely accidental launch is extremely unlikely. All these changes, though negligible, apply only to land-based strategic missiles. The targeting changes made to missiles on submarines were even more trivial. In wartime, aim points are fed into the missiles just before firing.
Russian subs are in a similar position.
Far bolder steps need to be taken before their leaders can take credit for ending the nuclear missile threat to our countries' children.