On November 19, 2018, about 0445 local time, the fishing vessel Imperial was transiting the Gulf of the Farallones, 25 miles northwest of San Francisco, California.1 While enroute to pick up a string of crab pots, the vessel grounded near Point Reyes, California. The five crewmembers remained with the vessel until they were assisted by a US Coast Guard vessel. The Imperial later was towed to port. No pollution or injuries were reported. Damage to the vessel was estimated at $950,000.

​​The probable cause of thegrounding of the fishing vessel Imperial was the captain’s failure to monitor the vessel's track as a result of falling asleep due to an accumulated sleep deficit after 4 days of continuous operations, and the decision to not activate the vessel's installed wheelhouse watch alarm. Contributing to the accident was the vessel owner'​s lack of measures to mitigate crew fatigue and the nature of the derby-style Dungeness fishery in the state of California, which results in continuous fishing operations at the beginning of the season.

​​Watch Alarms

A watch alarm, if used as intended, is an effective tool that can help ensure that a crewmember remains awake and vigilant while on duty. However, a watch alarm is not a substitute for the management and mitigation of fatigue. Owners/operators of vessels equipped with a watch alarm should establish procedures for its operation and use, especially ​when only one crewmember is responsible for navigation and lookout.