Logbooks

Logbooks

Keeping a logbook is not a voluntary matter, but is mandatory for every boater. Overall, the logbook is used to record daily events, this includes the cruising speed and distance traveled each day, as well as unusual events, weather, and port entries. Similar in structure to a diary, the logbook is practically a chronological record that also serves as evidence. Even today, old logbooks, as Columbus once kept them, give a lot about everyday life on the ship and the route traveled.

The ship's log

The entries in the logbook refer to the past time and should be clear and timely. In addition, they must be truthful and without erasures. The skipper bears the responsibility for the logbook and also signs this off daily, but necessarily does not have to make the entries himself. A logbook must also be kept in writing, a logbook written online does not replace the classic paper logbook in this case.

Important logbook events

Since a logbook summarizes the events of the entire day, this should be kept in chronological order and without delay. While a quarter-hour deadline is sometimes specified in professional shipping, it is sufficient for amateur skippers to sufficient to keep the logbook after reaching a partial distance or when there is a change of course.

According to the requirements, a good logbook is logically structured and has a corresponding number of pages, lines and tables. Already at the beginning of the voyage, the crew list with watch division and distribution of tasks such as the stocking for food, drinking water and fuel as well as the safety check and the crew briefing must be entered. The safety briefing as well as the clearing out and the deregistration at the port administration must also be entered. During the voyage, include all watch changes, routine bilge checks, toilets, lanterns and supplies. Important entries in the logbook also include any special observations on the traffic situation, changed sea marks and water depths as well as obstacles and natural events. Also information on the life on board, especially accidents or other special experiences, legally significant procedures such as towing and first aid and the corresponding justification will find their entry in the logbook. Basically every two hours, the time and location as well as the log reading, nautical miles, the weather, courses and the sails must be entered in the special navigation line. In addition, all information on the sail guidance and the use of the engine and the setting of lights and signals also belong as a note in the logbook.

Which logbook is the right one?

On the basis of the above entries, you can see that a logbook is more than just a few pages of paper. High demands are made on a good logbook in terms of size, division and page views. Depending on the requirements and the type of ship, logbooks are offered in different designs and variants. Since in particular for yachts not subject to registration and boats under 15 m other usually less strict regulations apply, not so large logbooks are necessary here.