How To Keep A Captain's Log Book

When it comes to boating, few things are as easy to do, yet provide so much benefit, as keeping a ship's log. From navigation data to trip notes and vessel repairs, a ship's logbook provides a centralized means to document and record the myriad things that encompass operating a boat. Here's how to maximize one of the best habits a boat owner can have.

What Is A Ship's Log?

A ship's log (aka, captain's log) is used to document information about your vessel, as well as pretty much anything else related to its operation and upkeep. A traditional ship's log is typically a medium-sized bound book, notebook, or binder. These come in a wide variety of formats and choices, which can be tailored toward the type of vessel they will be used on. For example, a rich, leather-bound log may visually complement the helm of a larger yacht, but a logbook with waterproof pages (paired with a pen that won't smudge or wash off) may be more practical for smaller, more exposed vessels.

Modern digital logbook formats are also popular and, unlike a paper log, provide the ability for family and friends to easily view your adventures via online posts and social media. (For more, see "Modern Logging".) This ability to view your location and progress can be a huge plus should something go wrong. A captain's log app downloaded to your phone can also be a great alternative to a full-blown logbook for smaller vessels or trips of limited duration and distances (such as on a lake). The downside to keeping a digital log is reliance on electronics to make and store entries, each of which can have its own challenges when working in the marine environment.

One easy way to merge old and new log keeping options to the greatest advantage is to maintain a paper log, then post a photo of the logbook entries online each day. This not only allows followers to view your travels, but also provides a means of safeguarding your logbook via online backups.

Why Keep One?

Keeping a ship's log is a maritime tradition that has been around for centuries, one also required by law in some cases (such as with commercial or military vessels). The logbook is a running account of all official events pertaining to the vessel, from departure and arrival to the number of crewmembers onboard. Although there's no legal requirement for typical recreational vessels to have a ship's log, every boat owner should strongly consider keeping one to enjoy the benefits it provides (i.e., a centralized document that notes the daily occurrences and requirements of the vessel).

Notice a frayed line that needs replacing or that the life raft is due for inspection? Note it in the logbook as a reminder.

On the flipside, a log book can also be used to record fun or interesting things from your trip, from information on new friends made to favorite anchorages, the best rib joint within walking distance of the marina, or that recipe for spam musubi you brought to the rake-n-scrape.

While a ship's log can be a fun way to document a trip for future armchair reading, the primary purpose of a log is to help you organize and operate your boat safely. Another key reason is for navigational purposes.

Logbook entries underway are typically made every hour on the hour and include navigational information such as a vessel's speed, heading, direction, and position. This may seem quaint in today's world of instant electronic navigation, but in the event of chartplotter failure or a loss of GPS signal, this info would be crucial in plotting a course to safety.

Types Of Logbook Entries

During a trip or voyage, a ship's log should be kept when moored, underway, and while at anchor. Start your log with the time you cast off, and end with the time you reached your destination, as well as any notable events in between:

0700: Underway from Hospital Point Anchorage, Portsmouth, Va., en route the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, South Mills, N.C.

1100: Leave ICW, enter Dismal Swamp Canal

1600: Moored portside to Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center dock

If kept on paper and the goal is to keep a log that will best serve as a legal document should the need arise, use a fixed book with numbered pages (so that pages cannot be removed). Entry errors must be crossed out with a single line (no whiteout, scribbles, or erasures), and initialed by the person making the correction. This is so the correction can still be read should someone have questions about it. The correct entry would then be entered above or adjacent to the correction.

The following are types of information that should be included in a ships log:

• Vessel name

• Date

• Departure port and destination

• Engine hours (departure and arrival)

• Generator hours if applicable

• Number of persons on board

• Time of each log entry

• Position (e.g., GPS, proximity to local landmark, navigational aid)

• Speed

• Compass heading (note magnetic or true)

• Weather and sea state

• Wind speed and direction

• Special instructions (such as wake the captain if the wind speed increases above a certain limit or when other vessels are sighted)

• Interactions with other vessels or entities — particularly those involving safety or vessels in distress. Include a description of the event or communication (and all follow up communications), as well as times, dates, vessel position and any actions taken

• Useful info such as good anchorages, stopping points and what they offer (fuel, food, pet areas), navigational hazards, tide, and weather forecasts