keeping a log - how do you do it?

[Elessar]

Having never done any formal training except the VHF course, I've decided to do some this year.

Now I have to produce my log I'd like to tidy it up, it is currently a collection of different books and sheets. One of the books from the old book got wet and is particularly ropey.

I want an electonic record. Whilst I'm compiling it I want to go through my (electronic) photo album and attach a little photo to the daily log.

Whatever it is has to be easy to keep up from this point on or it will get neglected which I don't want. I don't type it into the laptop as I go, just transfer the day's details at the end of the day.

I don't keep the nav notes, just where I went, hours, miles, quick trip description, boat performace notes if applicable, diesel filled and services/repairs done.

Any of you do this electonically? if so what software do you use, or do you just keep a table of word/excel or whatever?

 

[Renegade_Master]

Hi I keep an electronic log on excel spread sheet. Just format a sheet with columns to include date of journey, whos on board, destination distance etc.

I guess you could also start a second sheet to put piccies on too.

You dont need any fancy software when you have excel

 

[Bandit]

I understand that by law you have to keep a paper record, it should be written live and in pencil with no rubbing out, well thats what they say.

I use the Fenhurts logbook for cruising under power which is ok but not perfect.

I only use it on voyages outside local waters.

I note tide times, significant points on the voyage rounding headlands, passing islands or waypoints.

Basic weather and sea conditions, who is on board, are we cruising with other boats?

Each engine start and stop hours , fuel start and stop in cm and back to litres and log start and stop.

Also most importantly where we ate and was it any good.

I write it in a notebook as i cant write neatly at the best of times but in a choppy force 4 to 5 it is impossible to write the log, I write it rough in a note boook and write it up afterwards in the log.

 

[Elessar]

[ QUOTE ]
I understand that by law you have to keep a paper record, it should be written live and in pencil with no rubbing out, well thats what they say.


[/ QUOTE ]

news to me - I've never done this.

Is this law only for big boats maybe? Or maybe I need the course more than I thought!

 

[ebbtide]

Re:Keeping a Log

[ QUOTE ]
I understand that by law you have to keep a paper record, it should be written live and in pencil with no rubbing out in the log. [ QUOTE ]


Today from RYA Legal:

There is no obligation for UK pleasure boaters to keep any record apart from the Solas5 requirement to have a passage plan - and that doesn't have to be written down.

They declined to comment on French officialdom!

 

[nonitoo]

Re:Keeping a Log

Personally, in the 'main' logbook, a summary record of daily useage (including stapling red fuel receipts to the page). In addition, on passage, a small notebook at the helm position where date/timed alteration positions are entered (Lat Long from the plotter) and, on leg, the same every 15 minutes.

That way if the GPS dies I know where I was not more than 15 minutes ago and at that point out comes the chart, hand bearing compass, parallel rule, dividers etc.

Tom

 

[Refueler]

Re:Keeping a Log

[ QUOTE ]
Personally, in the 'main' logbook, a summary record of daily useage (including stapling red fuel receipts to the page). In addition, on passage, a small notebook at the helm position where date/timed alteration positions are entered (Lat Long from the plotter) and, on leg, the same every 15 minutes.

That way if the GPS dies I know where I was not more than 15 minutes ago and at that point out comes the chart, hand bearing compass, parallel rule, dividers etc.

Tom

[/ QUOTE ]

Every 15 mins ?? Blimey - do you enjoy boating or just filling in figures ?

 

[wp1234]

Re:Keeping a Log

[ QUOTE ]
In addition, on passage, a small notebook at the helm position where date/timed alteration positions are entered (Lat Long from the plotter) and, on leg, the same every 15 minutes.

[/ QUOTE ]

WOW !!!! Don't forget the lead soundings every 2 minutes /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[strakeryrius]

Don't forget to include details of who fell in the drink and when/where - got to keep it worth going back for an amusing read at some point in the future or what's the point!

 

[nonitoo]

Re:Keeping a Log

on passage 15 minutes equates to 5 miles - seems a reasonable time interval.

Besides as I am sitting there anyway I might as well do something useful.

Tom