Log book

[Bergman]

Is it legal/sensible to use a computerised log book in a boat.

Are there any downloadable programs for this.

In the process of putting lots of stuff on computer and this would sort of complete things.

 

[fluffc]

Neither legal I think, nor sensible. As it is intended to be able to be used in a court of law if there is an accident.

Water + electronics don't mix in the long run...

 

[FWB]

Is there a legal requirement to keep a log?

 

[Csail]

I think there is but how many of us do...i keep one but dont always use it especially single handed. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Mirelle]

Not only is there a requirement to keep a log, there is a requirement, nowadays, to plan your passage. The log book is a convenient way to demonstrate that you have planned the passage, in the eyes of the MCA, but they are agreeably relaxed about the form that the log book, and the passage planning, can take.

Personally, I find it easier to grab the stub of a pencil than to type into a laptop.

 

[FWB]

I dont keep one either, but I am asking if there is a LEGAL requirement for owners of small boats to keep a log when in UK waters? This post topic seems to assume that there is such a requirement.

 

[FWB]

So is some official from the MCA going to board me and demand to see my--non existent--log book?

 

[Csail]

We got asked for it in the summer (and showed it) but i reckon the police would not have minded if we didnt keep one.It was more of a question do you have a log sir?

 

[Achillesheel]

Our sailing tends to be day sails within the Falmouth/Helford area, along the lines of "the winds in the right direction, shall we aim for St Mawes for lunch?"

Do I need a passage plan?

 

[mel80]

[ QUOTE ]

Do I need a passage plan?

[/ QUOTE ]

In short: yes. It's part of the SOLAS regulations and applies to all vessels.
That said, this is qualified in the MCA guidance notes: "For small vessels and pleasure-craft the degree of voyage planning will be depend upon the size of vessel, its crew and the length of the voyage."

In other words, if you know the area and your boat well, then a quick mental assasment of a few relevent factors would be an acceptable passage plan (as well as common sense). i.e. nobody would expect a formal written passage plan for a short day sail from your home port.

 

[chrisc]

German wasserpolitz (or whowever you spell it )boarded me and asked to see it amongst other things .They got bored and went away when they realised that I hadn't come from Helligoland.

 

[peterb]

[ QUOTE ]
Not only is there a requirement to keep a log, there is a requirement, nowadays, to plan your passage.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Merchant Shipping Act which contains the requirement for the maintenance of a log has an exclusion for pleasure vessels, so legally there is no requirement. On the other hand, for anything other than short day sails, it makes sense to keep one. In a similar way, although SOLAS V requires a passage plan, it doesn't require you to write it down.

 

[Birdseye]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Not only is there a requirement to keep a log, there is a requirement, nowadays, to plan your passage.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Merchant Shipping Act which contains the requirement for the maintenance of a log has an exclusion for pleasure vessels, so legally there is no requirement. On the other hand, for anything other than short day sails, it makes sense to keep one. In a similar way, although SOLAS V requires a passage plan, it doesn't require you to write it down.

[/ QUOTE ]

A log is a sensible thing on a reasonable passage - how else could you start old fashioned EP/DR nav if your electrical system failed? And it serves also to record things like baro pressure, and fuel for those (like me) who cant remember what happened 2 hours ago. But there is no need to keep a formal document - much data can be recorded on the charts (fix, time, distance run) and others kept in a note book.

If you were navigating by computer, then I would definitely say that the log should be on paper because one good reason for keeping the log is potential failure of the electronic nav on your computer.

You need to prepare a passage plan but the plan will be very different for a 2 mile sail up river in good vis and for rounding cape horn. Even the MCA recognise that. So your passage plan for the 2 miles might be no more than thinking it through min your head.

When / if you have an accident and everything gets out of the real world and into the courts, you are going to get shafted by some supercilious prat in a wig anyway. Are all your charts up to date? Your flares? Did you do a safety check before your set off? Brief your crew? Could go on but there is bound to be lots that you havent done even if you do keep a paper log of magnificent proportions. So maybe best just to use common sense and record what you might need in an emergency.