offshore log

[mike_bryon]

We keep a different log when offshore and are planning our summer passage to the Azores. I had a look at the log book for our last ocean passage and on that occasion we made an entry every three hour watch under the headings: date, time, Compass heading (M), log, wind, barometric pressure, distance to waypoint, sounding (when out of soundings which is most of the time of course) cross track error, lat + long, engine hours and comments. When over 50nm offshore a position was plotted every 12 hours (otherwise every 3).

Can anyone suggest an alternative or improvements?



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[ChrisE]

Mike,
I'm a bit old fashioned on ocean passages and keep an hourly log of most of what you do, largely so we know where were if the GPS goes AWOL but I know plenty of my friends keep a 3 hourly log. Regarding what we logged we add the battery monitor reading as well. We used to put a plot down every 6 hours.

However, I think when we do our next bit of offshoring we'll rely upon the log of the navvig software on the PC for most our log entries and maybe add bits of information onto the log file as we go along. All maybe not as romantic as the old log book and pencil but that's progress for you.
Chris

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[AndrewB]

Rationally, there isn\'t much point ...

... in being a slave to a detailed log when long-distance cruising. Back in sextant days detail was needed to maintain a DR position between sightings and to do daily sun-run-sun reductions. Before regular ocean forecasts, monitoring the barometer regularly would have been essential too.

But even if there is no real need, making progress is a constant preoccupation and there isn't much else to do!

My own practice is to note the same things as you, but only every six hours. I also log the position when making irregular entries, which occur for such things as a close passing ship, a weather forecast or other key radio information, a decision to change heading. The only other comments are specifically for the benefit of the next watch. The daily diary for personal thoughts is a separate affair.