Logbook: how to manage it properly?

If there is one journal that is essential to take on board with you this summer, it is the logbook. This log contains all incidents or events that took place during your cruise on board your boat and it is essential to keep it up to date. The Set Sail team explains in this article how to fill it in order to enjoy your vacation peacefully and safely.

What is a logbook?

In the logbook you will find most of the information concerning your boat, it allows you, for example, before your departure, to be certain that you have all the equipment in order to leave in good conditions. The obligation to have such a log applies more particularly to all people sailing more than 6 miles from the coast as well as to accompany it with a logbook in order to list all of your tests carried out on the boat. . It can be considered as an act of faith in the event of a lawsuit or accident.

What should the logbook contain?

You must list:

• Everything related to climatic conditions;

• Everything relating to your navigation environment, i.e. the tide situation, your speed, your heading but also your geographical location ;

• Everything concerning the state of the sky at the time of your departure but also during the journey, also specifying the strength of the wind, and the barometer indication ;

• You must list everyone on board,

• Don’t forget to also indicate your departure time from the port, as well as the time and finally your destination. If you are planning stopovers, don’t forget to mention it, it’s important.

How do I write my logbook?

The logbook provides additional information. It simply provides additional information regarding your browsing. For example, if you are on rather rough seas, every three hours you will need to take notes on the sea condition and note the slightest change, in order to prevent the slightest incident. This way, you can easily spot a significant change in your environment (meteorological, technical, tide, etc.).