What is the purpose of a vessel's logbook?

The primary purpose of a vessel's logbook is to record navigational data, incidents, and significant events that occur during a voyage. This serves multiple critical functions: it helps maintain a detailed account of the vessel's journey, which is crucial for both safety and legal compliance. The logbook enables the crew to document course changes, weather conditions, and any unusual occurrences, such as safety drills or equipment failures.

Having a comprehensive record assists in accident investigations, provides evidence of the vessel’s operations, and can be referenced for future voyages for better decision-making. While the logbook may contain elements like crew schedules or equipment maintenance notes, its core function is centered on capturing the voyage's operational aspects and significant happenings to ensure accountability and adherence to maritime laws and best practices. This comprehensive record-keeping is vital for safe navigation and overall marine safety.