Deck Log Tradition

The seafaring custom of recording the ship’s hourly state in the deck (or bridge) log: course steered, speed, weather, position, and notable events, in ink and signed by the officer of the watch. The practice predates statute and is now a legal record; SOLAS and STCW require an accurate log, and entries are evidentiary in casualty inquiries. Heritage interpretation treats surviving logs as primary sources for voyages, crew, and conditions. The deck log is kept separate from the engine-room log book and the official log book of crew and disciplinary matters.