Quartermaster's Log

A deck record kept by or relating to the quartermaster, the experienced rating who steers the ship under the officer of the watch and assists with helm, lookout, and bridge duties. Historically the quartermaster’s log recorded courses steered, helm orders, and steering performance; in modern practice the bell book and the official deck log capture this. The quartermaster rank persists in some navies and on passenger ships, where it denotes a senior helmsman and bridge rating rather than a separate statutory logbook.