Electronic recording of the logbook

In accordance with the provisions of Resolution A.916(22), France authorises the electronic recording of the logbook (minutes of the French Central Committe for Maritime Safety 896/REG.15) provided that it is permanent and that the following guidelines are respected:

• each page of the ship’s log should be numbered;
• handwritten data that need to be corrected should not be erased or deleted;
• they should be crossed out and the corrections indicated in writing;
• the means of permanent and automatic recording should be synchronised using a common clock;
• data entered electronically or mechanically should be protected so that they cannot be deleted, destroyed or overwritten; and
• regardless of the method of recording, ships should retain the recorded facts for as long as the Administration concerned requires, provided that the period is not less than 1 year.

This approach can be generalised to the keeping of any other record. In implementing the ISM Code, it is recalled that all documents and information relating to the safety management system may be kept in the form deemed most appropriate by the company provided that:

• each ship has on board all documents relevant to it, available at the relevant locations;
• procedures are in place to control them.

Also, the company is required to ensure that:

• changes to records are reviewed and approved by appropriate personnel; and
• obsolete documents are promptly removed.

All of these provisions are subject to all other related regulatory requirements being met (e.g. endorsements).

Shipowners and shipmanagers are invited to submit a substantiated request to the French Central Commitee for Maritime Safety regarding the approval of such electronic registration.

If you need further information, your point of contact is Mr. Ziad Tarabay, deputy head of the Ships Safety and innovation office at the General-Directorate for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture: ziad.tarabay@developpement-durable.gouv.fr