Nautical Term: Ship’s log
Definition of Ship’s log
Ship’s Log: This term refers to the official record kept by the master or chief mate of a ship. It documents important details about the vessel’s voyage, such as daily position reports, weather conditions, and navigation events. For instance, during a transatlantic voyage, the entry for June 15, 1852, might read as follows: Latitude 45° 23′ N; Longitude 38° 57′ W; Course and speed: NNE, 6 knots.
However, it’s important to note that modern shipping practices have led to the increased use of electronic logs and voyage reporting systems, which have largely replaced traditional paper logs. As a result, the term Ship’s Log is now often used interchangeably with the term Ship’s Logbook or simply Logbook, to refer to the physical or electronic document used to record a ship’s voyage details.
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