What is the purpose of the ship's deck log?

The ship's deck log serves as an official record of daily operations and events that occur on board. It is a crucial document used to detail the routine and significant activities that take place during a ship's operations, including watch changes, weather conditions, course changes, drills, and any notable occurrences. This log provides a continuous narrative of the ship's status and activities, helping to ensure accountability and provide a historical record that may be referenced for various purposes down the line.

While navigational data, personnel management, and maintenance records are essential aspects of ship operations, they are typically documented in separate logs or systems that focus on those specific areas. The deck log specifically consolidates a broad spectrum of daily shipboard events, thus playing a vital role in operational oversight and compliance with regulations.