01
The duty is one thing, the evidential value another.
The blanket claim that privately used pleasure craft need keep no records whatsoever falls short. The German Ship Safety Act (Schiffssicherheitsgesetz) requires the skipper to keep records of occurrences on board that are of particular significance for safety at sea, for environmental protection or for occupational safety.
That is not automatically the same as a continuous, classic logbook with daily course, weather and position entries. Which additional duties apply depends on the particular vessel, on how it is used and on the area of operation.
Quite apart from that, a carefully kept logbook can be an important piece of evidence (Beweismittel) – after an incident at sea, in dealings with an insurer, or when a chartered boat is damaged. It also creates a traceable basis of data for the mileage certificate (Seemeilennachweis) required for the SKS (Sportküstenschifferschein), the German coastal skipper qualification.
Primary source§ 6 Abs. 3 Schiffssicherheitsgesetz
02
What sensibly belongs in it.
Whatever the legal classification, one core set of entries has proven its worth:
- position, course and speed at regular intervals
- weather: wind, visibility, sea state, air pressure
- crew on board and watch changes
- notable occurrences – manoeuvres, damage, encounters, engine hours
- changes of harbour and anchorage, with times
03
Paper or app.
A handwritten logbook has the advantage of working without power. An app has the advantage that position, course and distance are recorded automatically and are not forgotten – precisely when there is a lot going on aboard.
Keelwake stores everything on the device first. An account is optional and is only needed if you want to sync between several devices.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to keep a logbook as a recreational skipper?
There is no blanket answer. For safety-relevant occurrences, § 6 (3) of the German Ship Safety Act (Schiffssicherheitsgesetz) provides for a record-keeping duty; further requirements depend on the boat, its use and the area of operation.
How long should I keep a logbook?
For as long as it can serve as evidence – for the mileage certificate until you have passed the examination, and in the event of damage until the matter has been finally settled.
Does a digital logbook count just the same?
For an SKS mileage certificate, what matters above all is traceable entries and the required confirmation. Whether a digital system is sufficient for other statutory documentation duties has to be assessed separately against the rules that apply in each case.
