14 Types of RYA Logbooks & Their Uses

For anyone undertaking Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training or logging time at sea, keeping accurate records is essential.

RYA logbooks serve as crucial documents for tracking progress, certifications, and practical experience across various boating disciplines. Whether you're a recreational sailor, powerboat enthusiast, or professional mariner, the right logbook helps demonstrate competence, document achievements, and comply with maritime regulations.

Below, we explore the different types of RYA logbooks, their purposes, and how they contribute to a structured learning and experience record for seafarers.

Chapters

1. RYA Personal Logbook
2. RYA Sail and Power Logbook
3. RYA Cruising Logbook
4. RYA Sail Cruising Syllabus and Logbook
5. Logbook for Cruising Under Sail
6. Logbook for Cruising Under Power
7. Logbook for GPS Navigation
8. Bridge Logbook
9. Engine Room Logbook
10. Garbage Record Book
11. Navigator's Logbook
12. RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook
13. The Ships Logbook
14. Deck Logbook
15. Conclusion

1. RYA Personal Logbook

The RYA Personal Logbook is a versatile and essential record for individuals pursuing qualifications in any of the RYA’s training schemes. It provides a structured way to log practical experience, course completion, and acquired certifications.

Key Features & Uses

• Suitable for all levels of RYA courses across multiple disciplines (sail, power, and inland waterways).
• Includes sections for recording certifications, endorsements, and courses completed.
• Offers guidance on skill progression and requirements for various RYA training pathways.
• Helps individuals track their own nautical mileage, passages, and practical experience.
• Often required when progressing to advanced certifications, as it provides verifiable proof of prior experience and training.

This logbook is particularly beneficial for those aiming to build a strong sailing or power-boating CV, as it provides an official record of training and time on the water.

2. RYA Sail and Power Logbook

The RYA Sail and Power Logbook is an essential resource for sailors and powerboat operators, offering a comprehensive record of their training and sea time. This logbook covers key skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed for both sailing and power-boating courses within the RYA framework.

Key Features & Uses

• Provides a structured way to log training and experience in both sail and power disciplines.
• Covers the RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, and Yachtmaster courses.
• Includes sections for theory courses, practical assessments, and certification records.
• Features detailed skills checklists to track progress through different training stages.
• Allows sailors and powerboat users to log passages, night hours, and tidal experience, all essential for higher-level qualifications.

This logbook is particularly useful for those working toward RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean certifications, as it provides verifiable proof of experience needed for assessments.

3. RYA Cruising Logbook

The RYA Cruising Logbook is designed for sailors who are progressing through the RYA Cruising Scheme, including both sail and motor cruising qualifications.

It helps track experience, skills, and achievements across different stages of training.

Key Features & Uses

• Covers the RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, and Yachtmaster courses.
• Allows sailors to log mileage, night hours, tidal experience, and passages.
• Includes sections for practical assessments and theory courses.
• Provides structured progress tracking for those working toward professional qualifications or skippering their own yacht.
• Serves as an official record for charter companies or employers who require proof of competency and experience.

This logbook is particularly valuable for those aiming to build their sea miles in preparation for higher-level qualifications and professional endorsements.

4. RYA Sail Cruising Syllabus and Logbook

The RYA Sail Cruising Syllabus and Logbook is a specialised tool designed for sailors progressing through the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme.

It combines a detailed syllabus with a structured logbook, making it essential for those aiming for advanced qualifications like the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore certifications.

Key Features & Uses

• Combines the RYA Yachtmaster Sail Cruising Syllabus with a logbook, providing a clear roadmap for skill development.
• Logs sea miles, night hours, tidal passages, and skippered trips, which are essential for higher-level qualifications.
• Includes checklists for practical skills like navigation, boat handling, and safety procedures.
• Dedicated sections for recording completed courses, assessments, and endorsements.
• Helps candidates prepare for RYA Yachtmaster exams by ensuring they meet experience and skill requirements.

This logbook is ideal for sailors aiming to advance within the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme, particularly those working toward professional qualifications or preparing for Yachtmaster assessments.

5. Logbook for Cruising Under Sail

The Logbook for Cruising Under Sail is a specialised logbook designed for sailors who primarily cruise under sail.

It provides a structured way to record voyages, track experience, and document skills, making it an essential tool for both recreational and professional sailors.

Key Features & Uses

• Detailed sections for recording voyage details, including departure and arrival points, distances covered, weather conditions, and crew roles.
• Tracks essential sailing metrics such as sea miles, night hours, and tidal passages, which are crucial for RYA qualifications like Yachtmaster.
• Includes checklists and notes sections to document skills practiced during each voyage, such as sail handling, navigation, and safety procedures.
• Provides space for pre-voyage planning, including route details, tidal calculations, and safety checks.
• Helps sailors build a verifiable record of experience, which is often required for advanced RYA certifications or chartering purposes.

This logbook is particularly useful for sailors who want to maintain a comprehensive record of their cruising adventures while also building a portfolio of experience for professional or advanced training purposes.

6. Logbook for Cruising Under Power

The Logbook for Cruising Under Power is tailored for motor cruisers and powerboat enthusiasts, providing a structured way to record voyages, track experience, and document skills specific to power cruising.

It’s an essential tool for those who prefer the convenience and speed of motorised vessels.

Key Features & Uses

• Sections for recording voyage details, including departure and arrival points, distances covered, fuel consumption, and weather conditions.
• Tracks essential metrics such as engine hours, sea miles, and night hours, which are important for RYA qualifications like the Powerboat Level 2 or Advanced Powerboat certificates.
• Includes checklists and notes sections to document skills practiced during each voyage, such as engine maintenance, navigation, and safety procedures.
• Provides space for pre-voyage planning, including route details, fuel calculations, and safety checks.
• Helps build a verifiable record of experience, which is often required for advanced RYA certifications or chartering purposes.

This logbook is ideal for powerboat users who want to maintain a detailed record of their cruising adventures while also building a portfolio of experience for professional or advanced training purposes.

7. Logbook for GPS Navigation

The Logbook for GPS Navigation is a specialised logbook designed to help sailors and powerboat users record and refine their GPS navigation skills.

It provides a structured way to document waypoints, routes, and navigational data, making it an invaluable tool for modern navigators.

Key Features & Uses

• Dedicated sections for recording waypoints, routes, and track data, ensuring accurate and repeatable navigation.
• Space to log GPS fixes, including latitude, longitude, and time, helping users cross-check with traditional navigation methods.
• Includes templates for planning routes, calculating distances, and noting key navigational hazards or landmarks.
• Allows users to document and analyse GPS errors or discrepancies, improving overall navigational accuracy.
• Encourages the practice of integrating GPS with traditional navigation techniques, such as chart plotting and dead reckoning.

This logbook is particularly useful for sailors and powerboat users who rely on GPS for navigation but want to maintain a disciplined approach to recording and verifying their data.

It’s also a great tool for those preparing for RYA navigation courses or assessments.

8. Bridge Logbook

The Bridge Logbook is an essential record-keeping tool for professional mariners and yacht crews, particularly on larger vessels.

It serves as the official log for activities and events on the bridge, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations and providing a clear record of navigational decisions and operations.

Key Features & Uses

• Detailed sections for logging course changes, speed, weather conditions, and navigational hazards encountered during a voyage.
• Space to record watch schedules, crew responsibilities, and any incidents or observations during each watch.
• Tracks communications with other vessels, ports, or coastguard authorities, ensuring accountability and safety.
• Provides a structured format for documenting accidents, near-misses, or equipment failures, which may be required for regulatory or insurance purposes.
• Helps vessels meet international maritime regulations, such as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements, by maintaining an accurate and up-to-date record of bridge activities.

The Bridge Logbook is a critical tool for professional crews, ensuring operational transparency, safety, and compliance.

It’s particularly valuable for skippers, officers, and crew members on commercial vessels or large yachts.

9. Engine Room Logbook

The Engine Room Logbook is a vital record-keeping tool for monitoring and maintaining the mechanical systems of a vessel.

It provides a structured way to document engine performance, maintenance activities, and any issues encountered, ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel’s machinery.

Key Features & Uses

• Sections for recording engine hours, fuel consumption, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and other key performance metrics.
• Space to log routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections, helping to ensure compliance with maintenance schedules.
• Dedicated sections for documenting mechanical issues, repairs, and spare parts used, providing a clear history of the engine’s condition.
• Includes checklists for pre-voyage and post-voyage engine room inspections, ensuring all systems are functioning correctly.
• Helps vessels meet maritime regulations by maintaining an accurate record of engine room activities and maintenance.

The Engine Room Logbook is essential for engineers, skippers, and crew members responsible for the mechanical systems of a vessel.

It ensures operational reliability, safety, and compliance with maintenance standards.

10. Garbage Record Book

The Garbage Record Book is a mandatory document for vessels to comply with international maritime regulations, particularly MARPOL Annex V, which governs the disposal of garbage at sea.

It provides a structured way to record all garbage disposal activities, ensuring environmental compliance and accountability.

Key Features & Uses

• Detailed sections for logging the type, quantity, and method of garbage disposal, including incineration, discharge to reception facilities, or discharge at sea (where permitted).
• Space to attach receipts or documentation from port reception facilities, proving proper disposal of garbage.
• Helps vessels meet MARPOL Annex V requirements, reducing the risk of fines or penalties for non-compliance.
• Encourages responsible waste management practices, contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems.
• Provides a clear record for audits or inspections by port state control or other regulatory authorities.

The Garbage Record Book is essential for all vessels, particularly those engaged in international voyages.

It ensures compliance with environmental regulations and promotes sustainable practices at sea.

11. Navigator's Logbook

The Navigator's Logbook is a specialised tool designed for recording navigational data and activities during a voyage.

It provides a structured way to document course changes, position fixes, weather conditions, and other critical information, ensuring safe and efficient passage planning and execution.

Key Features & Uses

• Sections for recording latitude, longitude, and time of position fixes, often cross-referenced with GPS or traditional navigation methods.
• Space to log course changes, speed, and distance covered, helping to track progress and ensure adherence to the planned route.
• Dedicated sections for documenting weather observations, sea state, and any navigational hazards encountered.
• Includes templates for pre-voyage planning, such as route plotting, tidal calculations, and waypoint identification.
• Provides space to record navigational incidents, near-misses, or equipment failures, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

The Navigator's Logbook is an essential tool for skippers, officers, and crew members responsible for navigation.

It ensures accurate record-keeping, enhances situational awareness, and supports safe and efficient voyage management.

12. RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook

The Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook is a comprehensive resource for powerboat enthusiasts, combining the RYA Powerboat Scheme syllabus with a structured logbook.

It’s designed to support training, skill development, and experience tracking for powerboat users at all levels.

Key Features & Uses

• Combines the RYA Powerboat Scheme syllabus with a logbook, providing a clear roadmap for skill development and progression.
• Sections for logging sea miles, engine hours, and practical experience, which are essential for higher-level qualifications like the RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate.
• Includes checklists for practical skills, such as boat handling, navigation, and safety procedures, ensuring systematic skill development.
• Dedicated sections for recording completed courses, assessments, and endorsements, providing a comprehensive overview of training progress.
• Helps candidates prepare for RYA Powerboat exams by ensuring they meet the required experience and skill standards.

This logbook is ideal for powerboat users at all levels, from beginners to advanced operators, and is particularly useful for those working toward professional qualifications or advanced certifications.

13. The Ships Logbook

The Ship’s Logbook is a comprehensive record-keeping tool used to document all aspects of a vessel’s voyage, from departure to arrival.

It serves as the official record of the ship’s activities, ensuring operational transparency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Features & Uses

• Sections for recording departure and arrival times, ports of call, and distances covered during the voyage.
• Space to log course changes, speed, position fixes, and weather conditions, ensuring accurate navigation and passage planning.
• Dedicated sections for documenting accidents, near-misses, equipment failures, or other significant events during the voyage.
• Tracks crew responsibilities, watch schedules, and any observations or incidents during each watch.
• Helps vessels meet international maritime regulations by maintaining an accurate and up-to-date record of all voyage activities.

The Ship’s Logbook is an essential tool for skippers, officers, and crew members on both commercial and recreational vessels.

It ensures accountability, enhances safety, and provides a clear historical record of the vessel’s operations.

14. Deck Logbook

The Deck Logbook is a vital record-keeping tool used to document activities and events on the deck of a vessel.

It provides a structured way to track operations, maintenance, and safety checks, ensuring smooth and efficient deck management.

Key Features & Uses

• Sections for logging deck activities, such as cargo handling, mooring operations, and safety drills.
• Space to record routine maintenance tasks, inspections, and repairs carried out on deck equipment and fittings.
• Includes checklists for pre-voyage and post-voyage safety inspections, ensuring all deck equipment is in good working order.
• Dedicated sections for documenting accidents, near-misses, or equipment failures, providing a clear record for accountability and improvement.
• Helps vessels meet maritime regulations by maintaining an accurate record of deck operations and safety measures.

The Deck Logbook is essential for deck officers, crew members, and skippers, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with maritime standards.

Conclusion

RYA logbooks are indispensable tools for seafarers, powerboat enthusiasts, and professional mariners alike.

Whether you’re calculating days at sea for tax purposes, documenting navigational data, or ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, the right logbook helps you stay organised and accountable.

From personal training records to specialised logs for navigation, engine room operations, or environmental compliance, each logbook serves a unique purpose in enhancing safety, skill development, and operational efficiency.

By maintaining accurate and detailed records, you not only demonstrate your competence but also contribute to a culture of responsibility and professionalism on the water.

No matter your level of experience or type of vessel, there’s RYA logbooks tailored to your needs.

Choose the right one, and let it guide your journey toward becoming a more skilled and confident seafarer.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.