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Official log book & misconduct (UK)

Chief Mate
Master

times asked: 14; times asked
questions: 6; questions
last asked: 2026; last asked

The slides, written out

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · LEARN

LEARN PREPARE SAIL AHEAD MORE THAN JUST A LOG... Official Log Book & Misconduct Key Rules Every Maritime Officer Must Know REGULATIONS. RESPONSIBILITIES. REAL CONSEQUENCES. OFFICIAL LOG BOOK

Slide 2 · 01/04

Official Log Book The Statutory Record On Board The Official Log Book (OLB) is a statutory record, separate from the ordinary deck logbook. Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, Section 77 and the Merchant Shipping (Official Log Books) Regulations 1981 (SI 1981/569), as amended, an OLB is required for applicable UK ships. Exemptions include: Ships belonging to a General Lighthouse Authority Ships of less than 25 gross tons Pleasure yachts Typical entries include: Changes of Master Safety appointments and committee matters Accidents and casualties Disciplinary matters Crew discharge and desertion Complaints and wage disputes Births, deaths and illnesses Meetings of safety committees Promotions and demotions Annexing of documents Other matters specified by the Regulations SailR Key Point Know what must be recorded — and who is required to make or sign each particular entry.

Slide 3 · 02/04

Official Log Book How & When To Record Entries must be made according to the requirements of the Official Log Books Regulations and the approved OLB format. After the event Accidents, casualties, meetings, disciplinary matters and other narrative events. Before proceeding to sea Specified statutory entries such as load line and depth of loading requirements. For each entry The person responsible for making and signing the entry depends on the specific entry prescribed in the Regulations. Important • Make entries as each event occurs. • Do not treat the OLB as a document to be reconstructed at the end of the voyage. • The OLB is an important statutory record and may be relevant as evidence in an investigation or legal proceeding. Avoid this statement "If it isn't in the OLB, it didn't happen." Use instead "Missing or inaccurate entries can seriously prejudice the ship's or Master's position."

Slide 4 · 03/04

Merchant Shipping Act 1995 Section 58 Conduct Endangering Ships, Structures or Individuals Section 58 addresses conduct involving an act or omission that meets the statutory conditions for endangering ships, structures or individuals. Key elements under Section 58 SHIP / MACHINERY Loss, destruction or serious damage to the ship or its machinery. PEOPLE Death of or serious injury to any person. DUTY Failure, breach or neglect of a duty falling to be discharged in the person's capacity as Master or seaman, where the requirements of Section 58 are met. DRINK / DRUGS The section contains specific provisions concerning being under the influence of drink or a drug in connection with the statutory offence. Examples of conduct that may fall under Section 58 Negligent navigation causing a grounding or collision Failure to maintain required duties (e.g. lookout, watchkeeping) Unsafe cargo operations endangering the vessel Serious neglect of safety equipment Sending a vessel to sea improperly loaded or unseaworthy These are examples only. Conduct is not automatically a Section 58 offence merely because it resembles one of these examples. The statutory conditions must be satisfied. SailR Exam Point Section 58 is a criminal offence on the statute book, distinct from company disciplinary action.

Slide 5 · Discipline & Gross Misconduct

Discipline & Gross Misconduct Know the Difference A Section 58 offence and company disciplinary action are not the same thing. Section 58 MSA 1995 Statutory criminal offence Conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals Prosecuted under the law Can lead to fines or imprisonment Company Discipline Dealt with under the Merchant Navy Code of Conduct and applicable SEA/company procedures Aimed at maintaining order, safety and good conduct on board Can lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal from the ship Examples of gross misconduct Violence or assault Dishonesty or theft Serious disobedience of a lawful order Serious safety breaches Drug or alcohol related misconduct Conduct endangering the ship or persons Sleeping or failure to remain on duty where safety is prejudiced Persistent or wilful failure to perform duty Other serious breaches as defined in the Merchant Navy Code of Conduct Important Repeated misconduct following an appropriate warning may justify stronger disciplinary action, potentially including dismissal, depending on the applicable procedure and circumstances. Remember Dismissal from the ship is not automatically termination of employment. Termination of employment depends on the applicable SEA, company procedure and employment law. SailR Exam Point Section 58 = statutory offence Gross misconduct = disciplinary/employment framework

In exams

Asked 14 times across 6 different questions, most recently in 2026. Asked most in Chief Mate (7), Master (7).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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