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Logbooks were originally used for ships to record basic information about speed and course, but have become more detailed over time. They are now used by pilots and individuals to record information about travel and activities. Logbooks serve as official records and can provide insight into historical navigation and sailor life.
A log is an official record that is used to hold information about a trip. Originally, logbooks were used for ships and the concept was also adopted for aircraft; most pilots keep logs in addition to relying on black boxes installed in aircraft. People may also keep records in other contexts; for example, a log might be kept to record information about an exercise regimen or activity.
Originally, a ship’s log would have served as a repository for very basic information, such as readings intended to determine the ship’s speed and course. Keeping a logbook was essential for captains who wanted to know where their ships were, and the logbooks could also be compared against each other for navigational information and to obtain general data on things like weather, tides and other regional phenomena.
Over time, logbooks have become more detailed, including information on ports of call, crew complements, and events aboard ship. Since a ship’s log served as an official record of a voyage, captains tended to be careful what information was included, as logs could be used in criminal trials. Many captains have taken advantage of the official status of the logbook to record information about the traffics made for various goods aboard ships and to note the results of contacts with regional government officials and tribal representatives.
Because the log was such a vital document, it tended to be well protected, and in the event of an accident or shipwreck, most captains tried to save their logs. This became particularly important as sailors began receiving benefits after disasters at sea, as the logbook would be used to determine the nature and amount of benefits to which sailors were entitled. In the modern era, logbooks continue to be invaluable records of travel and careers; pilots, for example, bring their own logbooks, rather than leave them with specific aircraft.
Historical logbooks can be very interesting and informative, and many people researching the history of navigation enjoy relying on logbooks. These books can show readers how sailors lived, what they ate, what kind of discipline was used on ships, and how crews coped with contact with native peoples. Many notable logbooks are displayed in museums, for people to peruse for themselves, and some have been published for the interested public to read at their leisure.
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