DWO Log Keeping 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When recording a course change in the official log, the Deck Watch Officer must include which of the following?
- Only the new course
- Time, old course, new course, and reason for change (Correct answer)
- New course and officer's initials only
- New course and helmsman's name
Correct answer: Time, old course, new course, and reason for change
Course change entries must document the time, previous course, new course, and the reason to provide a complete navigational record.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure when a log entry contains an error discovered after the entry was made?
- Use correction fluid to cover the error
- Tear out the page and rewrite it
- Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial it (Correct answer)
- Leave the error and add a note at the bottom of the page
Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and initial it
Official logs must never be altered with correction fluid; errors are corrected by striking through once, adding the correction, and initialing.
Question 3: A vessel's Official Logbook entry for a man overboard incident should be made:
- At the end of the watch only
- At the next port of call
- As soon as practicable after the event (Correct answer)
- Only if the person is not recovered
Correct answer: As soon as practicable after the event
All significant incidents must be logged as soon as practicable to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping.
Question 4: Which of the following is a requirement for entries in the Official Logbook under U.S. federal law?
- Entries must be written in pencil for easy correction
- Entries must be signed by the master or officer making the entry (Correct answer)
- Entries must be typed and not handwritten
- Entries must be countersigned by the chief engineer
Correct answer: Entries must be signed by the master or officer making the entry
46 U.S.C. requires that official log entries be signed by the master or officer responsible for the entry.
Question 5: What must be recorded in the deck log when anchoring in an emergency?
- Only the position and depth
- Time, position, depth, scope of chain veered, and reason for anchoring (Correct answer)
- Scope of chain and anchor type only
- Depth and bottom type only
Correct answer: Time, position, depth, scope of chain veered, and reason for anchoring
Emergency anchoring entries require full documentation including time, position, depth, chain scope, and the reason to support any subsequent inquiry.
Question 6: When must a Deck Watch Officer log a report of navigational hazards encountered?
- Only if the hazard caused damage
- Within 24 hours of arrival at the next port
- Immediately upon observation during the watch (Correct answer)
- Only at the request of the master
Correct answer: Immediately upon observation during the watch
Navigational hazards must be logged immediately upon observation so that the vessel's safety record is current and actionable.
Question 7: Under SOLAS, what is the minimum retention period for deck logbooks after the last entry?
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 3 years
Correct answer: 2 years
SOLAS regulations require that deck logbooks be retained for a minimum of 2 years after the date of the last entry.
DWO Log Keeping 2
When recording a course change in the official log, the Deck Watch Officer must include which of the following?