# Electronic Logbook | Navatom Maritime Glossary
Electronic logbooks are digital replacements for the paper record books that MARPOL, SOLAS and other maritime rules require. They add automatic calculations, a record of every change and links to ship management software.

URL: https://navatom.com/glossary/electronic-logbook

## Synonyms
- E-Logbook
- Digital Logbook
- Electronic Record Book

## Definition
## What Are Electronic Logbooks?
Electronic logbooks are digital systems that replace the traditional paper record books carried onboard ships as required by international maritime regulations. Ships are required to maintain numerous logbooks and record books under MARPOL, SOLAS, and national regulations — including oil record books (Parts I and II), garbage record books, cargo record books, deck logbooks, engine logbooks, and ballast water record books.
Electronic logbooks replicate the exact structure and data fields of their paper counterparts while adding the capabilities that digital systems enable: automated calculations, searchable records, tamper-proof audit trails, automatic data validation, and seamless backup and archival.
## IMO Guidelines and Flag State Acceptance
The IMO has issued specific guidelines for the use of electronic record books, primarily through MEPC.1/Circ.736/Rev.2 (for MARPOL record books) and MSC.1/Circ.1512 (for SOLAS record books). These circulars establish the technical and functional requirements that electronic logbook systems must meet, including data integrity safeguards, access controls, backup procedures, and the ability to produce printable copies that port state control officers can review.
Acceptance of electronic logbooks varies by flag state — many major flag states including the Marshall Islands, Liberia, Panama, and the Bahamas now approve electronic record books, though some still require parallel paper records during a transition period.
## Advantages and Integration
The advantages of electronic logbooks over paper extend well beyond convenience. Automatic calculations eliminate arithmetic errors in oil record book entries — a common source of port state control deficiencies.
Built-in validation rules prevent entries that violate regulatory requirements, catching errors at the point of data entry rather than during inspections. Tamper-proof audit trails with timestamped entries and user authentication provide stronger evidence of compliance than paper records, which can be altered without detection.
Searchable digital archives make it easy to retrieve historical records for audits, investigations, or trend analysis.
When integrated with a comprehensive ship management platform, electronic logbooks become more than standalone record-keeping tools. Fuel consumption entries in the oil record book can automatically feed into IMO DCS and EU MRV reporting.
Garbage record book data can support waste management analytics. Engine logbook readings can trigger maintenance alerts when parameters exceed thresholds.
This integration transforms regulatory record-keeping from a compliance burden into a valuable source of operational data that drives efficiency improvements across the fleet.

## Related Terms
- [MARPOL](https://navatom.com/glossary/marpol) — MARPOL is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. It is the main international convention on preventing pollution of the sea by ships, from operational or accidental causes. It was adopted in 1973 and modified by the 1978 Protocol. Its six annexes cover oil, chemicals, harmful packaged substances, sewage, garbage and air emissions.
- [ISM Code](https://navatom.com/glossary/ism-code) — The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is the international standard for managing and operating ships safely and preventing pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted it through Resolution A.741(18). SOLAS Chapter IX makes it mandatory.
- [Maritime Digital Transformation](https://navatom.com/glossary/maritime-digital-transformation) — Maritime digital transformation is the move from paper-based, manual processes to integrated digital workflows across ship management. It is driven by complex regulation, cost pressure and the need to see operations in real time.