46 CFR 109.433: Required logbook entries for the master
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section lists the applicable entries the master or person in charge must make sure are made in the logbook required by this subpart. They cover equipment tests, watertight appliance openings and closings, drills, drafts, stability statements and inspections.
Applies toThe master or person in charge, who must make sure the applicable entries are made in the logbook required by this subpart.
What it says
The master or person in charge must make sure the applicable listed entries are made in the logbook required by this subpart.
“The master or person in charge shall insure that the following applicable entries are made in the logbook required by this subpart:”
The logbook must show the date of each test of the steering gear, whistle, general alarm, and communications equipment, and the condition of the equipment.
46 CFR 109.433(a)“The date of each test of the steering gear, whistle, general alarm, and communications equipment and the condition of the equipment.”
While the unit is afloat, the logbook must record the time and date of each opening and closing of each required appliance for watertight integrity not fitted with a remote operating control or alarm system, and the reasons for the action.
46 CFR 109.433(b)“The time and date of each opening and closing, while the unit is afloat, of each required appliance for watertight integrity not fitted with a remote operating control or alarm system and the reasons for the action.”
The logbook must show the date of each test of emergency lighting and power systems, and the condition and performance of the equipment.
46 CFR 109.433(c)“The date of each test of emergency lighting and power systems and the condition and performance of the equipment.”
The logbook must include information on the emergency training drills required in § 109.213(h).
46 CFR 109.433(d)“The logbook must include information on emergency training drills required in § 109.213(h).”
Prior to getting underway, the logbook must record the fore and aft drafts, the position of the loadline marks in relation to the surface of the water, and the density of the water if the vessel is floating in fresh or brackish water.
46 CFR 109.433(e)“Prior to getting underway, the fore and aft drafts, the position of the loadline marks in relation to the surface of the water, and the density of the water in which the vessel is floating, if in fresh or brackish water.”
After loading and prior to getting underway, and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel, the logbook must contain a statement verifying compliance with applicable stability requirements as required by § 109.227.
46 CFR 109.433(f)“After loading and prior to getting underway and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel, a statement verifying vessel compliance with applicable stability requirements as required by § 109.227.”
The logbook must show the date of each inspection of each accommodation space.
46 CFR 109.433(g)“The date of each inspection of each accommodation space.”
Common questions
Who must make sure logbook entries are made?
The master or person in charge must make sure the applicable listed entries are made in the logbook required by this subpart.
“The master or person in charge shall insure that the following applicable entries are made in the logbook required by this subpart:”
What must be logged before getting underway?
The logbook must record the fore and aft drafts, the position of the loadline marks in relation to the surface of the water, and the water density if in fresh or brackish water.
“Prior to getting underway, the fore and aft drafts, the position of the loadline marks in relation to the surface of the water, and the density of the water in which the vessel is floating, if in fresh or brackish water.”
Do inspections under § 109.573 go in the logbook?
The date of each inspection required in § 109.573 must be logged if the master or person in charge performed it.
“The date of each inspection required in § 109.573 if performed by the master or person in charge.”
The text of 46 CFR 109.433
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Logbook entries. 1
1
The master or person in charge shall insure that the following applicable entries are made in the logbook required by this subpart:
(a) The date of each test of the steering gear, whistle, general alarm, and communications equipment and the condition of the equipment.
(b) The time and date of each opening and closing, while the unit is afloat, of each required appliance for watertight integrity not fitted with a remote operating control or alarm system and the reasons for the action.
(c) The date of each test of emergency lighting and power systems and the condition and performance of the equipment.
(d) The logbook must include information on emergency training drills required in § 109.213(h).
(e) Prior to getting underway, the fore and aft drafts, the position of the loadline marks in relation to the surface of the water, and the density of the water in which the vessel is floating, if in fresh or brackish water.
(f) After loading and prior to getting underway and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel, a statement verifying vessel compliance with applicable stability requirements as required by § 109.227.
(g) The date of each inspection of each accommodation space.
(h) The date of each inspection required in § 109.573 if performed by the master or person in charge.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.