46 CFR 97.35-5: Actions required to be logged
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section lists actions and observations that must be entered in the official log book. It adds no new requirements; it only groups items required elsewhere in this subchapter. Each item points to the section that gives the detail.
What it says
The actions and observations noted in this section must be entered in the official log book.
“The actions and observations noted in this section shall be entered in the official log book.”
This section contains no requirements that are not made in other portions of this subchapter. It only groups the items together for convenience.
“This section contains no requirements which are not made in other portions of this subchapter, the items being merely grouped together for convenience.”
Steering gear, whistle, and means of communication entries are made prior to departure. The text refers to § 97.15-3.
46 CFR 97.35-5(b)“Steering Gear, Whistle, and Means of Communication. Prior to departure. See § 97.15-3.”
Drafts and load line markings are logged prior to leaving port, for ocean, coastwise, and Great Lakes services only. The text refers to § 97.15-5.
46 CFR 97.35-5(c)“Drafts and Load Line Markings. Prior to leaving port, ocean, coastwise, and Great Lakes services only. See § 97.15-5.”
Hatches and other openings are logged for all openings and closings, or leaving port without closing, except for vessels on protected waters. The text refers to § 97.15-20.
46 CFR 97.35-5(f)“Hatches and other openings. All openings and closings, or leaving port without closing. Except vessels on protected waters. See § 97.15-20.”
Emergency lighting and power systems are logged weekly and semi-annually. The text refers to § 97.15-30.
46 CFR 97.35-5(g)“Emergency Lighting and Power Systems. Weekly and semi-annually. See § 97.15-30.”
Fuel oil data is logged upon receipt of fuel oil on board. The text refers to § 97.15-55.
46 CFR 97.35-5(h)“Fuel oil data: Upon receipt of fuel oil on board. See § 97.15-55.”
Cargo gear inspections are logged at least once a month. The text refers to § 91.37-70 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 97.35-5(i)“Cargo gear inspections: At least once a month. See § 91.37-70 of this subchapter.”
Common questions
Where must these actions and observations be recorded?
They must be entered in the official log book.
“The actions and observations noted in this section shall be entered in the official log book.”
Does this section add new logging requirements?
No. It contains no requirements that are not made in other portions of this subchapter. It only groups the items for convenience.
“This section contains no requirements which are not made in other portions of this subchapter, the items being merely grouped together for convenience.”
How often must cargo gear inspections be logged?
They must be logged at least once a month. The text refers to § 91.37-70 of this subchapter.
“Cargo gear inspections: At least once a month. See § 91.37-70 of this subchapter.”
When must fuel oil data be logged?
Fuel oil data must be logged upon receipt of fuel oil on board. The text refers to § 97.15-55.
“Fuel oil data: Upon receipt of fuel oil on board. See § 97.15-55.”
The text of 46 CFR 97.35-5
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Actions required to be logged
The actions and observations noted in this section shall be entered in the official log book. This section contains no requirements which are not made in other portions of this subchapter, the items being merely grouped together for convenience.
(a) Onboard training, musters, and drills: held in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.
(b) Steering Gear, Whistle, and Means of Communication. Prior to departure. See § 97.15-3.
(c) Drafts and Load Line Markings. Prior to leaving port, ocean, coastwise, and Great Lakes services only. See § 97.15-5.
(d) Verification of vessel compliance with applicable stability requirements. After loading and prior to departure and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel. See § 97.15-7.
(e) Loading doors. Where applicable, every closing and any opening when not docked. See § 97.15-17.
(f) Hatches and other openings. All openings and closings, or leaving port without closing. Except vessels on protected waters. See § 97.15-20.
(g) Emergency Lighting and Power Systems. Weekly and semi-annually. See § 97.15-30.
(h) Fuel oil data: Upon receipt of fuel oil on board. See § 97.15-55.
(i) Cargo gear inspections: At least once a month. See § 91.37-70 of this subchapter.
(j) Inflatable hopper gate seals. Where installed to comply with subpart G of part 172 of this chapter after each carriage of cargo. See § 97.15-75.
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.