Jinx wrote:
...Can you buy proper log books? if so where from


I did some asking-around and researching recently and came to the
conclusion similar to what Gary said in a previous post re 3 logbooks
if you own a boat. However as a crewmember I found that it will depend
on where you're heading ie 'commercial' or 'recreational', as well as
whether you intend to be recognised internationally or just locally.

I opted for a British-based RYA logbook (see other posts above) for my
recreational sailing even though I currently sail in Australia (and
just did a Vanuatu-to-Aust as my first international). This is for
being recognised internationally (and I pained over it because we sail
in quite challenging and hostile waters of Bass Strait, tidal waters
and treacherous entrances and yet are not as recognised for it). It
isn't ideal because RYA logbooks do not allow entries of less than 24
hrs each day and my certifications are by Australian non-RYA trainers.
So I plan to continue using RYA just for the international recognition
as well as get a logbook (I have seen A4 size log books) that I will
record every journey and get signed by skippers. Info will be:

date, from-to ports, vessel (size, make, model), weather and seas
condition, distance logged (not just rhumb line dist), position (eg
foredeck/bowman), comment, signature+name.

If you aim for a commercial destiny the logbook will be for Coxswain,
Master 5 etc. There is another I can't recall just at the moment. If I
end up there I will use my extensive logbook to track down signatures
for entry in any new required logbook.

Hope this helps.

Solo Thesailor
http://sailingstoriesnadtips.blogspot.com