12. Log Book and Protests.—
The log book is the ship's journal in which is entered her position from day to day, winds, currents, sea, course, speed, and all other matters of importance in relation to the vessel. The entries in it should be regularly and correctly made, as in the regular course of business, and when so kept, it will become a record of great importance in all matters relating to the ship's business and litigation. While the entries may be customarily made by the mate or other subordinate officer, the master should see that they are properly kept up and satisfy himself of their correctness as he is primarily responsible for all the transactions of the voyage. The statutes (U. S. Comp. St. 1916, § 8036) require every vessel making foreign voyages, or between Atlantic and Pacific ports, to have an official log book and charge the master with twelve classes of entries therein, under penalties.
All cases of offenses or of misconduct by members of the crew are required to be recorded; also all cases of illness, death, birth and marriage on board; the name of any seaman who ceases to be a member of the crew; the wages of any seaman who dies during the voyage; the sale of the effects of any such seaman, and a description of any collision that may occur.
In introducing a ship's log in evidence, it must be proved in the same manner as any other document; that is to say, it enjoys no special evidentiary status.
In case of damage or disaster during the voyage, or suspicion thereof, the master should within twenty-four hours of his arrival in port cause a notary public or consul to "note a protest" in regard to the fact; this "noted protest" should be extended before a notary as soon thereafter as possible, and at any rate, on arrival at destination and while recollection is fresh. The extended protest will be upon the usual form and contain a plain account of the misfortune and damage. As it will form the basis of any claim of underwriters or adjustment of damages, great care should be taken to express the facts clearly and according to their legal results. The master is charged with this duty and should execute the protest, together with his officers and such of the crew as have knowledge of the facts involved.