DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 3100.7C
DNS-H
24 Feb 2014
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3100.7C
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: PREPARING, MAINTAINING AND SUBMITTING THE SHIP’S DECK LOG
Ref: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, 1990
(b) OPNAVINST 3120.32D
(c) SECNAV M-5210.1 of January 2012
(d) SECNAVINST 5720.42F
(e) SECNAV M-5214.1 of December 2005
Encl: (1) Detailed Instructions for Keeping Ship’s Deck Log
1. Purpose. To revise procedures for preparing, maintaining,
and submitting the ship’s deck log. This instruction has been
revised to include provisions for the electronic capture and
submission of the ship's deck log, including the use of voice
recording and automated logging systems. Abbreviations have
been modernized and command names have been updated. This
instruction has been substantially revised and should be
reviewed in its entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 3100.7B.
3. Background
a. All U.S. Navy ships in commission shall maintain a
ship’s deck log as required by references (a) and (b). The
ship’s deck log is the official daily record of a ship, by
watches. The ship’s deck log describes every circumstance and
occurrence of importance or interest which concerns the crew and
the operation and safety of the ship, or which may be of
historical value. The ship’s deck log shall be a chronological
record of those events occurring during the watch that will
subsequently meet the needs of the commanding officer and
provide the ultimate recipient with a document of historical
value. Accuracy in describing events recorded in the ship’s
deck log is essential. Entries often constitute important legal
evidence in judicial and administrative fact-finding proceedings
arising from incidents involving the ship or its personnel.
