Competent Crew: what’s this logbook all about, then?

If you’ve booked (or won!) an RYA Competent Crew course and someone’s mentioned “the logbook”, don’t panic. It’s not a 400-page confession diary where you have to admit every time you tied a knot that immediately untied itself.

In RYA-land, the “logbook” most training centres mean is the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158). It’s a combined booklet that (1) tells you what’s in the RYA cruising course pathway and (2) gives you pages to record your sea time, miles, night hours, passages, and keep your certificates together.

Why you’re given it on Competent Crew

Even though Competent Crew is a practical “learn to be useful on a yacht” course, it sits at the start of a pathway. Many schools include the G158 logbook in the course fee, because it becomes your “paper trail” from first crewing trip right through to bigger qualifications later on.

What you actually use it for (in plain English)

1) Proof of experience (without relying on your memory).
Charter companies, future instructors, and examiners like to see sea time written down. The logbook gives you a consistent format for recording it.

2) A running tally for future courses/exams.
When you later look at Day Skipper / Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster requirements, you’ll already have your trips and miles in one place. The RYA explicitly points to G158 for exam requirements and details in the Yachtmaster scheme.

3) Certificates don’t vanish into “that drawer”.
There are sections specifically intended for storing course completion certificates alongside your logged experience.

What to write in it (so it’s actually useful)

On (or after) each meaningful bit of sailing, jot down:

• Date

• From–to (even if it’s “Marina → Bay → Marina”)

• Vessel name/type & length (roughly)

• Role (crew, watchkeeper, etc.)

• Hours / miles

• Night hours (if any)

• Conditions & notes (a line or two: “reefed early; MOB drill; cooked chilli in a bouncing galley”)

• Skipper/instructor signature when appropriate (especially on courses)

Don’t overthink the miles. Nobody expects laser-measured nautical perfection on a training week—just a sensible record.

Quick myth-busting

• “Is it compulsory?” Not always, but it’s very helpful if you plan to progress. (Also: it stops you guessing later.)

• “Do I need to fill it in every day?” Ideal, yes. Realistic? Do it while it’s fresh—end of day works well.

• “What if I already keep notes on my phone?” Great—transfer the key bits across. The logbook is the tidy “official-ish” version.

The real reason it matters (especially for your Croatia trip)

Competent Crew is busy: sail handling, helming, lines, safety, life onboard… and it all blurs into a happy, salty montage. The logbook is how you turn that montage into evidence and confidence—plus it’s oddly satisfying to look back and realise you’ve gone from “What’s a halyard?” to “I can rig a fender without injuring anyone.”