46 U.S.C. § 11302: Manner of making entries

Each entry made in the official logbook—(1) shall be made as soon as possible after the occurrence; (2) if not made on the day of the occurrence, shall be dated and state the date of the occurrence; (3) if the entry is about an occurrence happening before the vessel’s arrival at the final port of discharge, shall be made not later than 24 hours after the arrival; (4) shall be signed by the master; and (5) shall be signed by the chief mate or another seaman.