Introduction Guidelines / Manual For First Usage Of Logbook App

Initial Launch

These instructions will guide you through the most important settings and functions to use it in the most efficient way once you're on water. So, let's start and open the app now. After the initial launch, you get presented with the three (3) important functions you will need most. All three are accessible from the first tab 'Log':

Screenshot of the tab bar of logbook app

Using the top left Button, you can switch your current condition (= Status). This can be Sailing, Moored, Engine, Anchored or Motor-Sailing. It is important to keep the status always up to date, as the statistics will use this data to calculate how much time/distance you travelled in which condition. So, keep in mind to change the status every time you depart, set sail, furl sail... Each status update will create an automatic log record stating from which status you switched to the new status.

Tapping the top right Button, you can create a new manual record. After tapping you will get a list with all quick maneuvers you'd like to log frequently. You can adjust this list to your own needs in 'Settings' > 'Quick Maneuver' > 'Edit quick maneuvers'. For example, some sailors would like to log weather the sail is on starboard or port side. So, in this case just add an appropriate new quick maneuver and re-order them to your own needs. Most frequent used quick maneuvers should be on top.

Tapping the 'GPS accuracy' located in middle of the top navigation bar will enable or disable Autorecording. Once enabled the app will create automatic records during your trip if Autorecording is active you will see a blue frame within the app and outside of the app also a blue ribbon will remain.

screenshot how to enable or disable autorecording

Each record and each detail can be adjusted if required. Just tap the record in the list and change the values (picture, wind, text, etc...) you would like to adjust.

First Trip preparation

Go to 'Settings' > 'Logbooks' > 'Logbook name' and create a new logbook for your trip by tapping the top right + button. Afterward tap the (i) right to the new logbook and change the name of your logbook, update crew list, ship data etc. on demand. You can adjust those values at any time later.

example how to create and adjust a new captains book

Next go back to Settings > GPS Services and select when you would like to have a new record automatically created (once Autorecording is enabled). Default is 1/8 nautical mile.

distance or time settings for autorecording

Start trip

Once you arrive on your boat, you can add the first log record by tapping the + button on top right. You can add a 'free text' record stating something like 'Ship taken from charterer, one navigation light is out of order, we informed the charter company. Supply already carried on board'.

Once you think about leaving the harbor you will need to start the engine, do not forget to change the status in app from 'Moored' to 'Engine' and enable Autorecording (blue frame becomes visible). Now steer out of harbor and do not forget to update the status from "Engine" to "Sailing" when you set the sails.

When you would like to log something (for example if you saw some dolphins, or would like to log a COLREGs related evidence), just tap the + button on top right with the appropriate text/picture. Of course, you can adjust this record afterwards if required, and add a picture or adjust some other values.

Sometime later you will furl the sails. Do not forget to change the status from "Sailing" to "Engine" and later when you let your anchor go in a bay and switch off the engine change the status again from "Engine" to "Anchored". This time do not forget to disable Autorecording (= blue frame should disappear!). You will enable it on the next day again.

Now go to the statistics tab and review your trip in some numbers ;-)

End trip

On your last day, you will change the status to "Moored" again when you enter the final destination harbor. Do not forget to disable Autorecording again. Now go to 'Tools' > 'Export Logbook', choose your favorite font type, if you would like to export only manual records that where create manually or adjusted afterwards, or all records. (Manual record appears twice height of auto record in the log overview.) Finally choose your favorite export style. Congratulations you have a perfect log book of your trip!

Hint for autorecording

In the tab Settings ➡️ GPS services ➡️ you can activate Set Autorecording when switching status. Then the autorecording (= blue frame) switches on automatically when you switch to the Motor or Sail status and automatically switches off when you switch to the Moored or Anchor status. So you can't forget to switch the autorecording (= blue frame) on or off. But you still mustn't forget to change the status the next morning and start the recording.
(If you don't want to forget that either, take a look at the geofencing reminder feature.)

One more hint:
It is also good if you just try it out beforehand in a test log that you can create. And then simply generate data by car, bicycle, train, tram, or going for a walk. Then you are already experienced on the ship.

Further information

There are different types of entries you will see, for an overview check out tha page that describes maintenance records.
And if you want to have your currently selected logbook available on multiple devices, go to the tab Settings ➡️ Logbooks ➡️ Logbook Sync OFF ➡️ and follow the Instructions for embedding the logbook on other devices.