Entries  in  the  ship’s  deck  log  should  be handwritten with a black ballpoint pen or typewritten. Entries must be neat and legible. Use only standard Navy phraseology. Because the log may be used as evidence  in  legal  proceeding,  erasures  are  not permitted. If you make a mistake, draw a single line through the original entry (so that it remains legible), insert the correct entry, and place your initials in the left margin. The log is signed at the end of each watch by the OOD. The name of the OOD also must be printed beneath the signature. Facsimile signatures are not acceptable. Figure 8-1 is an example of a deck log sheet. In keeping the log, remember two important points: (1) All entries must be clear, concise, and accurate; and (2) every entry must be preceded by the time  of  its  occurrence  or  when  the  information becomes known. In some instances, the OOD will tell you what to note and when; but normally you are expected to make proper, standard entries on your own without being told. If you are in doubt as to whether or not an entry should be made, check with the OOD. The overall responsibility for the deck log belongs to the OOD. OODs must sign the deck log at the end of their watch to show relief of the watch and validity of entries. The following are a few of the entries that are always recorded: 1.  Convening of courts-martial or fact-finding bodies 2.  Inspections held, including administrative, material, personnel, lower deck, and magazine inspections 3.   Injuries, accidents, and casualties 4.   Official visits 5.   Salutes fired and flags displayed 6.   Arrivals  and  departures  of  the  commanding officer  and  executive  officer  and,  if  on  board, flag officers and civil officials 7.   Drills held 8.   Observance of sunrise and sunset 9.   Reports made to the OOD; for example, fuel and water,   chronometer,   magazine   temperatures, and so forth 10.   Equipment casualties 11.   Watch changes (relief of watches) 12.   Absentees 13.   Personnel arrests/suspensions During the morning watch (0800-1200), the ship’s casualty  alarms  are  tested  to  make  sure  they  operate properly. The procedure is normally kept in a notebook in the quarterdeck area. It explains how to properly pass the word for the test and what alarms are tested. Some ships do not test all alarms every day. They test different alarms  on  various  days.  However,  all  alarms  must  be tested before getting under way. Make sure you log the testing of alarms in the ship’s deck log, along with the time of the test and the name of the alarm tested. When the alarms are tested, they must have the proper sound. If they do not have the proper sound, notify the OOD, who will,   in   turn,   have   you   notify   the   division   that   is responsible  for  the  repair  work.  All  the  alarms  MUST work  properly  because  they  are  the  primary  means  of notifying the crew when something is wrong. Each  day  the  POOW  having  the  midwatch  enters the status of the ship (moored, anchored, in dry dock, etc.),  location,  services  being  received,  ships  present, and  senior  officer  present  afloat  (SOPA).  Subsequent watches   make   the   entry   “moored   as   before”   or whatever is appropriate. The following sample entries are provided as guidance for making entries in the log. They  are  not  all-inclusive,  nor  are  they  in  the  only acceptable style. Any entry that is complete, accurate, clear, and in standard Navy phraseology is acceptable. Remember  one  important  thing  about  the  log—you can  put  too  little  in  the  log  but  never  too  much.  For  a more   complete   listing   of   sample   entries,   see OPNAVINST  3100.7B,  Preparing, Maintaining, and Submitting the Ship’s Deck Log. DAILY INITIAL WATCH ENTRIES-IN PORT 00-04 0000    Moored  starboard  side  to  USS  TRUETT  (FF 1095)  with  standard  mooring  lines  in  a  nest  of three  frigates.  USS  MOINESTER  (FF  1097) moored   outboard   of   TRUETT   to   starboard. TRUETT moored fore and aft to buoys B-5 and B-6, Norfolk, Va. Ships present: ______________, SOPA ______________. 00-04 0000    Anchored   in   Berth   B-4,   Trinidad,   the   West Indies, in 12 fathoms of water, mud bottom, with 60 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor on the  following  anchorage  bearings:  South  Point Light  060,  etc.  Ship  in  condition  of  readiness THREE;  material  condition  ___________  set 8-6