Transport Canada’s latest bulletin outlines the requirements for Canadian vessels wishing to use an Electronic Record Books System as an alternative to traditional paper logbooks for record-keeping. The system must be certified by a Canadian Recognized Organization (RO) according to specified guidelines and resolutions, including IMO resolutions and ISO standards. Vessel operators must provide a statement confirming system installation per the manufacturer’s recommendations, user training, onboard system operation, and availability of the operating manual. For international voyages, including those to the USA, a declaration of the MARPOL electronic record book may be issued by Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) or the RO upon request. The policy includes a list of acceptable logbooks and records as alternatives to paper copies.
