Go Paperless, Sail Smarter: A Practical Guide for Operators

Paper logs, binders, and endless checklists have been part of maritime operations forever. But lately, a new wave is hitting the industry: digital recordkeeping.

From safety drills to COI prep, going paperless isn’t just about convenience, it’s about clarity, accuracy, and saving serious time. If your vessels are still drowning in paperwork, here’s what you need to know about switching to digital systems and why it’s worth it.

What Going Paperless Actually Means

When people hear “paperless,” they think of complex, fancy tech or never being able to pay with cash again. Really, it's not as painful as this. Going paperless is all about simplifying the process. 

Instead of handwriting logs and storing binders, your crew fills out digital forms on a tablet or laptop. Those records are automatically saved, backed up, and shared with your shoreside team. No more scanning, no more guessing who filled out what, and no more faded pages.

It’s the same safety and compliance process with a smarter and faster result.

Could This Be the New Industry Standard?

Across the maritime industry, the tide is shifting. The majority of mariners have already moved to electronic recordkeeping, yet a few still hold fast to the tried-and-true paper logbooks that have served vessels for decades. Both methods are still accepted, but the trends reveal a digital future. 

So, what’s driving the switch across fleets of all sizes?

• Speed: Crews can enter information once and share it instantly across departments or vessels.

• Clarity: Digital logs are legible, time-stamped, and traceable — no more guessing who filled out what.

• Compliance Confidence: Everything is organized, searchable, and ready when inspectors step aboard.

• Accountability: No missing pages or “I thought someone else did it.”

• Sustainability: Less paper, less waste, and a smaller footprint for a greener industry.

While both recordkeeping methods remain compliant and common practice, the future clearly leans paperless. The move isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about accessibility, transparency, and adaptability in an evolving industry.

As seasoned mariners retire and new generations take the helm, comfort with technology and expectation for instant access are redefining daily operations. Electronic recordkeeping isn’t replacing tradition; it’s building on it and carrying the reliability of paper logs into a modern, data-driven future.

How to Start Your Paperless Transition

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start small.

1. Pick your biggest pain point. Logbooks, maintenance, or safety drills are good first steps.

2. Choose a reliable digital platform that works offline and meets Coast Guard standards.

3. Train your crew to use it consistently — clarity is key.

4. Test it on one vessel before rolling out fleet-wide.

5. Build from there into a full electronic Safety Management System (SMS).

If it feels overwhelming, start by digitizing just one workflow. You’ll see the impact almost immediately.

Want to Dig Deeper?

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the compliance and regulatory side of digital recordkeeping, check out our full guide:
👉 Why Maritime Operators Are Going Paperless →

And when you’re choosing your digital logbook platform, see why we recommend:
👉 Helm CONNECT for Electronic Recordkeeping →