ISO 21745-2019 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 21745:2019 — Electronic record books for ships — Technical specifications and operational requirements. This International Standard specifies minimum technical and operational requirements for electronic record books (ELRB / e‑log systems) intended to replace paper logbooks on board ships.

Abstract

The document sets out baseline technical and operational criteria for electronic record book systems used on ships, covering data integrity, access control, audit trails, time‑stamping, storage and operational procedures. It is intended to inform manufacturers, ship operators, administrations and owners for the safe and compliant replacement of paper logbooks.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed after review).
• Publication date: 3 September 2019.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.60; 47.020.99 (IT applications in transport / shipbuilding and marine structures).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 19.

Scope

This standard specifies the minimum technical and operational requirements for electronic record books to be used on ships. It provides a technical background to enable replacement of paper logbooks by ELRB systems and aids manufacturers, operators, maritime administrations and owners in design, acceptance and operational use of such systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum technical requirements for ELRB systems (hardware, software and interfaces).
• Operational requirements for installation, use and management on board ships.
• Data integrity, tamper‑evidence and non‑repudiation (audit trails, secure logging).
• Authentication, access control and role management for users and administrators.
• Time stamping and time synchronization (consistent, verifiable timestamps).
• Data storage, backup, exportability and retention (onboard and offboard considerations).
• Interoperability and data format considerations to support flag/port inspections and recognized organizations.
• Requirements for user documentation, operational procedures and training.
• Guidance for verification, acceptance and declarations required by administrations or Recognized Organizations when substituting paper logbooks.

Typical use and users

Used by ELRB manufacturers and software vendors to design compliant systems; by shipowners and operators when selecting, installing and operating electronic logbooks; by maritime administrations and Recognized Organizations (ROs) for technical assessment and acceptance; and by port/flag inspectors and surveyors to verify compliance with technical and operational expectations.

Related standards

ISO 21745 is commonly used together with IMO instruments and guidance on electronic record books (for example IMO resolutions and MARPOL amendments permitting ERBs) and with national ship safety bulletins and flag guidance on ELRB acceptance. It is also complementary to information‑security and quality management standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 (information security) and ISO 9001 (quality management) where those aspects apply to ELRB implementation and certification.

Keywords

electronic record book, ELRB, e‑log, ship logbook, maritime, MARPOL, audit trail, data integrity, time stamp, access control, recognized organization, flag state, interoperability, backup

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21745:2019 is an International Standard that defines minimum technical and operational requirements for electronic record book systems used on ships, enabling replacement of traditional paper logbooks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers technical specifications (system design, data handling, timestamps, backups, interfaces) and operational requirements (installation, user roles, procedures, documentation and acceptance practices) necessary for reliable and auditable electronic record keeping on vessels.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers and software vendors of ELRB systems, shipowners and operators selecting or operating e‑log systems, maritime administrations and Recognized Organizations performing acceptance or surveys, and port/flag inspectors verifying compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 21745:2019 is the 2019 edition (Edition 1). The standard has been published and subsequently reviewed in ISO’s normal 5‑year review cycle; users should check with their national standards body or ISO for the latest confirmation or revision status when planning compliance activities.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ISO International Standard focused on electronic record books for ships and is often used in conjunction with IMO guidance and national regulations on electronic record books rather than being part of a numbered ISO series of related maritime logbook standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: electronic record book, ELRB, e‑log, ship logbook, MARPOL, audit trail, data integrity, timestamp, access control, recognized organization.