ISO 21745:2019

Overview

ISO 21745:2019 - Electronic record books for ships defines minimum technical specifications and operational requirements for onboard electronic record books (ELRB). Developed in response to IMO and industry demand, the standard provides a technical framework to replace paper logbooks with validated, auditable electronic systems that are admissible as official records.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 21745:2019 addresses both system design and operational use. Major topics include:

• Data capture and storage

  • Support for manual input and automatic records (from integrated ship systems).
  • Distinction between automatically collected data, record book data, and signed record book data.
  • Requirements for back‑up, data retention and inclusion of edit history in outputs.

• Record management and validation

  • Automatic records are considered official only after approval by an authorized person.
  • Audit logging to record user activities, exceptions and security events.
  • Procedures for when ELRBs fail - records must revert to official paper logbook if necessary.

• System availability and power

  • Ability to run from both main and emergency power supplies, with automatic switching.

• Security and access control

  • Use of electronic approval systems (ID/password, biometrics) and Role Based Access Control (RBAC) to manage privileges.

• Human‑machine interface and ergonomics

  • Ergonomic criteria for displays and operator interaction to support usability and reduce crew workload.

• System updates and testing

  • Defined update procedures to maintain compliance with conventions; test methods and required results are included to verify performance.

Practical applications and users

ISO 21745:2019 is intended for:

• Manufacturers and system integrators designing ELRB hardware and software
• Ship operators and crew implementing ELRBs for daily operations and official record keeping
• Maritime administrations, flag states and classification societies that approve ELRB systems and accept electronic records
• Ship owners and managers seeking paperless logbook solutions to improve efficiency and compliance

Benefits include improved record reliability, redundancy, reduced seafarer workload, and clearer evidential value of records in inspections and investigations.

Related standards and references

ISO 21745:2019 references relevant maritime and interface standards, such as:

• IEC 60945 (environmental and EMC requirements)
• IEC 61162 family (NMEA/bridge data interconnections)
• IEC 62923 (bridge alert management)
• IMO resolutions on VDRs and bridge alert performance

Keywords: ISO 21745:2019, electronic record books, ELRB, ships, maritime, paperless logbooks, technical specifications, operational requirements, audit logging, RBAC, shipboard data storage.