bell book
Noun: A logbook specifically used on a ship to record all commands and orders related to the operation of the ship's main engines. It serves as an official, chronological record for engineering operations.
The term "bell book" is a technical nautical term. It is used as a singular, countable noun. You refer to the physical book or its contents. * The chief engineer checked the bell book to verify the last speed change order from the bridge. * All engine commands must be meticulously entered into the bell book.
- The entry in the bell book showed the exact time the engines were put to full astern.
- According to the bell book, the standby order was given at 0600 hours.
- Maintaining an accurate bell book is a critical safety procedure on any vessel.
- To log/enter/record something in the bell book: This is the standard phrasing for documenting an order.
- The officer on watch immediately logged the "stop engine" command in the bell book.
- Engine Order Telegraph (EOT) Log: A related term; the EOT is the device used to transmit speed orders between the bridge and the engine room, and these orders are then recorded in the bell book.
- Logbook (or Log book): A more general term for any official record of a ship's voyage, events, or operations. The bell book is a specialized type of logbook.
- Movement Book: A less common synonym used in some maritime contexts.
- Engine order logbook
- Engine movement book
This term is highly specific to the maritime industry and naval operations. It is not used in everyday general English. The "bell" in the name historically refers to the bell signals used to communicate engine orders before the advent of modern telegraph systems.
- a logbook in which all orders concerning the main engines of a ship are recorded