What is the first step for inserting a late entry into a log book?

The first step for inserting a late entry into a log book is to asterisk where you are making the entry. This practice highlights that the entry was added after the fact and distinguishes it from entries made at the original time of recording. It serves as a visual cue that ensures subsequent readers of the log can immediately identify that this particular entry was not made in real time. This transparency is essential in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the log, especially in situations where precise record-keeping is critical for operational continuity and accountability.

While logging the time and event or informing a superior officer may be steps that follow in the process of maintaining the log, identifying the late entry with an asterisk is a fundamental first action. Writing the entry in a different ink color can be a practice some may use for clarity but is not the standardized first step.