The Captain's log is accessible by anyone as soon as they log into Star-Fleet. It should be a transcript of what has been going on in the ship. It's usually written in character, although that's not a rule. It should also be updated regularly. Not all captain's use the log option. If you do, keep it current.

Once you access the log, you'll see what is currently in the file. You can delete what's there, but it's customary to leave a few of the old logs in there, as a sort of running commentary on what's happening on the ship.

Here's an example, taken from the USS Challenger. (At the time of this writing, Scott Jones was CO, Deanne Ashton XO, and Sinead Doyle GM):

Captain's log: Supplemental; Upon reaching the surface our party found the main base to be abandoned, at least a week I'm told. We've made contact with 2 members of the observation team, one of them was wounded by an arrow. I'm going to get as many of the observation team off planet as soon as able. Apparently Dr. Holland has had an accident and believes himself to be the character he was roleplaying, now he's helping the local king hunt down the rest of the observation team who have been labeled witches. I don't plan to leave Dr Holland behind, but if I have to choose between him and my ship, I choose my ship.

Captain's Log Stardate 01121.2 We've arrived at Aibrean, plagued by little malfunctions that are appearing all over the ship. My CE is keeping these under control, but we've had no idea who's doing it. Also, a Cadet was found murdered, cause of death reportedly a phaser set on stun at close range, quite fatal. I've set the away team and we are heading planetside to get the anthropology team out of there. I've left Commander Tanan in command of Challenger, since I'm leading the away team. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one with any field combat experience, if things get hairy, it could get ugly, very fast. The ion storm is arriving sooner than expected, so instead of having days to get the team out, we've only got hours.

Captain's Log Stardate 01112.8 Captain Boka recording: We've been ordered to the planet Aibrean, located in the Neutral Zone, to pick up an anthropology team that's studying the natives there. Admiral Cagney has informed us that the Roms are aware of our mission, so we shouldnt expect any hostilities from them. Personally, i'm expecting some trouble, frankly, I don't trust Roms further than I can throw them. But we need to get in and out as quickly as possible, since in 7 days an ion storm will hit the planet, and these last for a very long time, i'm told. The transit will take 3 days, maximum warp. In addition to this, Starfleet has saddled us with Admiral Cagney, who's along for the ride, but turns out to be an old friend of the leader of the previously mentioned anthropology team. We've recently left starbase at warp but now we are traveling at sublight, due to what appears to be a malfunction. My CE assures me that everything was working when we left the base, but he's checking it out, just in case.

Captain's Log, Stardate 01110.8, Captain Boka Jakob recording I've just assumed command of Challenger, seeking my first officer. Will have to schedule a meet and greet with all DH's. Current ship's status, unknown. But on a personal note, she looks like a fine vessel.

Now you have an idea of how the Captain's log works, we'll move on to adding characters.