This pretty well sums it up.....
AMC 42.030 (2) (e) - Continuing airworthiness requirements — all aircraft
An acceptable means of compliance with this paragraph is to ensure that the flight crew of the aircraft does not commence a flight with defect in the aircraft unless:
operation of the aircraft for the flight with the defect is permitted by the MEL or the CDL for the aircraft;
a special flight permit;
the rectification of the defect is deferred in accordance with CASR Subdivision 42.D.6.1
by an individual on behalf of an AMO; or
the defect is in an item of operational or emergency equipment that is not required by the
certification basis for the aircraft and is not required by or under these Regulations for the operation of the aircraft for the flight.
The procedures for flight crew to ensure this may be included in the flight technical log for the aircraft or in case of an AOC holder, in the AOC holder’s operations manual.
GM 42.030 (2) (f) - Continuing airworthiness requirements — all aircraft
The registered operator of an aircraft is to enter in the flight technical log for the aircraft, the following defects, before the aircraft commences a flight:
• any defect the rectification of which is not required under the MEL or the CDL for the aircraft; and
• a defect in an item of operational or emergency equipment fitted to the aircraft.