Dive Log: traditional or electronic?

[Cosmographer]

From what I understand, you need to have logged dives as proof for certain levels of certification down the road. I have recently switched from a pen and paper logbook to a logbook app which I find to be far more convenient. While the DM (or whoever) can sign off using his finger, you obviously can't stamp it.

My AOW instructor says this isn't a big deal since stamps aren't mandatory to sign off on a dive, and even a buddy can be the one to sign off for your dive. That said, when I pursue the more advanced certifications that require proof of logged dives, can I just show them my app on the ipad, or will they require something on paper?

 

[lmorin]

Your log is for you. I've never been asked to produce mine, nor do I have it routinely available for someone to see. Use whatever method suits your own purposes. Paper, electronic or your own memory. They are all fine. I record mine in a little 3x4" lined diary.

 

[rmh84]

I actually keep both, but they are cross referenced. The computer log is more for me - I like the graphs my computer creates, but also like the paper logbook for adding notes while I'm on vacation (I download when I get home usually).

 

[RTee]

+1 wrt the points brought up by rmh84. At times, I will even print a copy of the graph and include it in my pre-dive briefing if some folks unfamiliar with the site will be joining me or the group I am diving with

 

[BrotherBear]

From what I understand, you need to have logged dives as proof for certain levels of certification down the road. I have recently switched from a pen and paper logbook to a logbook app which I find to be far more convenient. While the DM (or whoever) can sign off using his finger, you obviously can't stamp it.

My AOW instructor says this isn't a big deal since stamps aren't mandatory to sign off on a dive, and even a buddy can be the one to sign off for your dive. That said, when I pursue the more advanced certifications that require proof of logged dives, can I just show them my app on the ipad, or will they require something on paper?

Your log is for you. I've never been asked to produce mine, nor do I have it routinely available for someone to see. Use whatever method suits your own purposes. Paper, electronic or your own memory. They are all fine. I record mine in a little 3x4" lined diary.

SSI requires logged dives for various levels of training, I don't think PADI cares. For example 25 certified dives are required prior to beginning AOW in SSI. The instructor is supposed to certify that you have the logged dives (according to my instructor, at least). My dive computer logs up to 100 dives so that is good enough for him. I'm not sure if just recording your buddies names would be good enough...I suppose it would if they were also known to your instructor.
Best to just ask your instructor ahead of time!

 

[Scuba_Noob]

I use both. Isn't redundancy one of the important parts of scuba diving?

But if I had to choose, I'd stick with paper. You can bring/update it anywhere.

 

[MX727]

Traditional. You can carry it with you, jot down notes which you won't remember in a week or three when you finally get around to downloading your computer. During your surface intervals, you can talk about what you saw with the other divers and be reminded of things you already forgot or didn't know what it was. You can get signatures, names and phone numbers. Some places have stamps or stickers. It's more fun to flip through and reminisce. When you are old, it will be something tangible to show your grandkids and great grandkids.

You can still have a computer backup, but they seem cold to me as a primary.

 

[Bratface]

Traditional. However, since i am on volume 9, I just use a little notebook. I like logging what I see, other diver's who amuse me underwater, if I'm warm enough in my wetsuit, etc. I have never been asked to produce my dive log either when traveling. I keep one to see just how many dives I am able to do before I'm too old to get on the boat any more.

 

[Searcaigh]

All of mine are on paper, dive computers did not exist when I started. Even today although I use a computer I rarely download the information to my computer.

 

[TMHeimer]

Much discussed--also a very recent thread somewhere. I would have something either traditionally written or printed out in case you need it for a course or a charter somewhere. I doubt it matters which one.