Logging Dives - why exactly?
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dumpsterDiver
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I make my sons log their dives. Even freedive outings. I know that 30 years from now they will look back at those logs with a bit of nostalgia (as I do). More importantly, we use the logs as a learning tool. I used to be more strict, but they used to be required to list a minimum of 10 species of fish and then look up the scientific names and write them each time.
They don't have to write their air consumption rate or amount of weights or even which suit they used. It is most important that they write down what went wrong... Dad made me take off the tank and I got the second stage tangled. We got separated for a minute and dad was pissed. I shot a fish with the gun but it was too long of a shot and it got away. I sent the SMB up, without enough air in it. I was using a thicker suit today and forgot how much more suit compression there is. I forget to check if the boat prop was stopped before I swam to the boat.. boy dad was pissed. There are probably hundreds of "stupid little lessons" that divers will learn over the years.
I always try to make them list something that was really cool, something they saw that they never saw before, something they learned about the ocean or about diving. Do not underestimate the value of writting down observations and trying to review various scenarios and trying to explain them and put them in perspective. The newer you are to diving the more beneficial a log book is. I never bring one to a boat and I never really reviewed my computer for detailed info.
We just use a normal school composition book, it has lotsa room for writing observations.
They don't have to write their air consumption rate or amount of weights or even which suit they used. It is most important that they write down what went wrong... Dad made me take off the tank and I got the second stage tangled. We got separated for a minute and dad was pissed. I shot a fish with the gun but it was too long of a shot and it got away. I sent the SMB up, without enough air in it. I was using a thicker suit today and forgot how much more suit compression there is. I forget to check if the boat prop was stopped before I swam to the boat.. boy dad was pissed. There are probably hundreds of "stupid little lessons" that divers will learn over the years.
I always try to make them list something that was really cool, something they saw that they never saw before, something they learned about the ocean or about diving. Do not underestimate the value of writting down observations and trying to review various scenarios and trying to explain them and put them in perspective. The newer you are to diving the more beneficial a log book is. I never bring one to a boat and I never really reviewed my computer for detailed info.
We just use a normal school composition book, it has lotsa room for writing observations.
tplyons
Contributor
I log my dives in a logbook for quick reference at the dive site/on the boat.
When I get home, I log them into MacDive for the data analysis, trending, etc.
It helps me know what gear I used for certain types of dives, and where I've been.
Especially helpful in my training dives where I'm specifically working to perfect a skill. I write down my shortcomings and keep working at them over time.
Many of my earlier dives had ***WTF??*** written in them as I'd gotten a little disoriented. But that doesn't show up in my later dives.
When I get home, I log them into MacDive for the data analysis, trending, etc.
It helps me know what gear I used for certain types of dives, and where I've been.
Especially helpful in my training dives where I'm specifically working to perfect a skill. I write down my shortcomings and keep working at them over time.
Many of my earlier dives had ***WTF??*** written in them as I'd gotten a little disoriented. But that doesn't show up in my later dives.
I probably logged my dives at the very beginning (1961-62) but have no clue where those logs or any after them would be. It wasn't until I got over my fear of flying and decided to do international dive travel (2000) that I started logging my dives again because dive operators in other countries like to see proof that one has been diving recently (my c-card is from 1969). Even with logged dives, I found that I often had to do a "check out" dive with an instructor who hadn't been born when I started diving. I got a PADI AOW card just to show "recent" certification and that combined with my log helps when I'm traveling.
drbill
Do you recall when diving training agencies started promoting logging dives? They all started in Southern California so I figured you would be near the epicenter.
Do you recall when diving training agencies started promoting logging dives? They all started in Southern California so I figured you would be near the epicenter.
Tjack
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I am surprised by the number of people I dive with who don't log their dives. Probably 60% don't. I guess they don't like homework?
I have never been asked to show my log, anywhere. If you are doing PADI DM you will need to prove you have the required # of dives.
I log every dive, some entries are pretty short, but I record the date, location and data from my computer every time.
As others have stated, weighting, water temps, exposure protection, all can come in handy looking back.
What not to do notes are also useful in learning from your mistakes. For example "tank mounted too high kept hitting me on the head, mount lower next time"
I really enjoy going back and reading my old logbooks, like a dive journal. If I dive a new or exotic country I will even ad a postage stamp from that place.
I do know a few divers who regret not keeping a log, so keep a log till you are sure you won't regret not doing it.
I have never been asked to show my log, anywhere. If you are doing PADI DM you will need to prove you have the required # of dives.
I log every dive, some entries are pretty short, but I record the date, location and data from my computer every time.
As others have stated, weighting, water temps, exposure protection, all can come in handy looking back.
What not to do notes are also useful in learning from your mistakes. For example "tank mounted too high kept hitting me on the head, mount lower next time"
I really enjoy going back and reading my old logbooks, like a dive journal. If I dive a new or exotic country I will even ad a postage stamp from that place.
I do know a few divers who regret not keeping a log, so keep a log till you are sure you won't regret not doing it.
Lots of good reasons for keeping a log, and I agree with all of them. But I sort of wish I were still keeping a paper log. I really love to pick up the two from when I was first diving, and flip through the pages, and see the excitement that was there. The day I passed Fundies has fireworks drawn all over the page!
bbarnett51
Contributor
I usually don't log dives at all.
ScubaCapers
Registered
One good reason to log dives, is that in the distant future you may wish to take certain Tech Diving and rebreather courses where depending on the agency and the level you might require say.......150s dives with 50 dives over 30 meters and so many mixed gas dives. Regards
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