Log books are based on the honesty system. An unscrupulous diver could forge a log book showing several hundred dives if they chose to and no one would be the wiser EXCEPT, the proof is in the pudding. Their diving techniques would show them up to be a imposter.
The main use of the data is for yourself. As others have said, gear setup, weight, wetsuit, SAC etc. that's why I still keep one. Its handy when you use a gear configuration you haven't used for quite some time and have to decide how much weight you used last time and was it suitable then.
I have had the occasional DM or Instructor look at my logs however in the main it was out of curiosity seeing what diving I had done given I have a variety of sites, conditions, depths etc. I have never had a dive agency ask for my log book to verify number of dives or last dive etc. I have had them ask for cert cards. I usually keep a scanned copy of them on my mobile phone now for ease of use.
I sign all my own logs and date them only occasionally getting others to sign for me. I have my own dive stamp to stamp the pages (looks official but has no real authority).
If you are at all concerned, fill out a new log book and ask the original instructors to resign stating a copy of original. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just create a new hard copy and go on from there. I think its normal for new divers (myself included to be paranoid about dive logs, and break into a sweat if we don't get them signed by our instant buddy after the dive, but in all reality its ok.) I think the important thing is to be honest in filling out your log and in this way you know in your heart the data is correct. Anything else is just an opinion. If you have done a hundred genuine dives, your diving method will usually support your logged experience.
I judge people by how they dive rather than any logged detail or verbal comments. With diving, the proof is very much in the pudding, not in the recipe.
The main use of the data is for yourself. As others have said, gear setup, weight, wetsuit, SAC etc. that's why I still keep one. Its handy when you use a gear configuration you haven't used for quite some time and have to decide how much weight you used last time and was it suitable then.
I have had the occasional DM or Instructor look at my logs however in the main it was out of curiosity seeing what diving I had done given I have a variety of sites, conditions, depths etc. I have never had a dive agency ask for my log book to verify number of dives or last dive etc. I have had them ask for cert cards. I usually keep a scanned copy of them on my mobile phone now for ease of use.
I sign all my own logs and date them only occasionally getting others to sign for me. I have my own dive stamp to stamp the pages (looks official but has no real authority).
If you are at all concerned, fill out a new log book and ask the original instructors to resign stating a copy of original. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just create a new hard copy and go on from there. I think its normal for new divers (myself included to be paranoid about dive logs, and break into a sweat if we don't get them signed by our instant buddy after the dive, but in all reality its ok.) I think the important thing is to be honest in filling out your log and in this way you know in your heart the data is correct. Anything else is just an opinion. If you have done a hundred genuine dives, your diving method will usually support your logged experience.
I judge people by how they dive rather than any logged detail or verbal comments. With diving, the proof is very much in the pudding, not in the recipe.
