Dive Log: traditional or electronic?

[tadawson]

Traditional. It's hard to crash a disk and lose everything in a paper logbook . . .

Also much easier to dig out pretty much anyplace you can think of . . .

- Tim

 

[Bubbletrubble]

A log is a log is a log.

For the purposes of verifying a number of logged dives, any reasonable instructor nowadays would accept either a paper-based log or an electronic log.

I prefer keeping an electronic log for the following reasons:

• I'd rather type than write my dive reports.
• I can easily link my topside and underwater photos to the dive profile/report. No need to print out hardcopies of each image.
• I can easily make multiple backup copies of an electronic log.
• I can transfer my dive reports to an app that lives on my cell phone...and I almost always have my cell phone on me.

 

[gcarter]

I started using electronic, Diving Log 5.0, and customized the print out to get what I like. So I dump it in the software from my computer, add some data, and print a log that holds the info I want.

 

[rongoodman]

I use Dive Log on my iPhone. I also download the dives from time to time from my dive computer, but I don't make any effort to combine the two.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I agree that a dive log is first and foremost a journal for the diver himself, and a data base of information on equipment, weighting, gas consumption, and dive sites. However, it is necessary to demonstrate logged dives to PADI when entering into a level of professional certification. Unlike other posters, I and my wife have been asked for our logs to prove experience levels for certain dives. I am sure an electronic log will suffice for those kind of purposes given the e-mania of the past ten years. I however prefer the traditional log book, and like an earlier poster have several "volumes." I keep old pages in loose leaf binders, and maintain about the last 100 dives in my current log. E-logs have improved so that you can input more information than in the past, but I like to note things besides gear worn, weight used, water temp and gas consumption. I note what I saw, what I did, who I did it with, and things like that. I enjoy reading log entries when I am between dive trips or training weekends. I encourage you to log every dive, and use whatever format of log that will encourage you to do so. As for those who think logs are unnecessary or trivial, I am sad for them. They have lost the opportunity to create a personal database useful in dive planning as well as a creative record of good times.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Oldbear]

Just like my flight time, I log my dive time in a written logbook. However, unlike my flight logbook, by dive logbook is loose leaf so more pages can be added. One of my personal goals in the next 3-6 months is to become more proficient with newer technology. I have not had the need for a cell phone for the past 7 years so I am behind the power curve here. I also want opt explore some of the Apps for the I-Pad. I dive with a really good Dive Computer, Atomic Cobalt, but I still have not downloaded any data yet.

So I can see myself in the near future combining both written and electronic dive logbooks.

~ME~

 

[nolatom]

Traditional, for same reasons MX727 described.

I write my entries on the boat ride in. I can tell how rough it was by looking at my penmanship. But I can get all the names, phone numbers etc right there and then.

 

[Saxatilis]

Both. That is until my computer conked out and i had to get a new one. Both of my current computers are capable of downloading logs to the laptop but I haven't been motivated enough to buy ANOTHER connecting device. For now I am using custom printed log pages that I fill out manually.

Safe diving!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

E-logs have improved so that you can input more information than in the past, but I like to note things besides gear worn, weight used, water temp and gas consumption. I note what I saw, what I did, who I did it with, and things like that. I enjoy reading log entries when I am between dive trips or training weekends.

Most of the divelogging software available nowadays has a free-form "comments" section. You can ramble on to your heart's content in that field. I put all sorts of information in the comments area: critters seen, the location of hard-to-find critters, buddies, buddy contact info, other real-life info about buddies, dive logistics, mistakes made, challenges encountered, weight checks, gear issues, how I felt before/during/after the dive, what I ate/drank, neat above-water sights, conversations with other divers before/after the dive, etc.

 

[Davemohio]

Yes, there was a recent thread on this.

Trend is definitely going towards electronic.

Me, I favor the old school Padi or SDI log books. I get stamps and sigs if/when I can. Your personal preference.