Dive logs

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JustAddWater

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Being a traditional kind of guy, I log my dives in a "traditional" log book, and for the most part it suits me fine. I've seen some computer dive log programs and have heard of internet site logs. Are there any advantages to using these? How do you log your dives? I'm interested in your opinions.
 
My 'traditional' log book will always get first entries but I also keep complete logs on Immersions Internet Dive Log (IDL)

I keep my logs on the 'net for a couple of reasons. If something ever happens and I lose my traditional log book, all I have to do is print out the IDL pages. All my info and comments are intact, as well as reviews of operators/lodging, etc. Another reason is if I ever forget my logbook or it's lost on a trip, an operator can logon to IDL and see it. They can check my certification dates and numbers as well as check any dive experience they require. Also serves as a good place to store all those C-card numbers as well as any medical info and personal contact numbers in case of emergency.

Some folks keep records in a spreadsheet format. But if their computer crashes and all is lost, so is their dive records. With IDL, all I have to do is sync the new computer to my records file and download the whole logbook to be back in business.
 
Hi JustAddWater:

I use the SeaWolff dive log software from www.seawolff.com This program has more features than I can sit here and write about. A free 30 day down load is available from their web sight. The advantages of keeping a computerized log is that you can back it up. For the most part all your log entries will fit on one floppy disk. The log entries can be printed and placed into a 3 ring binder to provide you with a hard copy of your dives. This hard copy is what you would take to a dive charter or vacation sight to show your dive history. Should your hard copy or dive log book be lost or damaged, you can always reprint part or all of it from your computer. Backing up the program on a floppy disk protects you against loosing your data in a computer crash. Check it out, I wouldn’t log any other way. The web sight versions are nice too, but I do not like placing too much on my personal information on the web. ( Not that it’s not there anyway, cause we know it is ). The nicest thing about the web based logs, is that you can access them from any internet connected computer anywhere in the world. Makes replacing a lost or damaged log easy when your away from home. Dive Safe ………………… Arduous
 
I keep my dive logs in a traditional kind of format. I like the larger pages as I track critters seen, camera settings, etc. Also, I attach maps, photographs, etc. to the pages. I have a brain sucker for my dive computer, and can download it's data to my computer....but I quit using it. I found I was writing the same stuff in multiple places....and at my age, that is wasting too much time! Since I get about 150 dives a year in, my log only carries about the last 150 dives. If I lose them, I can download them from my computer....but the lil 'puter doesn't give info on location, viz, etc. Still...I use the old paper log!! ages
 
Do people still use floppies to back up data ???

I too have been looking at computerizing my dive logs. Been looking at the file that somone here on the board sent me (was it Walter?). Interesting idea. I have also been looking at doing something in MS Access or similar Data Base program. I have heard of Seawolff, and their software looks pretty cool. Still, with all the choices, I have yet to find one that fits my needs completely and potentially cost effectively.
 
I can think of a major disadvantage for the program one-

you cant show it at a dive shop, and it can't get stamped.
Besides it being nice to have dive stamps from all the places you were in, at certain places you will have to show proof of diving before coming at the last year, or having a minimal amount of dives(for more chalenging dives). the computer program wont help you here.
 
The arguments for keeping computerised logs are sound, but somehow i find it a little...sanitised. Somehow I like to write long-winded stories about my experiences undewater, and i am a fanatic logger - once i am out of the water, out of wetsuit with gear rigged up for the next dive, i would usually grab my Vyper and my log book and start logging my dive :)

It's also nice to be able to read thru the dive log, complete with scribblings filled with emotional details, drawings of the dive sites, and even the pages "stained" with salt water adds a certain charm to the log book.

Actually the most ideal would be to have a traditional to show as proof and for noting down details immediately, as well as a computerised log.

For me, the problem is laziness i guess, i never bother transferring the info to the computer since it's all in the log book, and i have paid dearly for that. I lost my log books twice, left them in a overseas charter bus, but a few months later, managed to trace back the bus operator and retrieve my dive logs back.
 
Hi Asiandivergal

Just my opinion, but I think you should continue to use your hand written logs as you have been. Reading your thread, I get the impression that your logs have that personal touch and an artistic flare that is all your own. Keep doing what you love, sounds like you do it well. Dive safe ……………Arduous
 

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