Hand Written log versus Electronic Printed Log

[Chris Sawallich]

I am sure this topic has been hashed out before, but here I go anyway...

Two Questions....

1. Old way (hand written Logs) verses the new tech way (Electronic Printed Logs)
Which is your perfered way??

2. If your perferd way is to print out your logs from your DC, what way do you file them? Because they dont fit in a standard log book, at least not any version I have used from my AERIS or SUUNTO..

My wife had just recentely become PADI OW certified and the reason I ask these question is I saw the lack of training and emphsis that was put on filling out a log correctly. After her four OW dives the Instructor filled out the log book for her, signed and returned it to her, with no further instruction.. The impression I received from her instructors was they were just looking for as many logs to sign to further their diving careers.. Not to help their students fill out their logs on their own..

 

[String]

Used to keep handwritten alongside my PC printouts until i realised how pointless it was. PC printed gives me far more detail.

If its a training dive or something else that needs verification i get the buddy to sign the printout. Thats rare though.

 

[jeckyll]

I'm new to diving but like the hand written log...

It seems more personal and flexible and as I'm planning to go on some dive trips, I won't have a computer handy. I figure it will be easier to update a hand written logbook

 

[carldarl]

Hand written for now as I am too cheap to pay the $79.99 for Suunto's interface cable. Also, I am too big a clutz to build my own. Probably will break down this coming spring.

 

[SStrecker]

I use both a hand written log and an unprinted, on-line ACI (Aeris DC) log. Since a log book is basically a personal expression, for personal use, I do what works best for me. ACI primarily tracks my personal performance profile stats. The manual log covers everything else (somewhat like a creative travel log). Full size letter sheets are too large for my needs and style. I also use logging as an opportunity to help my twelve year old son (and dive buddy) develop good observation, analysis and documentation skills.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I hand write mine. I don't have a downloadable dive computer. I would prefer to write my log on my computer and save it to disc, but I have nearly 1100 dives handwritten and don't feel like typing them all.

 

[dive_lover88]

i like writing logs.i feel that handwritten logging has a more personal feeling

 

[radinator]

I voted for the electronic log, but in 10 years I've never had a need to print it out, so that's not the exact answer. Nobody has ever been interested in my logbook but me.

 

[alcina]

I hand write mine now. Easier and faster for me funnily enough. My logging has evolved to reflect the things that interest me the most...mainly details on reef activity and photo notes. Spoiled as I get to re-dive the same sites throughout the year and the log really helps. It would be a rare dive that doesn't get recorded now.

When I have students we log our dives, too. Together. We work to make sure that each student logs not only the standard stuff, but the stuff that will prove interesting to them down the line and that shows/teaches the relevance in keeping a log. Hopefully!

When I first got my you beaut downloadable computer (many, many years ago) I used to download the little graph thingie etc - my divers really got a kick out of having a copy for their own log books. I haven't downloaded my computer for probably 5+ years now.

 

[Zeeman]

you don't have a "both" option, which is true for me. I have hand written logs which I will keep for my first 100 dives - just in case I ever want to teach (unlikely, but hey, never know) but also keep the logs from my Suunto Mosquito. Once I get my 100 dives, I will be solely using my dive computers logging facilities.

Z...