How important is a log book?

[Walter]

i regret not logging all of those dives.

I've heard this from lots of folks. I've never heard anyone say they regret logging all those dives.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I am a little weary of online logbooks such as this. What happens when the owner/operator gets hit by a bus? You have no way to retrieve the information..

I use DiveRecord.com. Here's my online log book. They have a spreadsheet available that downloads all of your dives. After I update my online log book I always refresh that spreadsheet in the event that the online log book goes away. I always have the dives stored in a spreadsheet on my computer.

I also use a paper log book. After using a couple of the PADI log books I went to one that is more compact. It's from Trident, is made of waterproof paper and holds like 150 dives or something like that. It's similar to this one.

 

[stevephilanyc]

Maybe it is a bit of a tangent, but can anyone comment on the usefullness (or not) of the new computers that integrate with your PC for logging purposes? Do they help with tracking and logging dive information and automating log books?

I upload from my SmartCom and then fill in the info on depth, time, air, temp., etc. in my paper log. Right after diving I only put the location and notes in my log and then leisurely add the other stuff after uploading. For me, it makes completing the log easier.

Steve

 

[bfw]

It is a superb reference for use in preparation for upcoming dives- thermal protection needed vs. predicted water temperature, weights needed for that varying thermal protection...

Or, you could use memory and math skills.

It is an excellent source for the Doctor at the hyperbaric chamber, and I say this with all sincerity.

Not nearly as good as a downloadable dive computer.

It's a good place to log the critters that you spot, equivelant to the "life book" of bird watchers".

Some people keep diaries, others prefer their memories to be mental. Same with dives. Shutterbugs have a much better critter record - a picture is worth a thousand words.

Some dive ops may stamp their feet and want to see it, others won't care. You got a c-card, you're diving. You'll need to show x number of logged dives for future more advanced certifications.

Been an AI for going on 20 years, never kept a log. I can reconstruct it from memory if necessary. No one's ever asked for it - the see a reasonably advanced non pro card that's 20 years old, look at the gear and demeanor, and they're happy. As for advanced courses, I don't take instruction from strangers.

 

[bfw]

I've heard this from lots of folks. I've never heard anyone say they regret logging all those dives.

No log, no regrets. No diary, journal, or scrapbook either. No regrets. I'm too busy enjoying life to spend time documenting it.

 

[RAWalker]

I started diving during a cruise 2 years ago. I took a discovery dive in Bora Bora. Then last year before another cruise I completed my OW cert.

I got my first computer for my OW checkout dives and started using the included software to log my dives. I even reconstructed the discovery scuba dive of the year before and added it to my log.

Each time I update the log, (usually immediately after a trip) I print out each new dive and add it to my logbook. I also print out summary page which has enough info on it to satisfy most any OP. This get put right in the from of the logbook.

I have also have punched a hole in each cert card and have them contained within the ring of the binder with a set of RDP cards. So as you may have already guess the book travels with me as the record of my dive life.

In the year since my OW cert I've completed 4 specialties, AOW and logged 18 dives.
I'll log a few more this coming weekend in San Carlos.
This will be the first time I'll be diving saltwater in a 7mm wetsuit but I've logged dives in freshwater with the same gear so I have something to base the weight I will need to wear.

I've already made a commitment to myself to progress as far as I can as a diver so logging is important.

Since I'm 45 and not in the best of shape, I figure if I don't get in shape and get through the requirements for rescue and Divemaster within the next few years I may never be able to physically accomplish it.

 

[DiverBizz]

After reading this thread, I reviewed my dive log. I am one of those who writes everything down and makes lots of notes. I realized that during my AOW classes (ex: deep dive) I exited the water with less air in my tank than I would think safe for me. During my beginning dives my air consumption was a great deal more than my later dives. I just like rereading the notes and seeing where I was.

 

[Walter]

No log, no regrets. No diary, journal, or scrapbook either. No regrets. I'm too busy enjoying life to spend time documenting it.

What's your point? That you are different from people who wish they had logged their dives? It's not exactly news that we are all different.

 

[GDI]

From a diving advancement perspective, those who keep log books seem to advance in their skills better and sooner then those who do not. Something about writing down to helping the memory to get you to work on things?

 

[bfw]

What's your point? That you are different from people who wish they had logged their dives? It's not exactly news that we are all different.

The implication of your statement (many people regret not logging, no one on the other side of the equation) is that we are NOT different and logging is a one size fits all proposition. I simply provided a different viewpoint as a reminder that we ARE all different.