Log books mandatory?

[fnfalman]

I have been diving since 1965 and I have never bothered to keep a log book. The guys I had been diving with didn't keep logs and I hadn't even heard of divers' logs until sometime in the late '70s. I just didn't see the need for one even after I learned of their existence.

Recently, a friend of mine who owns the only LDS that I will use told me that dive ops require a log book and won't let you dive from their boats without one. If this is the case, what is a diver like me supposed to do?

Granted that my diving experiences revolving primarily around SoCal water and charters plus a handful of lake diving, so I can't say anything about dive ops in the Red Sea, the Carribean, the Far East, etc. Nonetheless, I have yet to have any charter; be it the boat company or the LDS that chartered the boat, wanting to "inspect" my dive log.

I do keep a dive log but that's for my own purposes than to prove to others my diving experience.

Supposedly if one were to want to be a dive professional, then the prerequisite includes showing some sort of dive log to prove one's diving experience.

 

[theduckguru]

The dive operator is asking me to sign a waiver giving up all my legal rights and wants to see my log book? If anyone should be producing a logbook it should be the dive operator showing the dates of the trips, divers on board and injuries sustained.

 

[carrielsal]

The dive operator is asking me to sign a waiver giving up all my legal rights and wants to see my log book? If anyone should be producing a logbook it should be the dive operator showing the dates of the trips, divers on board and injuries sustained.

Every boat, every club dive, and every organized scuba related event I have ever been to has required me to sign a waiver giving up all legal rights.
There is nothing unusual about what the dive operator is requesting.
What is your problem with this?

 

[JoshuaJ]

I think theduckguru is just making the point that if we are signing the waiver(s) to accept ALL liability, then it seems more appropriate that we should see proof of regular maintenance on the boat and equipment, and proof of dive charter experience on behalf of the crew themselves. I'm sure though that if you asked for this kind of info, the majority of reputable charters would at least be able to show maintenance logs. In response to the thread, I also think that they can choose to ask you for whatever "proof" of experience they want. If you don't have it or want to provide it, then you have the right to take your money elsewhere

As a new diver I do my best to keep by log up to date. Unfortunately I missed several dives while I was in Jamaica since I forgot to bring my logbook. No one has asked to see it yet, but if/when they do, I don't have a problem with it.

 

[tflaris]

SSI Open Water Students are required to have a SSI LogBook. As well as higher levels.


Tony Flaris
SSI #26849

 

[fnfalman]

Every boat, every club dive, and every organized scuba related event I have ever been to has required me to sign a waiver giving up all legal rights.
There is nothing unusual about what the dive operator is requesting.
What is your problem with this?

My problem with this is that I carry a C-card, therefore it's up to me on how to plan and execute my dive. I already signed the waivers of liability to them, so they should collect my money and leave my diving to me.

BTW, a log book can easily be faked, so what's the point of asking for a log book?

 

[Paladin]

I'm with Captain and Couv on this... never been asked for a log book at a dive op.

Throw down your 1965 C-Card, smile, drag out your raggedy ass gear and get on the boat.

Log books... where did they come from? It was more a record of what you had done to get bent that bad, so the Dr. could noodle out how long he wanted to throw you into the chamber. This was stressed as being very important in the early days of sport diving- it helped evolve the US Navy Dive Tables for civilian application use.

Now, the main use for a log book is to recall weight/wetsuit/temperature combinations until you get them straight in your mind. Other than that, log books are excellent for starting threads on ScubaBoard.

What 1965 C-card? I dived from 1965 to 1976 without a C-card. I got my first card in '76 so I could get my tank filled.

 

[TMHeimer]

I've logged every dive since #1. Never had to show it anywhere, which includes charters on the FL panhandle and Texas as well as shore dives. Didn't show it to do Rescue course nor DM course (so far). But they say to keep one for proof that you have the required number for the course. So far, I'm the only one that's ever looked at it.

 

[scubadada]

I was certified in 1970 and wish I would have logged my dives in the 1st part of my career until 1980. I would love to look back and read about the dives I took off the beaches of LA, Orange, and San Diego counties and the trips to Catalina I took during these years. I restarted my diving career in 1997 and have logged the 442 dives since that time and am glad I did. Nothing like looking back over past glories and planning the future.

Good diving, Craig

 

[scubamama5]

Got "Certified" in '74....and I did keep a log/notebook...was the only way to get back to the sites...caves, springs (sink Holes)...the sites were hard to find once..just as hard to find twice... long road trips out in redneck land... needed to know which big tree off the road to turn down the dirt path...
As time passed..ended up doin' "search n recovery" all members of the team were required to "log" all dives..including scenario training. What a chore!.. a gotta do.
For beach/surf dives I kept notes on shore landmarks..made it easier to find the sites without memorizing landmarks..and
especially wreck diving..kept notes..drawings of the sections visited, depths etc...reviewed prior and added to on each revisit..
Hadn't thought of it as a log book..my personal history of diving book..
Was my divin' diary...weight needs..thermal needs..gas consumption..included the what, where, when and...things I wouldn't do twice.
On a trip to the keys back in '90..to Key Largo...I carried my '74 card..a "Girl" trip with my daughter..she was certified in '86...We go to check in at the dive shop and they asked to show a log book...with recent dives...
I didn't have one. . (a log book that is) and I'd left my notebook at home..my daughter had hers... As her Mom..I made her do a refresher of sorts...in the mud...off the boat ramp the day before..(Kid wasn't happy)..
The shop made me to take a refresher in the pool...me protesting...hey my gear was still wet!! While she(the kid) stood by smirking....though I'd been her buddy..on some dives..she'd listed her "girlfriends" not me..
Didn't know then...that the shop could have verified my level..

I still keep a note book.. now known as a "log" book.

No, I don't carry hundreds of pages..it's a binder...and only the most current dives are in there..
I do dedicate and update sites..same as before..
no need to for me to number the dives..Just a page per day.