Make Your Own Logbook?

[BoneCrusher]

Hello chasitymarie!

I do something very similar to what you are planning on doing. My twist is that I also use a Suunto Cobra dive computer. I let the computer log all of the details (depth, time, air usage, ect). Then when I am done diving I download to the computer. The software allows for a good amount of other information to be added. I will then print out the log and then on the back of the log page I put either the lake map or an image or history of the wreck I was diving and that all goes in a 5.5 x 8.5 ring binder.

As for other training agencies accepting it, I have had absolutely zero problems. In fact I have had quite the opposite. Most instructors are impressed on how much data I keep on each dive. For the advanced classes it really helps show that you are attentive to the details and leads to a better educational experience with the instructor.

Keep up the diving and log the dives! Good luck and welcome to ScubaBoard!

 

[djtimmy77]

I just got an inexpensive small sized 3-ring binder, and initially bought the pages, now that I have used all of them, I use a different form that one of my dive buddies crated/found/etc that we made a bunch of photocopies of.

 

[AbyssalPlains]

I have been meaning to design my own log for a long time, mostly because I find most of the commercially available ones useless at this point. (They want me to put a check mark next to a cutesy little "shorty" or "wetsuit" diagram? Seriously?). Only reason I haven't done it yet is laziness. I even have InDesign, so it should not be hard to come up with a customized layout that fits my individual needs. As to your question about how instructors would look at it, I think a self-made log can be a great screening tool: Helps you stay away from instructors who don't realize that someone who goes to the trouble of designing their own log is someone who thinks a lot more about what they're doing than the average person.

 

[muddiver]

Here is a coyp of my lates revision for you to use as a templet, see attachment.

 

[boulderjohn]

If this will help, I would like to highlight some things I wanted to include in a logbook when I made my own:

Operator: I wanted to be able to check back later and see if this was an operator I would use again or recommend to a friend.

Weights: Not just how much, I wanted to know where they were on my body for trim purposes.

Thermal Protection: You need an easy place to note the thicknesses of what you are wearing. That plus the weights is vital when diving those conditions again.

O2%: If you are using nitrox, you need a place to note the percentage.

Average Depth: You can get this off of a computer or bottom timer. This enables you to calculate your SAC rate easily, assuming you know...

Amount of Gas used: and...

Size and composition of tank(s): In addition to helping you figure your SAC rate, the composition of the tank (AL or steel) figures into your proper weighting.


BTW, some computer log programs will do some of this for you automatically.

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

I made my own and it was fun and I prefer it to a bought one. So far everyone has liked it.

 

[mike_s]

I made my own and it was fun and I prefer it to a bought one. So far everyone has liked it.

I really liked it... most of the pages hadn't even been colored in yet!

 

[ScubaSteve]

I have not made my own log book but I do print out my dives from my computer and put them in my binder. This obviously only works if you have a computer which you can download but is a good option if you have it available.

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

I really liked it... most of the pages hadn't even been colored in yet!

Yeah but I could not decide on crayon or markers

 

[ScubaSteve]

Yeah but I could not decide on crayon or markers

You will get more respect from other divers if you use crayon