dive logs "why do you keep them"

[Ber Rabbit]

I log mine to remember the dives and the people I dove with, right Walter Some of my students read through my logbook on surface intervals, it's more like a storybook complete with stickers, pictures and postcards of the places I've been as well as the information about the dives.

PS, I didn't START logging more than time/depth/temp/buddy until dive #52 when I saw a turtle in the lake.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Guba]

Yup, I log my dives for most of the reasons already posted:
1) Gear configurations-sure helps to fine tune the system
2) Remember info about previous dives to same location. Particularly, I log directions, courses (degree headings), and distances from landmarks so that I can explore new parts of even familiar reefs and sites.
3) I have been known to record what my partners have done...I've even "earmarked" a few to indicate whether I really want to dive with them again or not.
4) I've been asked to produce my log. And I am reasonably certain that if I had not been able to produce it the operator may have let me dive, but my dive plan may have been modified for me until he was confident that I knew what I was doing.
In fact, on several scientific expeditions, I had to produce my log before I could even be considered for the crew.
5) Hey, I'm getting older...it's fun to look back at some dives and have my memory jogged about elements I may have forgotten

I do admit that logging dives isn't a chore for me. It takes possibly five minutes (usually less), and I usually don't log the mundane. It's new or interesting items I record in detail. Remember, this is supposed to be FUN!

 

[americanoregon]

If there is any chance you will ever want to be a divemaster or an instructor, keep logging dives until you reach at least 100 so that you can prove you meet the PADI experience requirement. (60 for DM, 100 for OWSI)

 

[chairmanTARAC]

For the inconsistant diver, you can look back and see how much weight you needed in salt or fresh water. Answer the question, what dive operator did I dive with when I was there 3 years ago?

 

[Walter]

I agree with Skeeter.

You're a better man than I. I couldn't even figure out what he was trying to say.

 

[Damselfish]

yeah, thats a tough one to parse.

I have often wonder if divers on a trip brag a long 2 3 of 5 or more log book as to prov they have 20 50 100 dives. It seams to me a print out off my PC from my computer down loads well do the same thing. Pulse having my dive computer with me can give the lase 30 dives.
I would add that I do log all my dives.

I only bring my most recent log on a trip, and maybe an old one if it has info from the last time I was at that place. I'm not worried about proving anything with them and have never in fact been asked for a log. Most places aren't going to ask as anyone could make these up anyway.

 

[Fun Diver]

I have an upcoming dive charter where the operator insists that we bring our dive logs. That one doesn't sit well with me, I figure they should just tell us "what they need to see" so we can confirm in advance that we have "what they are looking for". I can't imagine the reaction if a diver is refused from the charter at the site.

I've also had to produce my log in order to obtain a 30-day diver permit in Quebec. But, my opinion on that process doesn't belong on this thread!!

For the most part I consider the dive log personal, it's a reference for me of past dives. For agencies needing details for training purposes, I'll transcribe just the data they need.

 

[Peter Guy]

I just wish I had logged my dives from my first dive, summer of 1967. I just found a bunch of slides I took during that diving period and with a logbook, I'd have a much better chance of knowing the circumstances of the pics.

This time around I use the log to add narrative to the pictures once I get around to putting them onto the web.

Oh, and I am using my log to help me fine tune my weight and balance.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Oh, and I am using my log to help me fine tune my weight and balance.

How clever ... I always wondered how you managed to look so fit and trim ... I've sometimes used mine as a step-stool, but I never thought to use it for weight management ... :browsmile

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[TSandM]

Yes, watching Peter sit and do his log lifts has been quite amusing . . .