Do you really need a log?

[Zung]

Outside of the US, nobody signs a waiver, so a big fat logbook makes the guys at the diver centers feel a little bit less insecure.

It's also valuable for keeping track of the weights required for 5mm/7mm/dry-shell/dry-neoprene/AL/steel/fresh/salt-ocean/salt-sea (the Red Sea is deadly weight-wise because of the very high salt content).

Btw, it's a BAD thing to condemn the Maldives because of the despicable act of ONE single mindless person who's not even Maldivian. I think it's one of the greatest place on earth for diving.

 

[grouchyturtle]

Maybe on that side of the pond, but over here, even outside of the US everyone hands you a waiver and no one checks logs.

True, but it did kind of put a bad taste in my mouth. Also, heard that just in general the Maldives doesn't exactly have the greatest safety track record these days? Still not planning a trip anytime soon, just because it's not in my plans. Any idea if you can dive from your own boat over there?

 

[Zung]

You can dive from your own boat alright... after you're done sailing 8,738 miles to get there

 

[rongoodman]

I don't bother logging dives now, other than on my Sensus Ultra, but an cave instructor I just finished a course with recommended logging cave dives after I get to Full Cave. A hundred logged dives after Full Cave gets you the Abe Davis Award, which is needed to access some of the deeper Florida caves.

 

[grouchyturtle]

You can dive from your own boat alright... after you're done sailing 8,738 miles to get there

Like I said, not in plans anytime soon. Just like traveling by air isn't in my plans anytime soon if ever again.

 

[rk288]

I use mine to keep track of different gear configurations and weighting at different diving locations. Also, I dive with my son so we both make historical comments about certain dives for future conversation and trip planning.

No one has asked for my dive log so far just C-cards and sign the waivers where the date of last dive is usually asked.

 

[The Kraken]

Now keep in mind that I don't write any of my training dives down in my log book as a matter of course. However, if there is something that was very special in a non-academic way, then I will enter it.

I enjoy sitting back from time to time, drinking a cold beer, and reading my logs and, once again, seeing that dive as it happens.

Memories can have a tendency to fade after a spell . . . there are just too many wonderful things in life I want to remember, but I know I can't keep them all in my brain.

the K

 

[escapeartist]

I enjoy sitting back from time to time, drinking a cold beer, and reading my logs and, once again, seeing that dive as it happens.

Memories can have a tendency to fade after a spell . . . there are just too many wonderful things in life I want to remember, but I know I can't keep them all in my brain.

the K

I totally agree! I almost stopped logging my dives at once point until I met another instructor with over 3,000 dives ALL logged...and not just logged...beautifully written about. It's actually more of a diary and it is unbelievable!

Mine isn't quite like that, but many fellow divers have commented that my logbook reads like a diary. I write down who and what annoyed me, what made me laugh etc.

 

[annasea]

Outside of the US, nobody signs a waiver, so a big fat logbook makes the guys at the diver centers feel a little bit less insecure.<snip>

Can't say I agree with this based on my experiences in the Philippines. IIRC, almost every shop I dived with while there made me sign a waiver and no one ever asked to see my log book.

 

[AquaExplorer]

As a pilot I keep a logbook, so keeping one for diving is not too difficult. I keep them not only for tracking the number of dives, but all the other information, how deep have I dove, what were the temps, what was I wearing, etc. I also keep notes that talk about the dive and I get a kick looking back and reading what I did, and I have less than 20 dives!