Eric Sedletzky
Contributor
I used to keep a log book, but don't bother anymore since I've missed so many entries. There would be no way for me to remember when and where I dove, so in that case numbering dives is kind of a moot point. If I was to begin logging anything again I think I would just put down the date and any pertinent info about the site, gear used, etc. Maybe do a drawing or something.
One thing about dive boats and places that I've noticed.
I've been to Australia and they pretty much hold your hand and treat everybody like a five year old regardless, at least on the charter I was on. Maybe it's different on a liveaboard. They did ask to see my log book along with everything else. I think they just like to give Americans a healthy helping of s**t. They relaxed on the dive and actually let me get away from the crowd with my camera setup. I learned later that's pretty rare.
In Hawaii the DM just asked to see my card then asked where I was from and where I dove. When I told him I dove the North Coast of California his eyes lit up and he told me he was from Sacramento originally and used to dive the North Coast for abalone all the time. We talked about dive spots and other stuff blah blah blah, and I was in like flint.
On Southern California dive boats they could care less. As long as you have a C-Card and fill out and sign the waiver that's all they care. The first time I went on a trip down there I told the DM where I was from and the type of diving I'm used to and he was like, yawn, yeah whatever.
I think besides a log book and seeing something written down, a good DM on a charter boat will be more keen to or weary of seeing divers that are unfamiliar with their gear, fumbling around, not knowing how to set stuff up, keeping very quiet, seeing brand new gear that doesn't look like it's had any real use, and seeing gear that doesn't make any sense for the environment that they will be diving in. These would be greater concerns than looking at a log book to confirm someone's comfort or experience level for the upcoming dives.
One thing about dive boats and places that I've noticed.
I've been to Australia and they pretty much hold your hand and treat everybody like a five year old regardless, at least on the charter I was on. Maybe it's different on a liveaboard. They did ask to see my log book along with everything else. I think they just like to give Americans a healthy helping of s**t. They relaxed on the dive and actually let me get away from the crowd with my camera setup. I learned later that's pretty rare.
In Hawaii the DM just asked to see my card then asked where I was from and where I dove. When I told him I dove the North Coast of California his eyes lit up and he told me he was from Sacramento originally and used to dive the North Coast for abalone all the time. We talked about dive spots and other stuff blah blah blah, and I was in like flint.
On Southern California dive boats they could care less. As long as you have a C-Card and fill out and sign the waiver that's all they care. The first time I went on a trip down there I told the DM where I was from and the type of diving I'm used to and he was like, yawn, yeah whatever.
I think besides a log book and seeing something written down, a good DM on a charter boat will be more keen to or weary of seeing divers that are unfamiliar with their gear, fumbling around, not knowing how to set stuff up, keeping very quiet, seeing brand new gear that doesn't look like it's had any real use, and seeing gear that doesn't make any sense for the environment that they will be diving in. These would be greater concerns than looking at a log book to confirm someone's comfort or experience level for the upcoming dives.
