PdHenry,
Just a run down of my routine prior to a boat dive. Arrive early (I never want to be the guy who holds up the boat), plus it allows me time to set up my stuff without being cluttered and makes my dive more relaxing. I dive nitrox, so I have to analyze my gas, and mark my tanks. At this point I set up all my equipment in a way that takes up the least amount of space, but is still ready to go, including inputting the settings into my computer. Then just sit back for the ride out. As we start to get close to the site, I'll usually get any exposure protection on. If we are headed to an unfamiliar site, once the DM is completely finished with his briefing, I'll check my NDL for the dive in my computer, based on his depth. I like to work on the trust but verify method. I trust he is intelligent and qualified, but I always run the numbers myself. Splash around a bit in the water, then once the dives are over and I'm back at home, bluetooth the data from the computer to my digital logbook. I hope that helps with explaining how the planning/logging process occurs and why you might not notice others doing it. Welcome to the dive world!