The Diving Logbook, Why Is It So Important?

If you are not a diver, but you are attracted to the underwater world, you should know that divers keep and fill in their diving logbooks like a treasure. It is not a mandatory requirement, but it is highly recommended. In the following article, we are going to see what a diving logbook is, what it is for and why it is so important for divers, the data that is recorded in it, and we will talk about digital diving logbooks. Are you ready? Let’s start!

What Is A Diving Logbook and What Is It For? 

A diving logbook, as its name suggests, is a log of dives, where divers specify important information for each dive.

Usually, your first log in your diving logbook will be on your Open Water course. The records, in this case, are verified by your instructor, who will also teach you to use them properly. When the course ends, your “dive buddy” will verify the registration with his or her signature.

• The diving logbook is useful to show your expertise.

A diving log is a document that shows your experience in the practice of this sport. So, your guide will know how often you dive and the type of dives you have done. In fact, you may be asked to show your diving logbook when it is necessary to have enough experience to participate in a dive with some difficulty. Remember that your card says what level of certification you have, but your diving logbook shows if you are an experienced diver, capable of facing strong currents, for example. Of course, you will be asked for your dive logbook when you want to take other courses for which it is necessary to prove that you have completed the minimum number of dives required.

• The diving logbook serves as a knowledge base for future dives.

There are dives that you can repeat and it is worth rereading what your previous experience was at that same point. Besides, you will be able to see how your skills as a diver improve as you get experience. For example, regarding air consumption.

On the other hand, if something went wrong, the data you have recorded will be extremely valuable to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. If it was important, they can even help your doctor treat you.

• The diving logbook helps you remember.

What was the name of that great partner you dived with in Cozumel? When did this or that thing happen to you? How much weight did you carry on your last dive? What material did you need for that night dive? What configuration of equipment did you feel so comfortable with on that wreck?

The Most Important Data to Note in Your Diving Logbook

The truth is that your diving diary can be as detailed as you want: external conditions, geolocation details, cultural aspects or typical expressions related to diving, type of rented equipment, maps, visibility, the strength of currents, technical details of the dive, keeping a record of the animals, etc. This is all great, but there are some facts that you can’t ignore. These are:

1. The number of the dive, 2) the date and time, 3) 5he place, 4) the duration of the dive, 5) depth and dive profile, 6) water temperature,  7) ballast, 8) Cylinder capacity, air mixture used, and consumption.

The Digital Diving Logbooks

There are many kinds of diving logbooks. Some people have a loose-leaf binder, others write down their records in diving logbooks specifically designed for this task, some even are made of neoprene with zippers, but more and more people are opting for digital logbooks. Why? There are many reasons:

1. You don’t have to remember to pack it. It is simply an app on your mobile phone.
2. You can share your experience with other divers and enrich yourself with theirs.
3. You will no longer have to chase your dive buddy or instructor to sign your log. Just share it digitally, and voila.
4. With most of these apps, you can sync your dive computer and keep your records up to date without much effort.
5. You can add photos and videos that illustrate the moment.
6. You can get statistics: deepest dive, coldest dive, longest dive, etc.
7. You might even create a bucket list concerning the dives that others share.

Some examples of digital diving logbooks are PADI App, ScubaEarth, Deepblue. Which is your option?