Lesson 101

Lesson Four: Log Books and eLogs

Course Complete

We will talk about other types of gear

By the end of this section, I should be able to answer these questions:

1. Why do I log my dives?

2. What options can I choose from when selecting a dive log? What information do I typically record, at a minimum, regardless of which
I choose?

Log Books and eLogs

As part of your diver training, your instructor has you log your dives and signs your log. This is important for validating the training you receive. It’s recommended that you continue your log after you’re certified, for several reasons.

Reference – Logged dives provide information to make planning subsequent dives easier. You can reference notes about dive sites, as well as your equipment. For example, if it has been a while since you wore your exposure suit in fresh water, you can check your logbook instead of having to figure out your required weight again.

Documentation – Upper training levels often require documentation of certain types and numbers of dives. Your log provides this record.

Onsite experience reference – Some dive operators want to know where you’ve been diving, how often and so on, so they can assist you better with the diving they offer. It’s easier to provide complete information with a log.

To share – At PADI Club® and in other online communities, divers inform each other about dive sites. Posting your logged information helps other divers, and their information helps you, when choosing future dive sites.

Related information – Besides recording your dives, use your log to keep other information you may want when diving, including local emergency contact information for sites you dive frequently, as well as phone numbers and websites for dive buddies, gear manufacturers, dive resorts, your instructor, etc. Many divers also log GPS coordinates or addresses for dive boats or shore dive sites, and their equipment serial numbers and service dates.

Paper Logbooks and eLogs

You can choose from paper logbooks and electronic logs (elogs) to record your dive information. Paper logbooks range in size and in the information you record, so compare different log pages for blank space, tick boxes, etc.

Scuba diving is safe and fun but know the rules

The PADI Diver’s log has special pages for logging training dives separately from nontraining dives. Choose a log that matches how you’ll use it – with space for lots of details, or a smaller log with check boxes and fill-in blanks.

There are many types of eLogs available, most of which use click boxes and a few type-in fields. You can fill them out quickly, and many divers like having their information “in the cloud” where they can access it anywhere. You can choose from eLog programs or apps for your PC or tablet.

Some dive computers have special software that allows you to download dive information. With these, you may only need to enter the dive site name and interest notes – the dive data upload automatically. These programs have become more standardized and compatible, so that you can sometimes upload from your PC/tablet-based elog to an online log. This lets you keep both online and PC/tablet versions easily, and because you can print entries, for maximum convenience, some divers keep elogs and paper logs.