Your dive logbook is a record of your dive history and training but how to approach your log depends on what fits you. Your logbook can be a detailed oriented tool for the science of a citizen or a fast and easy spreadsheet on his computer.

Almost all dive operators will request from you a proof of your certification and also will want to know the level of experience you have. The easiest way to get this information is by flipping through the diver’s log book to see how he records his experiences in the real world. They are usually looking for the depth, length, temperature and type of scuba Dives. 

To scuba dive in Malpeli Island in Columbia, you need an advanced open Water certification in addition to 50 logged Dives. If you are looking to dive on a liveaboard, an advanced open water and enriched air nitrox certifications are required. 

On the other hand, diving in the Arctic and Antarctica needs a diver having a good experience in cold-water diving and also a drysuit certification.

Log for Your Memories

You might think that you will never forget your fantastic Dives, but unfortunately memories can fail. By recording all your experiences, your dive log can be like a reference tool by it, you can return to any place where you have enjoyed.

When you have a record of your prefered dive destinations and a list of incredible marine creatures you saw there. You can find the same animals somewhere and even make comparisons based on the previous documentation. 

When planning to visit tropical destinations, such as Indonesia or Philippines, you can ask for help from the records of travel operators or the other experienced divers to go to certain spots to witness different creatures. 

If you want to practice muck diving, you should go to Anilao or Lambeh Strait. If you are looking for stunning coral reefs, the best choice for you is Raja Ampat. 

The season you are diving in also affect sightings of many marine life, such as cephalopods, for example:

• Flamboyant cuttlefish, the blue ringed octopus and the wonderpus can be seen in huge numbers at certain times of year. 
• Pygmy horses can only be seen living on a special type of gorgonian. 
• You can see the purple hair squat lobsters on one of the cracks of the big barrel sponges.

All these are considered notable specifics that you can note in your log book to ingrain your knowledge and return to it to help you find what you are searching for in the future.

Log for Science

Your dive log book will not only help you, but also can benefit scientists that can use your data. Many migratory marine species including mantas, humpback whales and whale sharks can be identified from the images. 

You can upload the photos from your log book to citizen science websites to support science and conservation work.

What to Be Included in Your Dive Log Book

You will need to record the exposure suit, the equipment in addition to the amount of weight you have used. Changing your equipment and locations can affect your air consumption and buoyancy control.

The accurate record of the previous information will help you in the future to decide how to weigh yourself in different places. It’s important to include dive gear purchases in your dive log book in order to track maintenance requirements of the service.

The Pro Tip

Buying a computer with an app for diving that is designed for your phone will help you a lot. You will be amazed when recording the information in real time. Install a dive app that enables you to record notes easily, like gear maintenance dates. 

It’s important to keep track of the changes in the battery and ensure your gear is functioning properly. Remember that numbers don’t lie, ensure to review the ascent rates in addition to ending gas pressures to learn what to do to become both a better and safer scuba diver.