Table of Contents
- 🤔 1. Do You Need A Scuba Diving Log Book?
- 📖 2. What Is In A Scuba Diver Log Book?
- 🤷♀️ 3. So What Makes A Good Scuba Diving Log Book?
- 📘 4. Our Favorite Scuba Diving Log Books
- ⭐ 5. Reviews – Best Scuba Diving Log Books
- 🔍 6. What Are The Alternatives To Scuba Diving Log Books?
- 📄 7. Printable Log Books
- ❓ 8. Frequently Asked Questions
- 🔚 9. Conclusion
Aren’t log books just so much fun? You get to relive the dive, fiddle with your dive computer and record all that information.
And at the end the day, collecting stamps from dive centers all over the world is always such a pleasure.
Whether it is your first dive, or several hundredth, your scuba diving logbook is an essential record that is often checked by dive shops to verify your dive experience, especially if you’re intending to dive a challenging dive site.
🤔 1. Do You Need A Scuba Diving Log Book?
You’ll need a dive log if you are intending to further your education. For example, you’ll need 40 verified dives to start a divemaster course, and 100 logged dives for the Instructor course.
A dive center might also ask to see dive proof of a certain number of logged dives, especially if they are intending to go to challenging dive sites with say, strong currents. We know of numerous dive centers scattered all around the world that won’t take you to on certain trips unless you have 100 logged dives.
Of course, after logging 100 dives, it is entirely up to you whether you want to keep logging your dives.
Some professional divers may be legally required to keep an up-to-date and full log book, and dive logbooks are often checked prior to employment.
📖 2. What Is In A Scuba Diver Log Book?
Your dive log contains critical information about the dive, and helps you log a record of your experience as a scuba diver. They typically contain information like:
- The date
- Name and location of the dive site
- Max depth
- Average depth
- Dive time (in and out)
- Time underwater
- Tank pressure at the start and end
- Water and surface temperature
- Amount of weight used
- Dive site conditions
- Marine life
- Verification area for divemaster/instructor signature, buddy name, and stamp
🤷♀️ 3. So What Makes A Good Scuba Diving Log Book?
When you’re looking for a dive log, there are a few nifty details you might want to look at.
- The number of log book pages. The more the merrier, but also the bulkier and heavier.
- Water resistance. We have had numerous log books that fall to pieces after getting constantly wet!
- Refill pages. Many log books are bound in a spiral and allow you to switch out new pages with old ones.
- Compact and lightweight. You’re going to bring your dive log along with you on your dive travel so being light is always nice.
If you’re still confused, don’t worry! We’ll do the heavy lifting for you. We’ve seen and used countless log books for all our students, and we’re happy to share with you our favorites!
📘 4. Our Favorite Scuba Diving Log Books
- Best Overall: PADI Refill Log Book – Red by Padi
- Best Custom Log Book: PADI Diver’s Blue Log and Training Record (70047) Rev. 3.0
- Best Water Resistant Binder: Dive Logz Binder
- Best Travel Log Book: Log Book Low Profile Mini Binder Scuba Diving Dive Flag
- Environmental-Friendly Design: Dive Log (SCUBA Logbook with 100 Entries)
- Modern Design: Dive Log Book – Scuba Diving Planner
- Great for Avid Divers: Travel-Friendly Scuba Logbook With Protective Sleeve
| Product |  PADI Refill Log Book |  Dive Proof Log Book |  Scuba Diving Log Binder |  Travel Size Scuba Diving Log Binder |  Custom Dive Log Book by RRRUSHA |  Loose-Leaf Dive Log by Lettucetory |  Grungy Diver Down Flag Lettering Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th |
| Ratings | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price | $ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $ |
| Size | 6 x 8 x 1 inches | 7.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches | 5 ½ x 8 in | 4 1/2 x 6 3/4 in | 5.25-inch x 8-inchn | 6 x 9 in | 4 x 6 in |
| No. of Dives | 50 | n/a | 50 | 70 | 100 | 100 | 40 |
| Waterproof? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
⭐ 5. Reviews – Best Scuba Diving Log Books
PADI Refill Log Book – Red by Padi
| Size | 6 x 8 x 1 inches |
| No. of Dives | 50 |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Price | $ |
No matter where your diving adventures take you, it’s essential to document your diving experiences. Ensure you keep a record of all your dives and have your logbook with you during your diving vacations. The traditional PADI paper-backed logbook, which is typically red, serves the purpose of recording your dives. Your logbook acts as concrete evidence that you possess the qualifications needed to turn your adventure dives into reality.
PADI Diver’s Blue Log and Training Record (70047) Rev. 3.0
| Size | 7.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches |
| No. of Dives | n/a |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Price | $ |
This logbook features dedicated pages that span from the initial Open Water Diver certification all the way through to the prestigious Master Scuba Diver qualification. The content is presented in full color and printed on high-quality, non-smear recycled paper, ensuring that your records are both vivid and environmentally friendly. Additionally, it includes a handy equipment checklist, making it even more practical for divers to keep track of their gear and their progress in the world of scuba diving.
Dive Logz Binder
| Size | 5 ½ x 8 in |
| No. of Dives | 50 |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Price | $$ |
Elevating the traditional dive binder to new heights, this exceptional binder offers a wealth of impressive attributes. With its modern and streamlined design, it goes beyond the ordinary, setting a high standard for divers who seek excellence. Furthermore, its water-resistant properties add an extra layer of functionality, making it an ideal choice for discerning divers who demand nothing but the best in their equipment and accessories. Dive into the future of organization with this outstanding dive binder!
Log Book Low Profile Mini Binder Scuba Diving Dive Flag
| Size | 9.5″L x 6.5″W |
| No. of Dives | 70 |
| Waterproof? | No |
| Price | $$ |
Revolutionary Mini Binder Log Book with 3 Rings – The zippered 3-ring binder is specially designed to accommodate log inserts and includes convenient slots for cards and pens. It also features a quick-snap closure for securing your keys. The log book inserts consist of 66 pages and come included with the binder. The front cover proudly displays the Dive Flag emblem, and the overall dimensions of this innovative log book are 6.5″ x 9.5″.
Dive Log (SCUBA Logbook with 100 Entries, Imperial/Metric Conversion Tables, Hand Signal Review, Equipment & Goals Checklist, World Map)
| Size | 5.25-inch x 8-inch |
| No. of Dives | 100 |
| Waterproof? | No |
| Price | $$ |
- SCUBA record / Log entry pages: 100
- Logbook dimensions: 5.25-inch x 8-inch
- Paperback cover
This dive log caters to novices and seasoned divers alike. Documenting your underwater adventures offers not only a valuable reference tool but also a contemplative diary where you can record details about your dive conditions, personal statistics, and cherished memories.
Within this log, you’ll find imperial and metric conversion tables that come in handy when you’re exploring different dive locations. These tables facilitate conversions, such as Celsius to Fahrenheit, meters to feet, and bar to psi.
The log also features a blank world map where you can mark your dream dive destinations and trace your exploration journey. Additionally, you’ll discover a section on basic hand signals to jog your memory before you plunge into your next aquatic expedition.
Dive Log Book – Scuba Diving Planner | 100 Dive Log Book | Certified Diver Journal
| Size | 6 x 9 in |
| No. of Dives | 100 |
| Waterproof? | No |
| Price | $ |
One for the avid divers!
Every bit of dive data is meticulously structured to mirror the actual diving encounter. Capture details like wave height, currents, and underwater turbulence. Additionally, there are dedicated notes sections equipped with graphing paper to securely store vital personal and potentially life-saving medical information, ensuring quick and effortless access when needed. Ideal for divers of all proficiency levels, whether you’re a novice, intermediate, advanced, technical, recreational, or a charter diver.
Travel-Friendly Scuba Logbook With Protective Sleeve
| Size | 4 x 6 in |
| No. of Dives | 40 |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
| Price | $ |
This is a perfect little dive log made by a small, woman-owned business. Protective water-resistant sleeve protects the paper book that allows you to log up to 40 dives.
A cute 4 x 6 inches in size, the travel-friendly book includes a dive gear checklist, goal list, and space for dive log highlights.
The only downside that after frequent use, the sleeve can tear.
🔍 6. What Are The Alternatives To Scuba Diving Log Books?
Now that you have all our favorite scuba diving log books, we’ll let you in on a little secret. With some creativity and DIY-know-how, you can have any design of your log book you want!
Scuba diving log books are an extremely intimate piece of your dive life and should be tailored exactly to your personal preference.
It will record some of your most fun times, and be your travel companion on all your dive trips, so custom make something you are completely in love with!
📄 7. Printable Log Books
If you don’t need a waterproof book, or a binder, you can download printable diving log books and use them on traditional paper.
Downloadable dive logs come in a plethora of designs and have numerous combinations of fields that you can pick and choose from.
Some are downloadable free of charge, while there is a small cost associated with others.
You can even download separate pages and make yourself a log book with different designs that are exactly how you want it to look.
Print as many pages as you want! Then when you dive a bunch and run out of room, simply swap them out with a new design or designs of your choice.
DIY Logbooks
Now if you truly get adventurous, you can always design your own printable logbook, bind it, and presto! You got yourself a DIY log that you created totally on your own.
Designing your logbook is easier than you think, and as an added benefit, you can change it anytime you want.
Pro Tip: For the avid scuba diver and if you aren’t a big writer and only want to use the logbook to record key information, you can squeeze two dives onto a page, so you’ll have to switch out the pages less often.
❓ 8. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Diving Log Book?
New divers should always log their dives. Dive centers often ask new divers to show a record of their training, and for many courses, there are a prerequisite number of dives you’ll need before starting them.
For example, you’ll need 60 dives for divemaster training, and 100 dives for instructor training.
Also, logging your dives is a lot of fun. You’ll be able to read it in the future and bring back some memories. However, after hundreds of dives, you might get tired of logging your dives!
What Do You Look For In A Log Book?
Most dive log books come with similar information like time in/out, air, dive site, date, and your dive information.
In addition, look for durability (dive logs take a beating!), the ability to refill and change pages, number of dives it can contain, and its weight if you’re intending to travel for diving.
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🔚 9. Conclusion
Logging your dives is a great idea, especially for beginners.
We hope that we’ve provided you with enough information to continue your dive journey.
Thanks for reading and happy bubbles!
