I’ve been a scuba diver since 1996 (yes, last century!) and I’ve spent a lot of time underwater. I’ve also spent many hours complaining about the design and content of existing logbooks for scuba divers.
They don’t have enough (or have too much) room for descriptions; they devote far too much of the page to information I don’t want to record (or too little for fields I require); the design of the interior leaves a lot to be desired, and the covers are just plain boring.
As well as being a keen diver, I’m also a graphic designer specialising in publishing, ideally qualified to design logbooks for scuba divers. Finally, I have got round to doing so.
This is the one I use (photo taken on location in Filitheyo, Faafu Atoll, Maldives):
Most existing logbooks are very fussy and not user-friendly. My mantra is ‘simplicity is the essence of good design’ and I have put this into practice with clear, easy to read (and fill out) interior layouts and pared-back covers that convey the feeling of descending at the beginning of a dive.
The title page has fields for all the personal info you might want to share. There is space on every interior page to add dive data, note your description of the dive, add drawings and receive a stamp from a dive centre. (Scroll to the bottom of this post to see which data fields are included.)
Hardback or paperback logbooks?
I admit, hardback logbooks are a lot more expensive to produce and buy, but logbooks have to survive being thrown around on boats, covered in sand and sunscreen on the beach, being passed round in the bar after a good day’s diving. This casebound logbook is fit for purpose.
Detailed description or short notes?
I like to write an essay after each dive: when I reread the description it takes me right back to that place of wonder. However, not everybody does, and for those of you who who prefer to be brief, I have designed a 2-dives per page logbook.
Paperback versions, which are budget-friendly, are also available.
Where can I buy one?
If you would like to purchase one of these books, you can do so here:
1-dive per page
Scuba Diving Log Book designed by divers | 100 dives | paperback
Scuba Diving Log Book designed by divers | 100 dives | hardback
2-dives per page
Scuba Diving Log Book designed by divers | 200 dives | paperback
Scuba Diving Log Book designed by divers | 200 dives | hardback
If you would like to purchase 10 copies for your dive club, please contact me for a discount rate.
The one-page per dive hardback and paperback logbooks for scuba divers contain these fields
Date
Dive number
Boat name
Location
Launch site
Cylinder type and size
Suit details
Weight used
Air consumption
Gas mix
Weather
Sea state
Time in, time out, dive time, stops, total time
Maximum depth
Visibility
Water temperature
The two-page per dive hardback and paperback logbooks for scuba divers contain these fields
Date
Dive number
Boat name and launch site
Dive site
Cylinder type and size
Suit details
Weight used
Air consumption
Gas mix
Time in, time out, dive time, stops, total time
Maximum depth
Visibility
Water temperature
About the author
Annette Peppis leads the team at Peppis Designworks, a creative hub of established publishing industry experts who create books, branding, marketing material and design templates for leading publishers and businesses. Keep in touch by subscribing to her occasional emails.
