What is the purpose of dive logs in scuba diving?

The purpose of dive logs in scuba diving is fundamentally about tracking and documenting dive details, which is essential for improving dive safety and planning future dives. A dive log serves as an official record of various aspects of each dive, including depth, duration, location, and conditions experienced. This information is crucial for divers to assess their experience, understand their own limits, and plan future dives based on previous ones.

Having a documented log enables divers to analyze trends over time, assist in identifying areas for improvement, and ensure they are adequately prepared for different kinds of diving environments in the future. By maintaining detailed records, divers can also evaluate their physical condition and experience level as they progress, making dive logs a valuable tool for both safety and skill acquisition throughout their diving journey.