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We review Diveproof’s Waterproof Log Book

We review Diveproof’s Waterproof Log Book

Let’s talk about scuba diving log books. My first logbook was small and simple; just date, location, depth & duration. Like most newbie divers, I got it from the Dive Centre during my OW course not giving much thought to the layout or design. It was pretty much destroyed after 25 dives, due solely to water damage. My second logbook didn’t fare much better. So I needed a new one..

I asked online for recommendations and most people suggested digital apps. But I love writing in journals, prefer books to kindles and enjoy the ritual of sitting down after a dive, filling in my log book, looking at other peoples, and swapping information and stories. I may take a few photos on the boat, but as much as possible I like my dive days to be technology free.

So, when I heard about Diveproof – water resistant logbook designed by scuba instructors, I was pretty excited! Skeptical, but excited!

Diveproof Log Books

When it arrived and I looked at the contents I genuinely felt like this logbook had been tailor made for me.

Aesthetically, it’s beautiful. Simple white background, black writing; with watercolour style pictures in a variety of blues & greens. Of course functionality is the most important feature, but why not write in something you love to look at as well?

Diveproof Log Books

All essential pages are included; personal information, qualification details, equipment checklist, a bucket list page, a slip-page to put your dive certification cards, and even a map of the world. The almost non-existent blank areas of my last log books meant the covers and borders of pages were covered in scribbles of dive destination and equipment recommendations, but the DiveProof Log books provide spare note pages at the back. Fabulous. And the map? Not only can you mark where you’ve been, but it’s perfect for being shown where exactly that must go-to dive sight with an unpronounceable name, off a small island that you’ve never heard of is.

The information categories are not only comprehensive, but help prepare and prompt you to adjust for further dives. ‘Wetsuit’ is followed by for example, handy tick boxes of ‘hot, cold or perfect.’ ‘Weight’ by ‘over, under and perfect, Next time +/- __________.’ So simple, yet so useful. 

When I first started diving I didn’t log the water temp, or think to even ask, or look at the thickness of my hired wetsuit, and how that affected the weight I needed, so I never logged it, which left me a little clueless later on, ‘but last time I was 5kg and my buoyancy was fine…?!’

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LOUISE'S DIVE LOG

The main log page is laid out really well, with more than enough space for extra comments and underwater critters lists. The small map at the top to mark your location is a cool visual addition, pinpointing exactly where you are at that moment, perhaps reminding you how far, far away from home you are! So, after all this, I still haven’t answered the main question is; Does it work? Is it actually waterproof? And the simple answer? Yes, yes it is. I filled it whilst I was still wet, and it didn’t smudge, and the ink staged on the page.

But how wet were you really? Is it truly waterproof?

Wanting to test its limits, and be confident of my review I took it to the beach, and threw it in the water. Fully submerged I let it float around a while, probably making myself look very strange and stupid to the people sunbathing near me. Despite it passing all the tests so far, I was a little apprehensive, but I had no need to be. It came out wet, intact, and un-smudged. I tried to smudge the writing with my finger, but the ink didn’t budge. (Note, it isn’t designed for you to dive with it, and though it passed my ‘oh crap I just dropped my logbook in the water test’ I wouldn’t recommend trying to destroy it yourself!)

Diveproof Logbooks,

I did also pour beer, tea and ketchup on it. And guess what? They all wiped off no problem. It’s also grease proof and UV resistant. Sat writing under direct 32°C sun made no difference to the colour or feel of the pages. The final test was the tear test. And guess what? It passed. I couldn’t tear the pages, even though I was sure I would be able to. They may look like paper, but they sure don’t react like paper!

The covers can be personalized with your own photo and text, or you can choose from the gorgeous Limited Edition Soulwater collection of photographs. If you already have a PADI or BSAC folder, refill packs are available for those. Standard size is A5, but there are smaller and thinner logbooks to choose from, as well as blank notebooks. Bespoke waterproof stationary can also be ordered, of course not just handy for divers and dive operations but in any industry that would benefit from waterproof record keeping.

If all of this isn’t enough, the Diveproof Logbooks, brainchild of Gemma Thompson, a Master Scuba Diver Trainer with a degree in Environmental Geography, wanted to ensure that not only were they durable and water resistant, but environmentally friendly too. The synthetic paper, not made from trees, uses a manufacturing process that does not emit any ozone threatening emissions and uses very little water. The pages are recyclable, free of toxins and the polyesters can be incinerated safety, potentially even creating a source of energy!  To top if off, there is no single use plastic packaging and logbooks are sent in recyclable mailer boxes.

So, I think you can gather, I’m a huge fan. I can’t fault the product, despite trying to ruin it, and I wouldn’t change any of the contents. It’s a great product, not only completely fit for purpose, but fantastic looking as well at a really reasonable price. Finally, the logbook made just for me… but by someone else.


Weeze

About the Author
Weeze recently moved back to her home town of Hong Kong from London and is looking forward to spending a lot more time underwater in Asia, especially seeking our sharks and exploring wrecks. Advanced level diver who works in Human Rights, Weeze is planning to level up to Divemaster and see where it takes her. Not only does she love to explore the underwater world, but up top too, especially learning about local cultures and social history whilst seeking out vegan ice cream! She writes about her adventures in her blog Weeze x Christina, as well as sharing photos on her Instagram.