After your most recent dive trip has come to an end, you may find yourself at a loss for what to do with yourself. You’re most at home in the comfort of the water, so when you have to head back to the real world (the surface) – and stay there – you’ll no doubt feel out of your element. But don’t let the days fade away until your next dive, make the most of your dry time and keep yourself entertained with these 6 ideas for staying sane:

#1 – Get your paper logbook entries up to date

Besides being an essential activity for recording your training activities, a logbook is the best way to capture the experience of your dive from your point of view. Like a diving scrapbook or journal, a logbook allows you to capture the memories from your trip, as well as any important dive site statistics or equipment configurations which might be handy to refer back to for future dives. You can even add references to your favourite photos, stickers, and print-outs of dive profiles downloaded from your dive computer.

#2 – Edit your profile and dive logs on ScubaEarth

Whether you keep a paper logbook or not, make sure you’re adding your dives to ScubaEarth. You can import dive computer profiles and dive information (or add it manually), add photos and link your dives to ScubaEarth’s map of logged dives around the world. You can even add dives on-the-go using the new PADI mobile app.

Make sure you’ve updated your ScubaEarth profile, too: update your personal information, add your scuba buddies from recent trips, update your equipment details in the gear locker and show off your latest certifications.

#3 – Keep learning new skills with above-water diver training

There are plenty of courses that don’t require getting wet or scuba gear, and these are the perfect way to feed your scuba addiction when you don’t have any in-water sessions planned. Here are some great ideas for PADI dry courses:

• Emergency First Response – get to grips with CPR and First Aid rescue skills
• AWARE Coral Reef Conservation – learn more about preserving the beauty of coral reefs
• Enriched Air Diver – get the low-down on diving with Enriched Air Nitrox
• Emergency Oxygen Provider – learn why, when and how to use emergency oxygen
• Project AWARE Specialist – find out about the ocean environment and how to protect it

Plus, if you’re planning your next PADI certification, don’t forget to sign up for PADI eLearning (Online or Offline)to get head start on the dive theory.

#4 – Get your equipment checked out

Safety first! Take advantage of your time out of the water by keeping your dive equipment properly maintained to prevent any accidents or mishaps on your next dive.

• Have your cylinders, regulators and BCDs tested and serviced, and cleaned for use with oxygen if you plan to use Enriched Air Nitrox
• Check your O-rings and regulator hoses for signs of wear, as well as inspecting your SPG and compass for signs of stresses or fractures
• Replace worn seals on your dry suit and make sure the zip is waxed and working smoothly
• Check the batteries on your computer, dive lights and camera
• Replace clips that may be stiff or going rusty

For more details on what to look out for, and how to care for and repair your own kit, book onto the PADI Equipment Specialist course (look out for the Touch edition coming soon for tablet devices) – another great way to pass time and improve your scuba skills.

#5 – Catalogue your underwater photos

If you’re an aspiring underwater photographer or if you just like snapping the highlights of your dives, you likely have hundreds of unorganised photos sitting on your hard drive gathering virtual dust. Spare time on land is the perfect opportunity to sort through your photo files – tag them, edit them, organise them into albums and finally, print and publish your favourites – you could even post your masterpieces to the PADI Facebook Wall to share with other PADI divers!

#6 – Plan your next dive trip

Swap the time you would usually spend dreaming about your next diving holiday for some actual research time, and start planning your next diving destination. The options are endless and the more time you have to plan, the more elaborate the trip can be! If you’re stuck for ideas, check out ScubaEarth’s Featured Destinations and PADI YouTube Channel to get inspired, or contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort  to see what trips they have on their calendar.