USPA SIM 3-1, in plain language
Do digital logbooks count for USPA licences?
Yes.
USPA allows them explicitly. What matters is what each jump contains, and who signs it.
The short answer
Yes. Each jump needs a signature from someone who saw it.
USPA SIM, Section 3-1
Same bar as paper.
Digital is not a lesser option. It has to meet the same bar, and someone appropriate has to be able to review it.
What every jump must contain
Nine fields. Every jump.
SIM 3-1 wants each one “legibly recorded in chronological order”.
The last one is the part people miss. A signature on its own is not enough: it needs a number that identifies the person who signed.
The fields listed in SIM 3-1.
Who is allowed to sign
It depends on what you claim.
There are two different bars for the jump, and a third for the application.
- Number of jumpsA witness of the jump signs off jumps submitted to meet the number-of-jumps requirement.Licensed skydiverPilotUSPA InstructorExaminerS&TABoard member
- Skill requirementsEverything that is not purely a jump count: accuracy landings, formations, D-licence skill requirements.USPA CoachInstructorExaminerS&TABoard member
- A, B and C licencesVerifying the logbook entries on the application itself.USPA InstructorExaminerS&TABoard member
- D licenceVerifying the logbook entries on the application itself.USPA S&TABoard member
You may not sign for your own licence application, or initial any of its verification blocks.
Your first 500 jumps matter most.
“Skydivers pursuing licenses and ratings must clearly log their first 500 jumps so officials can easily verify them.” SIM 3-1
Moving an old paper history across? Bulk-imported jumps with missing altitudes, freefall times or signatures are exactly the ones an S&TA will stop at. Get the early ones complete.
What this means in practice
Accepted, if it does four things.
- Records all nine fields on every jump.
- Keeps them in chronological order.
- Carries a real signature with an identifying number on each jump used as evidence.
- Can be reviewed by the official verifying your application.
What it cannot be is a jump counter. A number with nobody’s name against it proves nothing at a licence application.
Sign-offs in Manifest
Witnessed, not self‑reported.
Jump records in Manifest are built around SIM 3-1.
- Every jump records the nine fields
- Signed off in person by another licensed jumper
- Their name and licence number stored on the entry
- A signed entry locks, so it cannot be edited afterwards
Source: USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual, Section 3-1, “Licenses”: uspa.org/SIM/3. Requirements change; check the current SIM before submitting an application. This page is a plain-language summary, not official USPA guidance.
Every jump, witnessed.
Manifest is the app for skydivers: loads, 3D replays and every jump, signed off in person.
More: The skydiving app, Live loads, 3D replay, Weather. Own a dropzone? See Manifest Desk.
