Import dives

GoDive imports dive logs from industry-standard files. Original files are not stored after import — only the parsed dive data lands in your logbook.

Supported formats

Format	Extension	Typical source	Dives per file
Garmin	.fit	Garmin Connect App / dive computers (e.g. MK series)	One
MacDive / Universal	.uddf	MacDive, Subsurface, other UDDF 3.2 exporters	One or many

How to import

1. Open Logbook.
2. Tap + → Add activity.
3. Choose Garmin or MacDive / Universal.
4. Review import options (see below).
5. Pick the file in the system file picker.
6. Wait for the progress overlay to finish.

Keep GoDive open during import

Large UDDF files are parsed and saved on a background thread (with a Parsing File step in the progress overlay). Typical imports finish in seconds to a short wait; very large files may still take longer. Stay on the import screen and keep the app in the foreground until the progress overlay finishes. If import is interrupted, GoDive shows an error and does not leave partial dives in your logbook. Files larger than 100 MB are rejected. Reading/parsing a file is capped at about 10 minutes — you’ll see an error if it takes longer.

After a single-dive import, GoDive usually navigates to the new dive. Multi-dive UDDF files show a summary alert (dives imported, duplicates skipped, sites created) — open individual dives from Logbook.

Import options

Before the file picker, you can set:

Create dive sites from import

When on (default for bulk UDDF):

• New site names from the file become Explore sites if no catalog match exists.
• The same import site name reuses one site (so many dives at Judy’s Dream Belair share a single place).
• GPS may link to an existing nearby site when names align.

When off, dives still import but unmatched sites may stay as text on the dive only.

Attach photos from library

When on, GoDive scans your Photos library for images and videos whose capture time falls within each dive window (with a small padding) and attaches them as references — no duplicate copy of the file inside GoDive.

This respects Settings → Auto-upload media to activities as the default; you can override per import.

Turn off for a fast import without PhotoKit access.

Garmin FIT (scuba)

• One scuba diving session per file.
• The session must be recorded as Single-Gas, Multi-Gas, CCR, or Gauge in Garmin Connect. Other FIT activity types (for example snorkel or open-water swim) are rejected with an explanation — use New Snorkel Activity for those.
• Imports depth profile, temperatures, tank pressure when present, gas mix, GPS entry point, and summary stats.
• Buddy names from the file join your buddy roster when possible.

Garmin FIT (snorkel)

• One snorkel or open-water swim session per file (Garmin Snorkel or Open Water swim).
• Scuba dive FIT files are rejected — import those from New Dive Activity instead.

UDDF (including MacDive)

• MacDive exports often contain many dives in one .uddf file.
• Tap MacDive Import on the options screen for a step-by-step guide inside the app, then Import MacDive Data on the last step.
• Imports profile samples, tank data, buddies, and site names per UDDF mapping.

MacDive scope

Bulk UDDF import brings in dives and related dive fields only. MacDive photos, equipment locker, and certifications in the export file are not imported in the current MVP.

Duplicate detection

GoDive blocks importing the same dive twice when:

• The same source dive ID appears again, or
• Time, depth, and duration closely match an existing dive (including across FIT vs UDDF).

Skipped duplicates appear in the bulk import summary. Logbook may label suspicious pairs Possible duplicate — there is no merge tool yet.

After import

• Single dive or snorkel FIT — GoDive opens that activity’s detail screen.
• Bulk UDDF — After the summary alert, GoDive opens the newest imported dive by date.
• If nothing new was imported (for example, every dive was a duplicate), you return to the logbook list.

Dive numbers after import

New dives receive the next dive number in sequence. If Automatically renumber dives is on, the full logbook renumbers chronologically after import.

What gets imported

Typical fields include:

• Start time and timezone hints
• Max / average depth, duration, bottom time
• Water temperature
• Ascent rate and NDL samples on the profile chart
• Tank pressure series and gas mix
• SAC / RMV when calculable
• Site name, GPS, buddies

Fields missing from your file simply stay empty in GoDive.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Things to try
File grayed out in picker	Ensure extension is .fit or .uddf
Import fails immediately	File may be corrupt, wrong activity type (dive vs snorkel), or unsupported dive mode
No photos attached	Enable attach option; grant Photos access; check capture times overlap the dive window
Wrong local time on UDDF	GoDive applies watch-specific rules for Garmin vs Suunto-style timestamps
Site not on map	Link or add a site from dive detail; confirm import included coordinates
Import stopped when I left the app	Re-import the file; keep GoDive open on the import screen until the overlay finishes

Manual entry

Choose Manual entry on Add activity to create a dive without a file. The blue New dive sheet asks for date and an optional dive site (Cancel / Done). You can fill location, conditions, tank info, and buddies yourself afterward; profile chart appears when you add samples or dive without import constraints.