Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

SH270: Safe diving starts from the system. Not from the human.

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores how accidents in diving and other high-risk jobs are often blamed on individuals, even when the real causes are deeper problems in the system, such as pressure, poor communication, lack of support, broken procedures, and unsafe cultures. Using real examples from rescue diving, healthcare, aviation, and emergency services, it shows how “blame cultures” create fear, silence, and hidden mistakes, which makes future accidents more likely. In contrast, “learning cultures” focus on understanding how systems shape behaviour, encourage people to speak up, and treat mistakes as chances to learn rather than punish. The message is clear and practical: safety improves when organisations build trust, psychological safety, and open reporting, so problems can be fixed before they turn into tragedies — because you can’t fix what people are too afraid to talk about.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/safe-diving-starts-from-the-system-not-from-the-human

Links: Report about the search operation (in Polish): https://www.trojmiasto.pl/wiadomosci/Zarzuty-za-smierc-strazaka-Zginal-podczas-poszukiwan-Grzegorza-B-n203080.html

When CRM isn’t implemented (in Polish): https://remiza.pl/nik-grupy-psp-potrzebuja-wsparcia-a-system-reform/

2025 Mid-air collision: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Potomac_River_mid-air_collision#

Blog about the reasons for undertaking an investigation: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/what-is-the-purpose-of-an-investigation

Blameless post mortems: https://sre.google/sre-book/postmortem-culture/

Tags: English| Learning, Incidents & Just Culture

SH269: What Is the Purpose of an Investigation in Diving?

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at how diving accidents are often explained in simple ways that blame individuals, instead of exploring the deeper systems and pressures that shape what really happens. It explains that investigations are not just about facts, but about meaning, comfort, and fear after someone has died, which often leads to stories that focus on “human error” instead of learning. Using real examples, it shows how simple explanations may feel reassuring, but they don’t make diving safer. Real prevention comes from understanding how people, training, culture, pressure, equipment, and organisations interact in complex ways. The key message is that safety doesn’t come from finding someone to blame — it comes from changing the conditions that shape decisions and behaviour, so future dives are genuinely safer, not just easier to explain.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/what-is-the-purpose-of-an-investigation

Links: Dekker’s four competing purposes: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1463922X.2014.955554

Fatal maritime collision investigation: https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/collision-between-ro-ro-passenger-vessel-scottish-viking-and-prawn-trawler-homeland-off-st-abb-s-head-scotland-with-loss-of-1-life

Non-fatal maritime collision investigation: https://dmaib.com/reports/2014/kraslava-and-atlantic-lady-collision-on-1-november-2014

Blog about Linnea Mills: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/linnea-mills-death-hf-systems-lens

If Only… documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Learning from Emergent Outcomes course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfeo

References:

Dekker: The psychology of accident investigation: epistemological, preventive, moral and existential meaning-making. 2015. Another link. https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/items/d0de2c1f-08f8-43b2-9d30-2a4ff6baea09/full

MAIB Report: https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/collision-between-ro-ro-passenger-vessel-scottish-viking-and-prawn-trawler-homeland-off-st-abb-s-head-scotland-with-loss-of-1-life

DMAIB Report: https://dmaib.com/reports/2014/kraslava-and-atlantic-lady-collision-on-1-november-2014

A fellow graduate from Lund University wrote about this “Why do we ask why? Finding meaning after a violent loss.”

Tags: English| Learning, Incidents & Just Culture

SH268: The Hidden Cost of "Never Show Weakness": Why Hiding Instructor Errors Undermines Dive Safety

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This blog explains why hiding mistakes in diving training and leadership is dangerous, and why honesty builds safer, stronger teams. Using real examples from military service and diving, it shows that when leaders admit errors, teams learn faster, trust each other more, and make better decisions. When mistakes are hidden, people stop asking questions, small problems become normal, and serious risks grow over time. The article introduces the idea of psychological safety — creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up, admit mistakes, and challenge unsafe actions without fear. It argues that real credibility comes from honesty, not pretending to be perfect. By encouraging openness, shared responsibility, and learning instead of blame, dive teams can prevent accidents, improve performance, and build a culture where safety, trust, and learning come first.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/the-hidden-cost-of-never-show-weakness-why-hiding-instructor-errors-undermines-dive-safety

Tags: English| Sense-making, Decision-making, & Psychology

SH267: “Diver's depression” It's time to tackle stigma and taboos

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores the link between diving, mental health, and trust, showing that anxiety, depression, and therapy are common parts of normal life and are also present in the diving community. Many divers hide mental health challenges or medication use because they fear judgment, exclusion, or losing opportunities, which actually makes diving less safe. The key message is that safety underwater depends more on trust between people than on equipment, and that honesty and psychological safety in a dive team allow divers to support each other properly. The episode explains that common treatments like antidepressants are not the real risk — the real danger comes from silence, stigma, and poor communication. It also highlights how diving can improve mental wellbeing, helping people feel calm, focused, and connected. Overall, the message is simple: openness about mental health is not weakness — it’s responsibility, professionalism, and an important part of keeping each other safe underwater.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/diver-s-depression-it-s-time-to-tackle-stigma-and-taboos

Sources

St Leger Dowse, M. et al. (2019) – Diving and mental health: The potential benefits and risks from a survey of recreational scuba divers.A study of 729 recreational divers in the UK shows that divers have similar levels of mental health problems to the general population, with as many as 90% reporting an improvement in their well-being thanks to diving.Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal
Morgan, A. et al. (2019) – Can scuba diving offer therapeutic benefit to military veterans…An analysis of the Deptherapy UK program for veterans, confirming the therapeutic effects of diving in the treatment of PTSD and psychological trauma.Disability and Rehabilitation Journal
Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) – How Scuba Diving & SUDS Help War Veterans.Description of a therapeutic program in which diving helps war veterans regain their mental and physical balance.sudsdiving.org
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) – Diving Medical Guidance to the Physician (2023).The latest medical guidelines on diving, psychotropic drugs, and mental health.uhms.org
World Health Organization (WHO) – Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates (2022).Epidemiological data showing that approximately 25% of adults worldwide experience mental disorders.who.int
Gascon, M. et al. (2015) – Mental health benefits of long-term exposure to blue spaces.A review of research on the positive effects of aquatic environments (“blue spaces”) on mental health.International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
White, M. P. et al. (2010) – Blue space: The importance of water for preference, affect, and restorativeness ratings.A study confirming that being in a water environment has a strong relaxing effect and reduces stress. Journal of Environmental Psychology

Tags: - english andrzej górnicki

SH266: A Review of 2025. Looking Forward to 2026.

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks back on a big year for Human Factors in Diving and shares what The Human Diver community has achieved, along with what’s coming next. It highlights how real change in diving doesn’t come from new gear or technology, but from learning, reflection, and improving how people think, communicate, and make decisions. The episode celebrates global training programmes, online courses, podcasts, blogs, and free resources that have helped thousands of divers grow their skills and awareness. It also looks ahead to new projects, including international events, new learning programmes, and wider access to training in 2026. The core message is simple: progress comes from consistent learning, honest self-reflection, and small daily improvements — being better than yesterday, not perfect today.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/a-review-of-2025-looking-forward-to-2026-2597

Links: Courses: HFiD: Essentials, HFiD: Applied Skills, Masterclass series

HF in Diving Conference

Learning from Emergent Outcomes (LFEO)

Ambassador network (sign up here: https://www.thehumandiver.com/partner-mandated-instructor-application)

YouTube channel

Get in touch

Tags: English| Learning, Incidents & Just Culture

SH265: Analysis from a Human Factors Perspective - Cave Double Fatality: Calimba 2004

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at a real cave diving tragedy and uses it to explain how accidents often happen because of human thinking, not just broken rules or bad equipment. Instead of focusing on blame, it shows how choices made underwater can seem logical at the time, even when they lead to disaster. The episode explores key ideas like awareness, decision-making, teamwork, leadership, and psychological safety, and explains how stress, distraction, group pressure, and complex plans can affect how people think and act. It also highlights why good briefings, open communication, and honest debriefs matter, and why teams must feel safe to speak up and challenge decisions. The main message is that safer diving comes from understanding human behaviour, learning without blame, and building strong teams that plan well, communicate clearly, and adapt when things don’t go as expected.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/analysis-from-a-human-factors-perspective-cave-double-fatality-calimba-2004

Links: Blueprint for Survival: https://nsscds.org/blueprint-for-survival/

Identifying lessons and learning from them vs blame and punishment: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-or-learn

online resources that have a compendium of reports on cave diving fatalities:

CREER https://creer-mx.com/accident-incident-analysis/

NSS-CDS https://nsscds.org/accident-analysis/

IUCRR - https://iucrr.org/more/accident-analysis/incident-reports/

Jenny’s blog “Incompetent and Unaware”: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware

YouTube channel: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-for-dummies-part-1-human-factors

Tags: - english accident analysis cave diving lanny vogel

SH264: Teamwork in Diving: The Power of Clear Roles & Task Division

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explains that real teamwork in diving is much more than just staying close to your buddy. Using a real incident where a diver tried to handle a serious problem alone, it shows how this can create new risks for the whole team. The key idea is that strong teams are built through clear roles, planning, and communication, not luck. When everyone knows who is responsible for things like navigation, monitoring the group, managing equipment, or handling problems, dives run more smoothly and safely. The episode highlights how assigning roles before a dive, confirming them in the briefing, and learning from them in the debrief helps reduce confusion, stress, and mistakes. The main message is simple: good teamwork doesn’t happen by accident — it is created through clear planning, shared responsibility, and learning together after every dive.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/teamwork-in-diving-the-power-of-clear-roles-task-division

Links: Blogs about leadership: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-leadership-creating-the-space-for-others-to-be-heard

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-diving-professional-leadership-is-not-optional

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-leadership-and-followership

SH263: The desperate need for blame

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode tells the story of a calm, well-planned dive that still ended with an unexpected case of decompression sickness, and uses it to explore how people react when things go wrong. Even when the dive was conservative, the team experienced, and everything seemed to be done “right,” a diver still became unwell — showing that not all risks can be controlled or explained. The episode looks at our natural need to find someone or something to blame after accidents, and how this search for causes often comes from fear, not facts. It explains how people try to protect their sense of safety by creating simple explanations, even when reality is uncertain and complex. The core message is that true safety in diving doesn’t come from believing we can control everything, but from accepting uncertainty, staying humble, learning from events without blame, and building resilience, awareness, and reflection into every dive.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/desperate-need-for-blame

Resources:

Dekker, S., ’t Hart, P. (2010). Judgment and decision making in complex systems.
Mezulis et al. (2004). A meta-analytic review of self-serving attribution bias.
Baumeister (1999). Self-concept, self-esteem, and self-deception.
Reason, J. (1990). Human Error.
Dekker, S. (2014). The Field Guide to Understanding 'Human Error'.
Skinner, E. (1996). A guide to constructs of control.
Rotter, J. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement.
Lerner, M. (1980). The Belief in a Just World: A Fundamental Delusion.
Hafer & Bègue (2005). The Belief in a Just World and Reactions to Innocent Victims.
Ross, L. (1977). The intuitive psychologist and his shortcomings.
Jones & Harris (1967). The attribution of attitudes.

Tags: English| Sense-making, Decision-making, & Psychology

SH262: So what can we do? The Practical Steps/Tools for Bringing HF/NTS into Diving

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explains how Non-Technical Skills (NTS) and Human Factors in Diving (HFiD) only work when they become part of everyday diving culture, not just a course or a checklist. Real safety comes from how divers think, communicate, make decisions, and work as teams, not just from technical skills or equipment. It highlights the importance of shared language, reducing hierarchy, encouraging people to speak up, honest debriefs, and creating psychological safety so divers feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns. For teams and dive centres, this means building strong technical foundations, teaching communication and decision-making skills, talking openly about risk versus reward, and making reflection and learning part of daily practice. The key message is that safer diving comes from habits, culture, and behaviour over time — not one-off training — where teams learn together, support each other, and keep working to be better than yesterday.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/the-practical-ways-of-bringing-hf-nts-into-diving

Links: Last weeks blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/would-you-speak-up-to-the-commander

Behavioural Marker Scheme

Building psychological safety blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Nic Emery’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know

DEBrIEF framework: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags: English| Operations & Procedures

SH261: “Would you speak up to the Commander?” - “No. They already know” - Making changes to your team's diving

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores why real learning in diving is harder than buying new gear or following checklists. It explains how divers, like firefighters and oil and gas workers, often struggle to change habits, question tradition, and speak up in teams, even when something feels wrong. The problem isn’t a lack of training or information, but culture — things like hierarchy, fear of blame, and not feeling safe to challenge more experienced people. The key message is that safer diving doesn’t come from more equipment or more rules, but from better communication, shared learning, honest debriefs, and strong non-technical skills like teamwork, awareness, and decision-making. Real change only happens when these behaviours become everyday habits, not one-off courses, and when teams create an environment where people feel safe to learn, ask questions, and improve together.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/would-you-speak-up-to-the-commander

Links: If Only… documentary and workbook: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

2026 HFiD: Conference: https://www.hf-in-diving-conference.com/

Nic’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know

Scuba Adventures, TX: https://www.scubaplano.com/

TekDeep Asia: https://tekdeep.com/author/marccrane/

Part 2: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-practical-ways-of-bringing-hf-nts-into-diving

Tags: English| Operations & Procedures

SH260: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers: Decision Making. To manage risk, we have to be exposed to uncertainty and harm

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at the limits of planning and equipment in technical and cave diving, and explains why true safety comes from adaptability, not control. Using a powerful real-life cave diving story, it shows how even the best plans can fail, and how survival often depends on calm thinking, core skills, and the ability to solve problems when things go wrong. The key idea is that risk can’t be removed from diving — it can only be managed — and focusing only on gear and procedures can create a false sense of security. Real safety comes from strong fundamentals, simple systems, realistic training, and learning how to stay calm and think clearly under pressure. The message is clear: the safest divers aren’t the ones with the most equipment or the most detailed plans, but the ones with the skills, mindset, and resilience to adapt when the unexpected happens.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/top-tips-for-technical-cave-divers-decision-making-to-manage-risk-we-have-to-be-exposed-to-uncertainty-and-harm

Tags: English| Education & Content Type

SH259: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers: Situation Awareness. Risk Perception is a critical skill - Experience Doesn’t Equal Judgement

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode challenges the idea that more experience automatically means safer diving. Using research from aviation and real diving examples, it shows that what really matters is not how many dives you’ve done, but how you see and understand risk. Two people can face the same situation and make very different choices, not because of skill, but because of how dangerous it feels to them. The key message is that experience without reflection can lead to complacency, where risky behaviour starts to feel normal. Safer divers are the ones who think about their decisions, talk openly with their team, learn from near-misses and “no-go” choices, and keep questioning what feels routine. True competence comes from awareness, reflection, and honest communication, not just time underwater or the number of dives in a logbook.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/top-tips-for-technical-cave-divers-situation-awareness-risk-perception-is-a-critical-skill-experience-doesn-t-equal-judgement

Links: Normalisation of deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Drinkwater, J. L., & Molesworth, B. R. C. (2010). Pilot see, pilot do: Examining the predictors of pilots’ risk management behaviour. Safety Science, 48(10), 1445–1451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2010.07.001

Tags: English| Education & Content Type

SH258: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers: Psychological Safety and Just Culture

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores how everyday conversations between divers, even simple small talk, play a powerful role in building trust and safety. It introduces the idea of the “Communication Triangle,” showing how teams move from polite, surface-level talk to deeper, more honest communication that allows people to speak up, share concerns, and admit mistakes. Using real diving examples, it shows how accidents are often caused not by lack of skill, but by people not feeling safe enough to say something. The core message is simple: strong diving teams are built through open communication, trust, and psychological safety, where everyone feels able to speak honestly. When divers move beyond politeness and build real connection, decision-making improves, learning grows, and safety becomes a natural result.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/top-tips-for-technical-cave-divers-psychological-safety-and-just-culture

Tags: English| Education & Content Type

SH257: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers: Performance Influencing Factors - Even the best of us are only human

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Technical diving often looks like it’s all about planning, rules, and equipment, but the biggest risk factor is still the human. This episode explores how “Performance Influencing Factors” (PIFs) like fatigue, stress, environment, team pressure, and mental overload can affect even experienced divers, sometimes without them realising it. Using a real dive story, it shows how small human issues can stack up and lead to mistakes, even when procedures are followed. The key message is that safe technical diving isn’t just about good gear and checklists, it’s about self-awareness, teamwork, honest communication, and planning for human error. When divers understand their limits, support each other, and build safety margins into every dive, they don’t just dive better — they dive safer.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/top-tips-for-technical-divers-performance-influencing-factors-even-the-best-of-us-are-only-human

Links: Showing vulnerability: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-challenge-of-psychological-safety

Normalisation of Deviance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalization-of-deviance-risk-how-socially-accepted-drift-can-impact-your-diving

Tags: English| Education & Content Type

SH256: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers – Leadership

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at the idea that all technical divers are leaders, even if they don’t see themselves that way, because their experience, behaviour, and decisions influence others in the water. Leadership in diving isn’t about giving orders; it’s about building trust, staying calm, communicating clearly, and creating an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up. The discussion explains how leadership roles in technical diving can change during a dive and highlights key qualities of good leaders, such as technical competence, good decision-making, strong situation awareness, and leading by example. It also shares practical tips, like fostering psychological safety, being consistent with procedures, understanding and explaining the reasons behind decisions, and always trying to improve. The main message is simple: as a technical diver, you are a role model, and by being the diver you would want to follow, you can help your whole team dive more safely and effectively.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-technical-cave-divers-leadership

Tags: - english cave diving human factors lanny vogel leadership psychological safety technical diving

SH255: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers: Teamwork - It's more than a back up plan

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores why teamwork is a critical survival skill in technical diving, not just a nice extra. Using a real training story where a teammate caught a dangerous mistake during an emergency drill, it shows how even well-trained divers can fail under pressure and why a strong team can prevent small errors from becoming fatal. Technical diving involves higher risks, more complex equipment, and smaller margins for error, which means no diver, no matter how self-reliant, can be their own backup for everything. Effective teams plan dives together, position themselves deliberately, use clear and layered communication, manage ego and authority, practise emergencies as a group, and debrief honestly to improve the next dive. The key message is simple: great gear matters, but a cohesive, well-practised team is just as important, because in technical diving, your team is part of your life support.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Top%20Tips%20for%20Technical%20Divers:%20Teamwork%20-%20It%27s%20more%20than%20a%20back%20up%20plan

Tags: mike mason teamwork

SH254: Top Tips for Technical/Cave Divers: Communication

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at why communication in technical and cave diving often fails, even between skilled and experienced divers. Using two real dive stories, it shows how serious risks can come from small breakdowns, such as mislabelled gas bottles or missed signals during a valve problem, and how teams often rely on assumptions rather than confirmation. A key message is that sending a message does not mean it has been understood, especially when stress, task overload, poor visibility, hierarchy, or equipment get in the way. Communication in diving is not just hand signals or words, but also lights, behaviour, technology, and the environment itself. To reduce errors, teams need clear briefings, shared mental models, closed-loop communication, and honest debriefs that explore what really happened, not just whether the dive ended safely. Improving communication is about slowing down, checking understanding, and creating a team culture where questions and challenges are welcomed before small issues turn into big ones.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-technical-cave-divers-communication

Tags: - english communication gareth lock teamwork

SH253: Top Tips for Diving Instructors: Decision Making

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores how instructor decisions in diving are shaped long before an accident happens, often by habit, pressure, and past success rather than careful thought. Using real-world accounts from a fatal training dive in poor visibility, it shows how instructors often rely on fast, instinctive decision-making that usually works but can fail when conditions are complex, rushed, or risky. When dives end without incident, messy decisions often get hidden behind a “successful outcome,” which can lead to normalising higher levels of risk over time. The key message is to separate luck from skill, challenge assumptions, and judge decisions by how they made sense at the time, not just by the outcome. Simple tools like pausing to ask why you’re acting, what you expect to happen next, and whether the risk matches the benefit can slow thinking and improve safety. Reflective debriefs and open sharing of near-misses help instructors learn, adapt, and make better decisions before small issues line up into serious harm.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-decision-making-the-big-ones-not-the-little-ones

Links: Learning in the Heat of the Moment: An Interview With Sabrina Cohen-Hatton

‘Storytelling to learn’

Tags: - english decision-making gareth lock instructors top tips

SH252: Top Tips for Diving Instructors: Situation Awareness

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at a common teaching challenge: when a student can complete the required skills but still isn’t ready to be certified. Through a personal story, the author explains how the missing piece was situation awareness — the ability to notice what’s happening, understand what it means, and think ahead. The student was using so much mental effort just to manage basic skills like buoyancy and trim that there was no capacity left to track their buddy, navigation, or decompression. The key lesson is that learning and performance are limited by mental capacity, and when students are overloaded, awareness drops. Instructors can help by building basic skills slowly, watching for signs of overload, using debriefs to understand where attention was focused, sharing their own experiences, and remembering that instructors can lose awareness too. Developing situation awareness takes time, practice, and the right focus — and recognising this helps instructors support students more effectively.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-instructors-situation-awareness

Tags: - english jenny lord situation awareness situational awareness

SH251: Top Tips for Diving Instructors: Psychological Safety and the Thumb Rule

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores why calling a dive can be harder in practice than the famous “any diver can end any dive” rule suggests, especially for instructors under time, money, or reputation pressure. Using a real cave-diving example, the blog shows how small equipment issues and disrupted routines created warning signs that the team wasn’t ready, even though nothing had gone seriously wrong yet. The dive was safely called, and the team later recognised how important psychological safety was in making that decision feel acceptable and supported. The key message is that psychological safety — feeling able to speak up, admit mistakes, or stop without fear of criticism — is essential for safe and effective training. Instructors play a major role in creating this by staying calm under pressure, reacting constructively to small problems, and leading by example when it’s time to call a dive.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-psychological-safety-and-the-thumb-rule

Links: Some previous blogs about psychological safety:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-if-just-culture-and-psychological-safety-is-not-enough

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-challenge-of-psychological-safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-we-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety-in-diving

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-psychological-safety-just-culture

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1 - Part one of a four-part series.

Tags: - english cave diving human factors lanny vogel psychological safety teamwork top tips training

SH250: Top tips for Diving Instructors: Performance Influencing Factors

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at why students — and instructors — sometimes struggle in dive training, even when the skills seem simple, and explains how performance is shaped by more than just ability. Factors like fatigue, stress, cold, time pressure, anxiety, social expectations, and difficult conditions can all affect how people think, learn, and perform. When these pressures stack up, students may panic or stall, and instructors may rush, lose patience, or make poor decisions. The key message is that good instruction means recognising these performance influences early, managing what you can, and adapting your teaching and self-care to match the situation. By slowing down, checking in, normalising mistakes, managing comfort and stress, and using thoughtful debriefs, instructors can create safer, more effective learning environments where both students and teachers perform at their best.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-performance-influencing-factors

Links: Blog about having difficult conversations: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-communication-the-difficult-kind

Tags: - english fatigue mike mason performance influencing factors performance shaping factors stress

SH249: Top Tips for Diving Instructors: Leadership - Creating the space for others to be heard

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores why people in diving often don’t speak up, even when something feels unsafe, and why being “heard” matters just as much as being allowed to talk. Using a real boat-diving story, it shows how authority gaps, hero culture, social media status, and tight-knit groups can silence both new and experienced divers. Research highlights that people stay quiet mainly because they fear looking bad or upsetting others, not because they lack knowledge. Titles, reputation, and tribal loyalty can make unsafe decisions hard to challenge, while weak feedback systems hide problems rather than fix them. The key message is that safety depends on leaders actively creating spaces where speaking up is worthwhile, not risky, by listening with curiosity, lowering power barriers, valuing informal conversations, and rewarding honesty over conformity. In diving, real learning starts when people feel they belong, can question decisions, and know their voice will truly be heard.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-leadership-creating-the-space-for-others-to-be-heard

Links: One of the studies by Reitz

Gareth’s MSc research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0&t=4s

Linnea Mills case

Brian Bugge case

Tags: - english gareth lock instructors leadership psychological safety top tips

SH248: Top Tips for Diving Instructors: Teamwork

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at what happens when a dive “team” isn’t really functioning as a team, using a real training story where strong individual skills weren’t enough to prevent things going wrong under stress. The key lesson is that the problem wasn’t technical ability, but poor teamwork: misaligned goals, weak communication, low trust, and a lack of shared awareness. Research shows that what really makes teams perform well is not personality, confidence, or experience, but social intelligence – the ability to read others, notice stress or confusion, ask good questions, and adapt when plans change. These team skills matter just as much as buoyancy, gas planning, or drills, especially in demanding environments like technical diving. The episode explains why teamwork must be taught and practised deliberately, not assumed, and offers practical ideas for instructors and divers: train teamwork on purpose, model good team behaviour, debrief the whole team, pay attention to emotional cues, and redefine success as how well the team worked together under pressure. In short, safe and effective diving depends on strong teams, not just strong individuals.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-teamwork

Links: Team Players: How Social Skills Improve Team Performance study by Ben Weidmann and David Deming

More 'Top Tips for Diving Instructors' blogs

Guy’s blog about teaching teamwork: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HF_Into_Archaeology

DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags: - english communication gareth lock instructors teamwork top tips

SH247: At a system level, we don't learn from diving fatalities, and here's why

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explains why the diving industry struggles to learn from fatalities and argues that the problem is not one bad decision or one person, but the whole system. Using the death of 18-year-old diver Linnea Mills as an example, it shows how normal people, doing what made sense at the time, can be caught by gaps in training, supervision, equipment, communication, and emergency planning. The focus is on moving beyond neat, blame-based “first stories” and instead telling messier “second stories” that explore context, pressure, trade-offs, and gradual drift away from safety margins. The episode looks at ideas like normalisation of deviance, weak feedback loops, authority gradients, and the gap between what rules say should happen and what really happens on dives. The key message is that safety improves when we change conditions, not just criticise people: by building psychological safety, matching supervision to the real task, checking equipment properly, planning for emergencies that fit the location, learning from near misses, and raising standards above the bare minimum. Learning from tragedy requires courage, honest stories, and system-level change, but it is possible—and it starts before the next dive.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-don-t-learn-from-diving-fatalities-and-here-s-why

Links: Webinar about Linnea Mills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu4tc8gtNio&t=3s

No learning focused investigation process in diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving

Compliance can give an illusion of safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc

What conditions made it harder to do the ‘right’ thing and easier to do the ‘wrong’ thing?

Creating the conditions and space for speaking up: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-leadership-creating-the-space-for-others-to-be-heard

Having difficult conversations as an instructor: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-communication-the-difficult-kind

TEDS open question acronym: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communications-ask-better-questions

Psychological safety blogs: Blog 1. Blog 2. Blog 3. Blog 4. Blog 5.

Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Diving Talks video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc

Child welfare changes: https://www.collaborative-safety.com/collaborative-safety-reading-packet

Tags: - english gareth lock safety safety culture system safety

SH246: Top tips for Diving Instructors: Communication (especially the difficult kind)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Many dive instructors are facing a growing challenge: some students believe that paying for a course means they are guaranteed a certification card. This can lead to difficult conversations when an instructor decides a student needs more time to reach a safe and confident level, even if they attended all sessions and tried hard. This episode explores why clear communication is essential, especially before a course begins, so students understand that they are paying for training, not an automatic qualification. It explains the importance of describing why standards exist, using kind and supportive language, staying firm but empathetic, and normalising the idea that people learn at different speeds. By setting expectations early, explaining decisions clearly, and being honest and caring in tough moments, instructors can protect safety, maintain trust, and help students see certification as something earned through readiness, not something bought.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-diving-instructors-communication-the-difficult-kind

Tags: - english communication instructors mike mason

SH245: Asking Why. Telling Stories. Owning Accountability

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode explores how the diving community responds when something goes badly wrong and why the choice between blame and learning really matters. Drawing on three university research projects, it explains that after serious incidents people look for meaning through justice, learning, and sometimes punishment, and that visible learning can itself be a form of justice. The episode looks at why divers often struggle to share honest stories about near misses and accidents, including fear of judgment, legal worries, and online criticism, and why sharing clear, context-rich stories is essential for real safety improvement. It also explains that accountability is not just about finding fault but about choosing fair, forward-looking ways to improve systems, training, and teamwork. The key message is that diving becomes safer when we replace silence and scapegoating with open storytelling, curiosity, and accountability that focuses on learning and change rather than blame.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/asking-why-telling-stories-and-owning-accountability-lessons-for-diving

Links: The three theses: Møller (2023), Lock (2024), Parris (2025)

Summary of Lock’s thesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0&t=3s

Changing the language to help learning: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/change-your-language-change-the-world

DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

The documentaries ‘If Only…’ and ‘Just a Routine Operation’

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Reporting, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH244: Top Tips for Beginner Divers: Decision Making

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at how many decisions can happen during a single dive and why decision-making is often harder underwater, especially for new divers. Using a real-world wreck dive story, it shows how focus on a goal, strong currents, stress, and missed checks can slowly lead to poor outcomes, even when basic skills are sound. The discussion explains how pressure, mental overload, common thinking biases, limited experience, and social influences can affect the choices divers make without them realising it. It also introduces simple, practical tools—like clear dive plans with decision points, pausing to reassess when stressed, regular scanning of key information, and honest post-dive debriefs—to help divers recognise problems earlier and make safer decisions. The key message is that good decisions are a skill that can be learned, and every dive is a chance to improve judgment and dive more safely.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-decision-making

Tags: English, Beginners, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock

SH243: Top Tips for Beginner Divers: Situation Awareness

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore situation awareness, a key skill that helps divers notice what’s happening around them, understand what it means, and anticipate what might happen next. Using a personal story from a first open water dive, we show how beginners often rely on instructors to manage the “big picture” and don’t realise how much awareness is needed until they dive on their own. The episode explains why situation awareness is harder for new divers, introduces the simple three-step model of perception, understanding, and prediction, and shares practical tips to build this skill from the very start, such as good dive briefings, clear communication, staying curious, managing stress, and learning from debriefs. The key message is that situation awareness is a skill anyone can develop, and improving it makes diving safer, calmer, and more enjoyable.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-situation-awareness

Links: Blog about dive briefings: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively

Blog about debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing-a-challenging-dive-a-real-life-experience

Blog about communication: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-communication

Tags: English, Beginners, Mike Mason, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness

SH242: Top Tips for Beginner Divers: Psychological Safety & Just Culture

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we follow Paul, a diver who joins an unfamiliar group and stays silent when he feels unsure, leading to stress, separation from the team, and a risky situation underwater. His story shows how being part of a group doesn’t automatically mean being part of a team, especially when people don’t feel comfortable asking questions or speaking up. We explore the ideas of psychological safety and just culture, and why they matter in diving, so that everyone can raise concerns, admit mistakes, and learn without fear of blame or embarrassment. The episode also shares practical ways divers can support each other, encourage open communication, and challenge unsafe behaviour, helping teams become safer, stronger, and better together.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-psychological-safety-just-culture

Links: Blog about Performance Influencing Factors: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-performance-influencing-factors

Tags: English, Beginners, Just Culture, Pedro Paulo Cunha, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH241: Top Tips for Beginner Divers: Performance Influencing Factors

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

This episode looks at Ellie’s first overseas dive trip, where she discovered that being “ready” on paper doesn’t always mean performing well in real life. Even though she knew her skills, a rushed boat, unexpected changes, stress, and small mistakes left her overwhelmed and unsure underwater. We use her experience to explore why divers don’t always act the way they intend, using the WITH/TWIN model to explain how the environment, individual limits, task load, and human nature all shape performance. You’ll hear practical tools for managing stress, spotting error traps, asking better pre-dive questions, and debriefing the human side of a dive. The message is simple: safe diving isn’t just about technical skills — it’s about understanding what affects your performance so you can learn, adapt, and be better than yesterday.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-performance-influencing-factors

Links: HALT: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/stress-a-challenge-we-all-face

PACE model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2

SBAR model: https://www.ihi.org/library/tools/sbar-tool-situation-background-assessment-recommendation

Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags: English, Beginners, Gareth Lock, Performance Influencing Factors

SH240: Top Tips for Beginner Divers Leadership and Followership

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:06:00 +0100

This episode explores what happened when an inexperienced diver, John, assumed he was “just meant to follow” his far more experienced buddy, Shona- and how a simple sea dive turned stressful when expectations weren’t shared. Their miscommunication shows that good teamwork in diving isn’t automatic: leaders need to notice when teammates are struggling, and followers need to speak up, ask questions, and stay involved in the plan. We look at how beginners can build both leadership and followership from day one through curiosity, clear expectations, simple pre-dive questions, and short debriefs. The story highlights that safe, enjoyable dives come from shared mental models, mutual accountability, and the courage to communicate- no matter how new you are.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-leadership-and-followership

Links: Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Top Tips for Beginner Divers- Teamwork: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-teamwork

Dive briefings: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively

Psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety

Tags: English, Beginners, Communications, Followership, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Teamwork

SH239: Top Tips for Beginner Divers: Teamwork

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we look at how two new divers learned the hard way that being a true buddy team takes more than just diving side by side. A simple dive on a house reef became stressful when assumptions replaced communication, and neither diver had agreed on roles, pace, or what to do if something went wrong. Their experience shows that teamwork doesn’t happen automatically—it’s built through clear plans, shared expectations, and honest conversations before and after the dive. We explore how new divers can avoid “assumed coordination,” develop a shared mental model, and grow stronger as a team using practical tools like pre-dive role discussions, simple communication habits, quick debriefs, and psychological safety. Effective teamwork helps divers stay connected, learn together, and enjoy safer, more relaxed dives.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-teamwork

Links: Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Building psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-challenge-of-psychological-safety

Tags: English, Beginners, Brief, Debrief, Gareth Lock, Teamwork

SH238: Top tips for Beginner Divers: Communications

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we look at how a simple miscommunication during a fun dive turned into confusion, and why clear planning and shared understanding are essential for safe and enjoyable diving. Because you can’t talk underwater, communication has to start at the surface, and most problems come from assumptions, unclear plans, or people being too nervous to speak up. We break down practical tools to avoid this—like agreeing on the dive plan, using shared hand signals, confirming understanding, carrying a slate, and doing short debriefs after each dive. Good communication builds confidence, strengthens teamwork, and prevents small misunderstandings from turning into big issues.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-for-beginner-divers-communication

Links: Shared understanding: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/lost-in-translation

Blog about psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-challenge-of-psychological-safety

Ask questions: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communications-ask-better-questions

Tags: English, Briefing, Communication, Communications, Mike Mason, Teamwork

SH237: Decision Making: Normalisation of Deviance in Rebreather Cave Diving

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how easy it is for divers to drift into unsafe habits when risky behaviour seems to have no consequences, especially in small or high-performing cave and technical diving teams. A real example from a cave rebreather class shows how a simple shortcut- only a few metres and seemingly low-risk- could have broken a key rule of always maintaining a continuous guideline. Even when a team is skilled and conditions look perfect, small deviations can become normalised and lead to bigger risks later. We talk about why psychological safety, honest communication, and clear team standards are essential for spotting drift, challenging unsafe ideas, and learning from each other.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/top-tips-blog-normalisation-of-deviance-in-rebreather-cave-diving

Links: Normalisation of deviance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-we-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety-in-diving

Tags: English, Cave Diving, CCR, Decision Making, Lanny Vogel, Normalisation of Deviance, Teamwork

SH236: Reframing The Dirty Dozen - Part 4

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we finish exploring the “Dirty Dozen” human factors that contribute to mistakes in diving by looking at fatigue, lack of assertiveness and norms. These factors influence how divers think and behave, and they can increase risk if they aren’t recognised and managed. Fatigue can reduce focus and reaction time, lack of assertiveness can stop people from speaking up when something feels wrong, and unsafe norms can develop when teams skip important steps simply because “nothing went wrong last time.” We discuss how to address these issues through tools like HALT and PACE, building psychological safety, supporting each other as teammates, and challenging negative habits within dive communities. The goal is to create an environment where divers can speak up, look out for each other and make safer decisions together.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-4

Links: Part One: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-1

Part Two: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-2

Part Three: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-3

Error Producing Conditions: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-for-dummies-part-9-error-producing-conditions

Building psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

PACE tool: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2

Negative norms need to be recognised: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know

Normalisation of drift vs pushing boundaries: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/drift-vs-advancement-how-do-we-push-limits-safely

Tags: English, Fatigue, Human Error, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors

SH235: Reframing The Dirty Dozen - Part 3

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we continue exploring the “Dirty Dozen,” a set of human factors that can lead to mistakes in diving, by looking at pressure, lack of awareness, and lack of knowledge. These factors affect divers of all levels because they shape how we think, act, and make decisions underwater. Pressure—whether from time, money, or other people—can push divers into taking risks or rushing, while lack of awareness can cause them to miss important changes in their surroundings. Lack of knowledge, including not knowing what you don’t know, can lead to poor decisions or unsafe actions, especially in new environments or with unfamiliar equipment. We also discuss practical ways to manage these issues, such as improving skills so tasks become automatic, sharing responsibilities within the team, building a supportive culture, asking open questions, and staying curious about the “why” behind procedures.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-3

Links: Part One: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-1

Part Two: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-2

Part Four: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-4

Tags: English, Communication, Fatigue, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Situation Awareness, Stress

SH234: Reframing The Dirty Dozen - Part 2

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In Part 2 of this blog, we delve into three more of the "Dirty Dozen" human factors—stress, complacency, and lack of teamwork—and explore their impact on diver performance and safety. Stress, whether acute or chronic, can reduce awareness and decision-making ability, while complacency often arises in routine tasks, lowering vigilance. A lack of teamwork, meanwhile, undermines coordination and increases risks during emergencies. Practical countermeasures like using checklists, fostering psychological safety, and setting clear team goals can help mitigate these issues, creating safer and more effective dive environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-2

Links: HALT Model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/stress-a-challenge-we-all-face

Becoming a team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/practical-application-of-teamwork-in-diver-training

Building Psychological Safety blog series: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

UNITED-C: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively

Part 1: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-1

Part 3: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-3

Part 4: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-4

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Factors, Jenny Lord, Teamwork

SH233: Reframing The Dirty Dozen - Part 1

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s episode explores the interplay between human factors and system design in diving safety, using the “Dirty Dozen” as a framework to highlight key risks like poor communication, distraction, and lack of resources. While this list simplifies complex issues, it underscores how systemic challenges and individual behaviors intersect to create safety risks. The episode dives into practical countermeasures, emphasizing the need for teamwork, thorough preparation, and robust support systems to mitigate errors. By unpacking the context behind the Dirty Dozen, we aim to help divers and teams enhance safety, improve operations, and foster a culture of accountability and resilience.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-1

Links: LinkedIn Post from Gareth Lock: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/garethlock_mca-dirty-dozen-graphic-activity-7328740642400931840-tzS4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAELqPcBwf1_VKIPpplosn5XZ02d6xlOzRs

HFiD Applied Skills classes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-training-2025

Our brains process words faster than we can transmit or receive them

Checklists blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/designing-checklists-that-work-slowing-down-to-get-it-right

Normalisation of Deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Part 2: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-2

Part 3: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-3

Part 4: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/reframing-the-dirty-dozen-part-4

Tags: English, Communication, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Factors, Jenny Lord

SH232: Instructor Toxicity: Why one bad apple really does spoil the bunch

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0100

This blog by Pedro Paulo Cunha explores the critical role of leadership in dive safety, highlighting how a toxic leader at a dive resort created a culture of fear, harassment, and stress that compromised both staff well-being and guest safety. Through the story of an experienced instructor facing verbal abuse and misconduct, the piece underscores the importance of psychological safety, just culture, and accountability in high-risk environments. It reveals how poor leadership eroded team confidence, increased errors, and damaged the operation’s reputation, offering valuable lessons for divers and managers alike. Leadership isn’t about rank but about fostering trust, communication, and resilience—qualities essential for safer and more effective dive operations.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/instructor-toxicity-why-one-bad-apple-spoils-the-bunch

Tags: English, Just Culture, Leadership, Pedro Paulo Cunha, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH231: What do you mean, the damn box is missing again?

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Andrzej Gornicki reflects on the challenges of teamwork and organisation in diving operations, sharing lessons from his experience running a dive centre. Through real-life stories, he highlights how logistical oversights and errors—like forgotten equipment or missing supplies—can be mitigated with clear protocols and checklists. However, simply having checklists isn’t enough; they need to be embraced by the team. By involving staff in creating their own task-specific checklists and placing them strategically, Andrzej fostered accountability and improved efficiency. This episode dives into the balance between organisation, teamwork, and experience, showing how small changes can make big differences in safety and performance.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-do-you-mean-the-damn-box-is-missing-again

Links: Introducing checklists in diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-in-diving

Amazon link ‘The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right’

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Checklists, Leadership, Teamwork

SH230: What We Get Wrong About Psychological Safety in Diving

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Psychological safety is more than a buzzword—it's a critical team skill in high-risk environments like diving. Often misunderstood, it's not about being nice or avoiding discomfort, but about fostering an environment where team members feel safe to speak up, question, and learn without fear of judgment. Through real-life examples, including a gas switch error during a dive, this episode explores the transformative power of psychological safety in improving communication, accountability, and team performance. Dive into how candid conversations, challenging feedback, and a culture of learning can make dive teams safer and stronger.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-we-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety-in-diving

Links: If Ony… documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

YouTube presentation on the Linnea Mills

Blogs about PS from the Human Diver

Outcomes are a function of technical skills, context, skill/luck, and non-technical skills Youtube video

This article was written based on an HBR article by Professor Amy Edmondson & Michaela Kerrissey, "What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety" (Harvard Business Review, May–June 2025)

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH229: Debriefing a Challenging Dive- a real-life experience

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Join us as we dive into a fascinating debrief from a Human Factors in Diving liveaboard trip, where a challenging dive sparked discussions on team communication, decision-making, and safety. A sandy slope, strong currents, and mixed team responses led to valuable insights during the post-dive debrief, transforming frustrations into learning moments. With psychological safety at the core, participants improved their teamwork, communication, and situational awareness.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing-a-challenging-dive-a-real-life-experience

Links: Blog about the liveaboard: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-first-human-factors-in-diving-liveaboard

DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags: English, Debrief, Jenny Lord

SH228: Designing Checklists that work. Slowing down to get it right.

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Mike Mason explores how effective decision-making in diving depends on both intuitive (System 1) and analytical (System 2) thinking, highlighting the crucial role of checklists in bridging the gap between these systems. Checklists serve as prompts to prevent errors caused by cognitive shortcuts, ensuring safety-critical steps are not missed. Effective checklists should be simple, logical, and standardised, encouraging team coordination through techniques like point-touch-verbalise and peer checks. However, their value depends on proper integration into workflows and a culture that sees them as tools for managing human variability, not mere box-ticking. When used correctly, checklists enhance safety, accountability, and decision-making in high-risk environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/designing-checklists-that-work-slowing-down-to-get-it-right

Tags: English, Checklists, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Mike Mason

SH227: Navigating Online Narratives and Learning from Feedback in Diving

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Human Diver, Mike Mason and I dive into the complexities of online storytelling, the double-edged nature of sharing experiences, and the power of constructive debriefing. We explore how narratives can both create learning opportunities and, at times, lead to misinterpretation, judgment, or defensive responses.

You will discover how high-risk industries like aviation use culture, structured debriefs, and role-based feedback to focus on behaviours rather than individuals. We discuss the importance of capacity, mental models, and situational awareness, and how these principles can translate into diving and online education.

Key Takeaways:

-Focusing on behaviours and actions, not people, fosters learning and reduces defensiveness.

-Online narratives can easily be derailed, so approach feedback with curiosity and humility.

-Capacity and situational awareness are critical in high-pressure environments and translate directly into diving.

-Constructive dialogue requires patience, perspective, and sometimes the use of tools like AI to frame responses effectively.

-Multi-perspective storytelling encourages empathy and a just culture, reducing judgment and promoting better understanding.

HF in Diving Conference 2026 www.hf-in-diving-conference.com

The blog by Betari Box https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-attitude-impacts-your-behaviour

SH226: 'They Lost Situation Awareness'

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

The phrase "loss of situation awareness" is often misused as a simplistic explanation for diving incidents, focusing on blame rather than understanding the context and contributing factors. Situation awareness involves perceiving the environment, comprehending its significance, and projecting future outcomes to make informed decisions. It can be compromised by factors like fixation, poor communication, or inadequate preparation. To improve situation awareness, divers should practice key skills on land, conduct thorough dive briefings, and engage in reflective debriefings to identify lessons learned. By moving beyond oversimplified explanations and fostering curiosity, divers can enhance safety and teamwork underwater.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/they-lost-situation-awareness

Links: UNITED-C model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively

Further reading: Situation Awareness and Mental Models

Selective Attention Exists! 5 Tips to Increase Situational Awareness in Diving

Unleashing Your Sixth Sense: Building capacity and directing attention

Running out of gas- Why does this happen and how can we prevent it?

How do I improve my Situation Awareness?

You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness'

Tags: English, Decision Making, Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, John Strobridge, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness

SH225: The Challenge of Psychological Safety

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Psychological safety is essential for building trust and fostering open communication in diving teams, yet creating it can be a challenge in high-pressure environments like open-water certification weekends. Helene Pellerine explores how leaders, particularly instructors, play a crucial role in setting the tone for a safe and supportive atmosphere where divers feel seen, heard, and free to share concerns or mistakes. By modeling openness, responding non-judgmentally to questions, and encouraging reflection, instructors can instill these values in students, who can then carry them into future diving experiences. While psychological safety can be nurtured in small moments, it requires ongoing effort to sustain and must be prioritized for safe and enjoyable dives.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-challenge-of-psychological-safety

Links: Building a Team (Stages 1-4) - Part 1 of 4

Building a Short-Term Team

HF in Diving for Dummies: Psychological Safety

Tags: English, Helene Pellerin, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH224: CCR Diver Goes Hypoxic on Surface – What Causal Reasoning Taught Me About Learning from Events

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we examine a near-miss incident involving a CCR diver who narrowly avoided a hypoxic event during a liveaboard dive. Using this real-life scenario, we explore the importance of understanding human factors and causal reasoning in diving, focusing on how fatigue, stress, environmental distractions, and system design can shape performance and decision-making. We discuss the dangers of hindsight bias, the need to learn from "work-as-done" rather than idealized procedures, and how moving beyond blame helps identify systemic issues to improve safety and resilience. Tune in to discover how these lessons can help you dive safer and smarter.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ccr-diver-goes-hypoxic-on-the-surface

Links: “If Only…” documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

HFiD: Essentials class: https://www.thehumandiver.com/essentials-2025

HFiD: Masterclass: https://www.thehumandiver.com/masterclass-2025

More about the WITH model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Dirty Dozen Pre-Splash Checklist: https://thedirtydozenexpeditions.com/s/THD_DD-Splash-Checklist-40.pdf

Work as done vs work as imagined: https://youtu.be/vtgIwHrUWVQ?si=nKE--HgZPzMaJV7C

Diving Talks; Heroes and Villains in Diving: https://youtu.be/gXUhFLK2j3M

Video about the Linnea Mills case: https://youtu.be/3b1Mm8zXUow

Tags: English, CCR, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture

SH223: The Effect of your Environment on your Decision Making: Performance Shaping Factors in Diving

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the impact of human factors on decision-making in diving, focusing on how environmental elements like fatigue and cold temperatures can shape performance. We explore how jet lag from travel affects cognitive ability and the strategies to mitigate its effects, as well as how cold water impacts dexterity, buoyancy, and mental processing. With insights into the physiological and mental challenges these conditions create, we discuss practical steps to reduce their impact and emphasize the importance of awareness in making better, safer decisions underwater.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-effect-of-your-environment-on-your-decision-making-performance-shaping-factors-in-diving

Links: Diver performance and the effects of cold: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872086801000501

Tags: English, Guy Shockey, Performance Shaping Factors

SH222: You can’t risk assess a hazard you don’t know about: DeltaP

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the critical role of understanding hazards in diving and the importance of effective risk management. From the everyday threat of drowning to the more abstract risks like decompression sickness, we discuss how divers rely on equipment, training, and planning to mitigate dangers. The conversation highlights overlooked hazards like differential pressure (DeltaP), which can be deadly when misunderstood, as illustrated by tragic real-world examples. We also examine the psychology of risk normalization, emphasizing that ignorance of hazards can lead to complacency and tragedy. By raising awareness and promoting informed decision-making, this episode underscores the necessity of knowledge, preparation, and humility in diving safety.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-can-t-risk-assess-a-hazard-you-don-t-know-about-deltap

Links: Risk or Uncertainty blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty

Ignaz Semmelweis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis

Video of a toy diver experiencing Delta P: https://youtu.be/uI0WOdX7cfU?t=350

Video of diver clearing lock gate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWGFEZ1tpsg

Incompetent and Unaware presentation: https://youtu.be/pGBYj1BNhvI?si=fioKreIdIS_5nX1F

Follow up video to lock gate clearance: https://youtu.be/nKp8duCNvyQ?si=-8jAyHQVGWTP8Ov7

Normalisation of risk blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Differential pressure hazards in diving - Diving Information Sheet No. 13
Delta P ADCI Checklist

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management

SH221: The First Human Factors in Diving Liveaboard- Living our values

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how a liveaboard trip in Indonesia integrated Human Factors training to transform the diving experience. Jenny Lord from The Human Diver, Brent Webb from Scuba Adventures in Texas and Mark from Master Liveaboards collaborated to create a unique environment focused on psychological safety, teamwork, and debriefing. Over a week, 19 divers, with varying levels of Human Factors training, participated in engaging talks on topics like decision-making, situation awareness, and leadership, alongside dive debriefs that fostered shared understanding and growth. The trip highlighted the power of open communication, self-reflection, and learning from mistakes, leaving participants inspired to bring these skills to their own diving practices and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-first-human-factors-in-diving-liveaboard

Tags: English, Communication, Debrief, Jenny Lord, Learning, Psychological Safety

SH220: I thought: "WTF did you just say?" I actually said: ....nothing. How to say when it’s not okay

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Speaking up when something feels off—whether on the dive boat, in a briefing, or underwater—is key to building a safe and inclusive dive culture. In this episode, we explore how small interventions, from a simple pause to a well-placed question, can shift group dynamics and reinforce psychological safety. Using real-world diving scenarios, research-backed strategies, and insights from human factors, we discuss how to challenge problematic comments without escalating conflict. Tune in to learn how small moments can shape dive team culture and why speaking up, even subtly, can make a big difference.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/wtf-did-you-just-say-i-said-nothing

Links: Reel from Kenny Dyal and Sweetwater Scuba: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1385836736105494

Blog from Nic Emery: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know

Psychological safety blogs from THD: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety

“How to say when it’s not ok” paper: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/media/media/campaigns/iwd/how-to-say-when-its-not-okay.pdf

THD wetnotes: https://the-human-diver.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/thd-wetnotes-divers-notebook

Asch conformity experiments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEhABrJ4T2Y

Tags: English, Communications, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH219: Why are dive briefings important? How to deliver them effectively

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Effective dive briefings are key to safe and successful dives, yet many divers overlook their importance. In this episode, we explore how structured briefings help build a shared mental model, reducing misunderstandings and improving team coordination. Using the UNITED-C framework—covering goals, roles, risks, contingencies, and more—we break down how to deliver clear, effective dive briefings that set your team up for success. Tune in to learn how small changes in briefing style can enhance safety, teamwork, and overall dive experience.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively

Links: Get The Human Diver wetnotes here: https://the-human-diver.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/thd-wetnotes-divers-notebook

Tags: English, Brief, Mike Mason, Team, Teamwork

SH218: Being Understood, not just Transmitting

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Show Notes Summary:

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of effective communication, especially in multicultural and high-stakes environments like diving. Using a real-life example from a Human Factors in Diving class, we discuss how cultural misunderstandings and non-verbal cues can lead to confusion and unintended consequences. We explore the importance of tailoring messages to your audience, breaking communication into manageable chunks, and using techniques like pauses, closed-loop communication, and clear written formatting to ensure understanding. Whether on land or underwater, making your message "land well" is key to building shared understanding and effective teamwork.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-understood-not-just-transmitting

Links: Another blog about Situation Awareness: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense

Tags: English, Communication, Communications, Debrief, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Team

SH217: Normalization of Deviance (Risk): How Socially Accepted Drift Can Impact Your Diving

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Show Notes Summary:

In this episode, we explore the concept of normalization of deviance and how it applies to diving. Inspired by a Divemaster's comment about surfacing gas reserves, we discuss how divers can unknowingly drift from safety standards over time, often influenced by social norms or perceived authority. Normalization of deviance, coined by Diane Vaughan, describes how repeated deviations from acceptable standards become normalized when no immediate consequences occur. We contrast this with constructive deviation—deliberate, researched changes to improve safety—and share practical steps to guard against normalization of deviance in diving: establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conduct thorough pre-dive briefs, and hold regular debriefs. Building a culture of psychological safety is essential for divers to feel empowered to question and challenge unsafe practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalization-of-deviance-risk-how-socially-accepted-drift-can-impact-your-diving

Links: NOD isn’t about rule breaking blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Debrief model” https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags: English, Decision-Making, John Strobridge, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance, Risk

SH216: Diving Deep into Diving Safety: The death of Linnea Mills through a lens of HF and System Safety

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Diving is often seen as a safe and relaxing sport, but true safety goes beyond avoiding accidents—it requires building resilience and learning from mistakes. In this episode, we explore how incidents often stem from systemic pressures and "practical drift," not just individual errors. Through real-world examples from diving and other high-risk industries, we highlight the importance of open debriefs, a just culture, and robust training to prepare divers for real-world challenges. By embracing transparency and focusing on system-level improvements, we can create a safer, more adaptive diving community that prioritizes learning and continuous improvement.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/linnea-mills-death-hf-systems-lens

Links: “Bad Apples”: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning

Just a Routine Operation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzlvgtPIof4

Court submission for Linnea Mills death: https://www.scribd.com/document/555406095/Mills-v-Gull-Dive-Center-PADI-2nd-Amended-Complaint

History as a cause: https://www.montana.edu/rmaher/engr125/CAIB-History%20as%20a%20cause.pdf

Restorative Just Culture checklist: https://safetydifferently.com/restorative-just-culture-checklist/

Laura Walton’s Fit to Dive: https://www.fittodive.org/

Diving incidents often remain hidden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0

Sidney Dekker’s tunnel: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

Research about sharing stories in diving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0

Blogs on THD about psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety

Blogs on THD about why context matters: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/search?q=context+matters

Asking questions about local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Healthcare, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Normalisation of Deviance, Psychological Safety

SH215: Situation Awareness and Mental Models: Making it easier to the do the right thing

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore why situational awareness (SA) is the most critical skill for divers, even more so than technical abilities like buoyancy control or propulsion. SA isn’t just about noticing and processing information—it’s about projecting it into the future to anticipate outcomes. Through real-world examples, we highlight how building mental models—scripts based on experience and “what if” thinking—helps divers make quicker, better decisions in complex scenarios. We also discuss the vital role of structured debriefs in turning experiences into actionable insights, ultimately creating divers who can handle challenges with confidence and skill.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/situation-awareness-and-mental-models-making-it-easier-to-the-do-the-right-thing

Links: Further reading from The Human Diver blog: Selective Attention Exists! 5 Tips to Increase Situational Awareness in Diving

Unleashing Your Sixth Sense: Building capacity and directing attention

Running out of gas- Why does this happen and how can we prevent it?

How do I improve my Situation Awareness?

You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness'

Tags: English, Debrief, Guy Shockey, Situation Awareness

SH214: What if Just Culture and Psychological Safety is not enough?

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the challenges and lessons from diving in the Baltic Sea, where high-pressure conditions tested both skill and decision-making. We delve into the concepts of just culture and psychological safety, emphasizing their importance in fostering open communication, learning from mistakes, and creating safer systems. Drawing parallels to regulated industries like aviation, we discuss how divers can benefit from sharing experiences without fear of judgment and how understanding the "why" behind errors leads to meaningful improvements. Through real-world examples, we highlight the value of trust, reflection, and teamwork in making diving safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-if-just-culture-and-psychological-safety-is-not-enough

Links: Discussing dives when things go wrong: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-talk-about-failure

Sensitive System Syndrome: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11700375/

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH213: The Diving Professional: Leadership is not Optional

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership in diving, focusing on the responsibilities dive professionals take on as role models. From following standard operating procedures to fostering psychological safety, we discuss how every action, intentional or not, shapes the behavior of students and less experienced divers. We emphasize the importance of admitting mistakes to build trust and create a learning environment where open dialogue thrives. Additionally, we highlight the value of continued education to stay empathetic and relatable as instructors. Ultimately, great dive leadership extends beyond technical skills, shaping safer and more confident divers.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-diving-professional-leadership-is-not-optional

Links: Blogs about Leadership: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=leadership

Tags: English, Guy Shockey, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH212: Stress - A challenge we all face

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The holiday season often highlights how stress can strain relationships and impact decision-making, both in everyday life and high-stakes activities like scuba diving. Stress narrows our focus, making it easy to miss critical information or react impulsively. Using tools like Viktor Frankl's concept of the space between stimulus and response, or the mantra "Stop, Think, Breathe, Act," we can pause and respond thoughtfully under pressure. Real-life diving scenarios—like an instructor managing a student emergency, a diver dealing with damaged gear, or a Dive Master handling group separation—illustrate how stress can shape outcomes. By identifying stressors using the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and reflecting on events with curiosity rather than judgment, we can learn, grow, and make better decisions, both underwater and on land.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/stress-a-challenge-we-all-face

Tags: English, Mike Mason, Performance Shaping Factors, Stress

SH211: Teams. Buddies. The Difference.

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into what makes an effective team, both above and below the surface. Using insights from a dive centre in Egypt, we explore how teamwork goes beyond buddy pairs, emphasizing shared goals, mutual accountability, and trust. We discuss why planning, adaptability, and understanding each other's roles are key to working interdependently, especially in dynamic environments like diving. Whether you're guiding, learning, or just enjoying the dive, every diver is part of the team. Join us as we reflect on how small changes can strengthen teamwork and improve safety and enjoyment for everyone. How does your team measure up?

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/teams-buddies-the-difference

Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Team, Teamwork, Trust

SH210: Communications - Ask better questions

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how asking the right questions can transform communication, whether during a dive briefing or a post-dive debrief. We discuss the difference between closed questions, which provide quick answers, and open questions, which encourage deeper understanding and learning. Using techniques like TEDS (Tell, Explain, Describe, Show), we can foster better communication, ensure alignment within the team, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up. We also cover how to frame debrief questions to focus on events rather than individuals, encouraging growth and collaboration. Effective communication is all about how you ask, not just what you ask.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communications-ask-better-questions

Tags: English, Brief, Communication, Communications, Debrief, Mike Mason

SH209: You're biased, I'm biased, We are all biased!

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how cognitive biases like hindsight bias, severity bias, outcome bias, and confirmation bias impact our ability to learn from accidents and incidents, both in diving and beyond. Using recent Red Sea liveaboard tragedies as a backdrop, we discuss why some events seem “obvious” only in hindsight, how severe outcomes lead to harsher judgments, and the danger of stopping investigations once a single cause is found. By understanding how biases shape our reactions, we can shift from judgment to learning, asking better questions and uncovering the deeper factors behind decisions and actions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-are-all-biased

Links: BBC articles: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3z0k72yw3o

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87dxx41lvvo

Sea story sinking news report (in German): https://taucher.net/diveinside-safariboot_sea_story_im_roten_meer_gesunken-kaz9391

List of Red Sea dive boat sinkings: https://matthiasmunz.de/Sunken_Diving_Safari_Boats_Egypt/

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Hindsight Bias, Jenny Lord

SH208: The Lost Fin: A Lesson in Situation Awareness

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the story of a diver’s lost fin to explore the challenges of decision-making, task fixation, and situation awareness underwater. Through the lens of a training dive gone awry, we uncover how both students and instructors can fall into cognitive traps, focusing narrowly on immediate tasks while losing sight of broader risks. Highlighting the importance of structured debriefing, reflective discussions, and the DEBrIEF model, we discuss how understanding "how it made sense" in the moment can lead to better mental models and a culture of learning in diving. This tale is a reminder that diving isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building awareness, fostering teamwork, and learning from every experience.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-lost-fin-a-lesson-in-situation-awarness

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Debrief, Decision-Making, Hindsight Bias, Situation Awareness

SH207: Change your Language. Change the World

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This podcast dives into the analysis of a cave diving fatality at Cenote Nariz in Mexico, based on a detailed report by the Creer Line and Safety Committee. The incident highlights critical lessons for divers in all environments, emphasizing the importance of understanding human factors, decision-making, and context in adverse events. While the exact cause of the diver's seizure remains uncertain, likely contributors include hypercapnia or hyperoxia, exacerbated by equipment and procedural factors. Broader lessons focus on fostering safety cultures, avoiding the normalization of risk, maintaining equipment rigor, and embracing systems that encourage learning without blame. Join us to explore how these insights can improve safety and awareness across diving disciplines.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/change-your-language-change-the-world

Links: Podcast ‘Hidden Brain’- are our memories real?: https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/are-your-memories-real/

Blog about Agency: https://indepthmag.com/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/

Learning Reviews: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving

Podcast ‘How did it make sense’: https://www.humaninthesystem.co.uk/hits-hdims

How language changes the way we think TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKK7wGAYP6k

The Power and Pitfalls of Language in Accident Investigation: https://nescacademy.nasa.gov/video/2c1ea826930946ff8659621ee83bec931d

The Power Of Language: https://mindsetleadership.co.uk/2023/09/01/the-power-of-language/

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Communication, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Reporting

SH206: Single Diver Fatality in Cenote Nariz, 3 February 2024. CREER Report

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This podcast dives into the analysis of a cave diving fatality at Cenote Nariz in Mexico, based on a detailed report by the CREER Line and Safety Committee. The incident highlights critical lessons for divers in all environments, emphasizing the importance of understanding human factors, decision-making, and context in adverse events. While the exact cause of the diver's seizure remains uncertain, likely contributors include hypercapnia or hyperoxia, exacerbated by equipment and procedural factors. Broader lessons focus on fostering safety cultures, avoiding the normalization of risk, maintaining equipment rigor, and embracing systems that encourage learning without blame. Join us to explore how these insights can improve safety and awareness across diving disciplines.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mx-singlefatality-report

Links: CREER: https://creer-mx.com/

Accident report: https://creer-mx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Single-Diver-Fatality-in-Cenote-Nariz-on-3-February-2024.pdf

A Just Culture is not a 'just do it' culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture

Counterfactuals: I would have lined in: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals Why is it so hard to admit our mistakes?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes

Tags: English, Cave Diving, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture

SH205: What one thing...

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This episode explores the power of small, intentional changes to improve teamwork, leadership, and performance in diving. Drawing from the Human Diver team's experience with a new training platform, we discuss how focusing on key skills like communication, task prioritization, and role clarity can create significant improvements. By embracing curiosity, running effective debriefs, sharing stories, and taking actionable steps, we can build safer, more effective diving practices. Change starts with small actions, and owning that change is the key to lasting impact.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-one-thing

Links: Marginal gains: https://jamesclear.com/marginal-gains

DEBrIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

If Only… documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

The Human Diver blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog

Contact Gareth: https://www.thehumandiver.com/contact

The Essentials class: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials

Level 1 Webinar: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-1-webinar-series

Face-to-Face program: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2

2 relevant blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/knowledge-is-not-enough-we-must-apply

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-power-of-one

Tags: English, Debrief, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, If Only, Just Culture, Leadership

SH204: Follow me! Trust me! I am your Leader!

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Leadership in diving is critical for navigating uncertain situations and achieving successful outcomes, whether you're teaching students, leading a dive project, or running a dive center. Drawing lessons from Ernest Shackleton's legendary leadership and modern theories of influence, this episode explores how effective leaders go beyond authority and management to inspire trust, foster psychological safety, and build personal connections. We discuss six key strategies for diving instructors, including defining a clear purpose, embracing humility, managing conflict constructively, learning from mistakes, adapting leadership styles, and showing genuine care for others. Tune in for actionable insights to enhance your leadership in the water and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/follow-me-trust-me-i-am-your-leader

Links: Building psychological safety in a team (part 1): https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Trust is based on 1:1 relationships: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2020/04/27/this-common-approach-to-earning-trust-completely-backfires-on-leaders/?sh=515264702fcb

Goodheart’s law: https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/10/24/shorrocks-law-of-limits/

Double-loop learning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-loop_learning

The Ladder of Inference: https://thesystemsthinker.com/the-ladder-of-inference/

Self Discovery techniques: https://spectrumofteachingstyles.org/index.php?id=21

The Myth of the Advert: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/shackleton-probably-never-took-out-an-ad-seeking-men-for-a-hazardous-journey-5552379/

Tags: English, Communication, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH203: The Importance of Psychological Safety in Debriefs

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Debriefs are vital for learning and improvement, but making them effective can be challenging. This episode explores how the DEBrIEF framework, inspired by aviation and human factors experts, provides a structured approach to debriefing that fosters psychological safety. We discuss the importance of vulnerability, showing that even experienced divers make mistakes, and how leading by example encourages honest self-reflection. Real-world examples highlight how debriefs can move beyond surface-level feedback, helping teams identify areas for growth and create meaningful solutions. With the right structure and environment, debriefs can become powerful tools for continuous improvement in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-psychological-safety-in-debriefs

Links: The DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Jenny and Mike’s Briefing and Debriefing presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTM_Lh7HtmA&t=591s

Tags: English, Communication, Debrief, Gareth Lock, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH202: Accountability? Just another word for blame?

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the meaning of accountability and its role in learning and improvement. Is accountability about assigning blame, or can it be a tool for growth? We discuss the difference between backward-looking accountability, which focuses on punishment, and forward-looking accountability, which emphasizes understanding, empathy, and systemic change. Drawing on lessons from healthcare and diving, we highlight the importance of hearing multiple perspectives, addressing the needs of those impacted, and fostering a culture of responsibility over blame. By sharing real-world examples, we show how open conversations and a Just Culture approach can lead to better outcomes, stronger relationships, and meaningful improvements in safety and performance.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/accountability-or-another-word-for-blame

Links: Two approaches to accountability: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-007-1878-4_3

Accountability and Responsibility defined: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324582377_Accountability_and_responsibility_defined

Helping people understand what happened: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/best-response-medical-errors-transparency

Communications and Resolutions Programmes: https://communicationandresolution.org/communication-and-resolution-programs/

‘Work as Imagined’ and “Work as Done’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=24&t=1s

Restorative Just Culture in The Merseyside NHS Trust: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331284479_Restorative_Just_Culture_a_Study_of_the_Practical_and_Economic_Effects_of_Implementing_Restorative_Justice_in_an_NHS_Trust

Restorative Just Culture: http://www.safetydifferently.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/RestorativeJustCultureChecklist-1.pdf

Second and Thrid victims: https://youtu.be/YeSvCEpg6ew

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incidents, Just Culture

SH201: Knowledge is not enough. We must apply. What can you do to build HF into your training or education?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into how to integrate human factors and non-technical skills into dive training and businesses. We explore the importance of understanding and applying these concepts in real-world scenarios, from effective communication to structured debriefing. Discover practical tools like blogs, workshops, and the Essentials of Human Factors in Diving course to deepen your knowledge and improve safety. Learn how abstraction, open questions, and storytelling can enhance learning and problem-solving in diving. Tune in to hear actionable advice on making human factors a core part of your diving practice.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/knowledge-is-not-enough-we-must-apply

Links: Human Factors in Diving Conference videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C

Blog page: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog

Dummies series: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=dummies

DeBRIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

If Only…documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Gareth’s contact for Mandated Essentials class, or Affiliate link: https://www.thehumandiver.com/contact

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH200: Why we find it so hard to say no or change...the sunk cost fallacy

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore why calling a dive can be so difficult and why safety ultimately allows us to dive more. We discuss how small issues and stressors, combined with the sunk cost fallacy, can lead divers to push boundaries they wouldn’t normally cross. Drawing on personal experiences, we highlight the challenges of making safety-focused decisions and why they’re essential for long-term enjoyment of the sport. Safety may seem like a small loss in the moment, but it guarantees the chance for many more dives in the future. Listen in to learn how to balance risk and reward to keep diving safe and fun.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs

Links: Guaranteed small loss vs possibly big loss blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-choices-guaranteed-small-loss-or-a-probable-large-loss-injury-or-fatality

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord

SH199: Safety is boring...

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Why is safety often seen as boring in diving? In this episode, we discuss a story of high-current dives, questionable guiding practices, and the stigma of prioritizing safety over thrill. While safety briefings and precautions might seem dull or restrictive, they’re the key to longevity in diving—and life. A safe diver isn’t boring; they’re the one who gets to dive again tomorrow. We explore the value of being the “boring” diver, how safety builds trust among dive buddies, and why prioritizing safety ensures more adventures in the long run. Don’t let “fun” override your commitment to coming home safe.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/safety-is-boring

Links: Safety is nothingness blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/safety-is-nothingness

Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Safety, Safety Culture

SH198: Were you lucky or were you good?

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

What can WWII bombers teach us about diving? The story of Abraham Wald’s counterintuitive armor placement on planes highlights the importance of analyzing what’s not immediately visible—a lesson diving can embrace. Success in diving isn’t just about avoiding accidents but understanding why things go well and whether it’s skill or luck. Reflecting on successes and failures through effective debriefs can enhance learning. Additionally, survivorship bias can skew our perception, as we often focus on thriving divers and ignore those who leave the sport. Incorporating human factors and non-technical skills, like communication and psychological safety, is crucial for safer, more enjoyable diving. Change starts with action—let’s bring these lessons to the forefront of the diving industry.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good

Links: Abraham Wald: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Wald

Operations Research and Management Science Applied to Marketing: https://www.decisionanalyst.com/whitepapers/bulletholesinbombers/

DeBRIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Close Calls: https://stratiskas.com/closecalls/

Under Pressure: https://www.thehumandiver.com/underpressure

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation

SH197: We’ve got an attitude problem!

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Mistakes are an essential part of learning, but in the highly regulated world of diving, the fear of judgment often stifles open discussion. Unlike other extreme sports where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, diving culture tends to focus on blame. This discourages growth and progress within the community. A "Just Culture" encourages sharing mistakes—large or small—without fear, fostering learning and improvement for everyone. Divers, especially those in leadership roles, are urged to lead by example by sharing their stories, explaining how their mistakes made sense at the time, and how they’ve adapted since. Join the movement to normalize learning from errors by engaging in safe spaces like the Human Factors in Diving Facebook group. Let’s change the culture together.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-ve-got-an-attitude-problem

Links: The Human Diver Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810

My Biggest Mistake blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake

Just Culture: https://gue.com/blog/is-a-just-culture-needed-to-support-learning-from-near-misses-and-diving-accidents/

Blaming blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surely-if-we-blame-and-punish-things-will-be-safer

Building a psychologically safe team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH196: They broke the rules! So...?

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

When diving accidents occur, the immediate response often blames rule-breaking, but reality is far more complex. Rules are designed to enhance safety, yet accidents can happen even when rules are followed—and sometimes rules are broken without incident. Diving operations occur within a web of technical, social, and cultural conditions, which can provoke deviations. This highlights the gap between “work as imagined” (rules and procedures) and “work as done” (real-world practice). Understanding why rules are broken requires looking at the system rather than focusing solely on individuals. A Just Culture, where context-rich stories can be shared without fear of punishment, helps address underlying issues and drives meaningful improvements in safety. Punishment alone rarely deters rule-breaking if systemic conditions remain unchanged.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/they-broke-the-rules

Links: Root Cause blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-root-cause-of-an-accident

Identifying violation-provoking conditions in a healthcare setting: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18941971/

The Extent of Conditions: https://preaccidentpodcast.podbean.com/e/papod-399-the-extent-of-condition-episode/

Normalisation of Deviance from the Challenger launch decision: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Challenger-Launch-Decision-Technology-Deviance/dp/0226851761

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance

SH195: Murphy was wrong!

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Murphy’s Law suggests that if something can go wrong, it will, but this oversimplifies reality. Most of the time, things go right, even when procedures are ignored or actions are flawed, which can create a false sense of safety. Instead of focusing on outcomes alone, we need to examine the processes that led to success or failure, using tools like structured debriefs. By asking questions like “Were we good, or were we lucky?” and exploring both what went well and what needs improvement, we can identify and address risks before they lead to serious consequences. Near-misses and incidents, like the recent tragic chlorine gas leak in Aqaba, offer critical learning opportunities, revealing how systemic issues often underlie individual errors. Ultimately, effective safety management comes from understanding and addressing the deeper factors that influence behavior, not just following rules blindly or blaming outcomes.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/murphy-was-wrong

Links: Chlorine blast in Jordan: https://youtu.be/iMBEfa-5wbs

DeBRIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

The illusion of Safety blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/quarks-and-meows-the-state-of-diving-safety

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management

SH194: Surely if we blame and punish, things will be safer?

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss a controversial Facebook post about a novice diver being taken beyond their certification limits to 45 meters by an instructor, sparking a heated debate on blame, punishment, and safety in the diving community. We explore key issues like authority gradients, risk-reward perceptions, and the normalization of deviant behaviors that lead to unsafe practices. Instead of focusing solely on punitive actions, we delve into how changing the environment and promoting a culture of learning and accountability can better address systemic issues. Tune in to understand why context, education, and proactive management are crucial for improving diving safety and culture.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surely-if-we-blame-and-punish-things-will-be-safer

Links: Building psychological safety blog series, Part 1: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Crew Resource Management: https://skybrary.aero/articles/crew-resource-management-crm

Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons: https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/events-courses/course-details-non-technical-skills-for-surgeons-notss

Anaesthetists Non-Technical Skills: https://academic.oup.com/bja/article/105/1/38/307710

Well Operations Crew Resource Management: https://www.iogp.org/bookstore/product/guidelines-for-implementing-well-operations-crew-resource-management-training/

The Human Diver courses: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-training-2025

Normalisation of Deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Experience or Expertise blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-experience

Sharing mistakes you make blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake

Bad Apples blog: https://gue.com/blog/do-bad-apples-actually-exist/

High Reliability Organisations: https://www.aihs.org.au/sites/default/files/A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20becoming%20a%20High%20Reliability%20Organisation%20-%20Andrew%20Hopkins.pdf

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH193: The problem with bringing Human Factors into Diving is...

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This blog explores the challenges of integrating Human Factors into diving, starting with the very nature of human factors themselves. Diving incidents often get oversimplified as “diver error,” ignoring the broader system and context influencing decisions. From cognitive shortcuts to commercial pressures, Gareth Lock unpacks how biases, complacency, and industry practices affect safety. The blog emphasizes the value of non-technical skills—such as decision-making, teamwork, and situational awareness—not just for critical incidents but for enhancing the overall diving experience. It also invites divers to start small, such as with an Essentials class, to gain insights into performance and safety.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the_problem_with_human_factors_is

Links: Types of Human Factors: https://humanisticsystems.com/2017/08/11/four-kinds-of-human-factors-1-the-human-factor/

How the langauge we use matters: https://gue.com/blog/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/

Biases and Heuristics: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased

Drawing video: https://youtu.be/x9wn633vl_c

Efficiency vs complacency: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple

Outcome and severity bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Status-quo bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/status-quo

The Essentials Class: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials

If Only… documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Non-Technical Skills

SH192: Quarks and Meows - the state of diving safety!

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the complex nature of safety in diving and explore why it’s not as simple as just following rules or avoiding accidents. Safety is shaped by people, technology, processes, and culture, creating a socio-technical system where risks must be managed dynamically. We discuss how perceptions of safety differ among individuals and organisations, the influence of rewards and biases on decision-making, and the balance between taking risks and achieving goals. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own approach to diving safety, develop skills to manage uncertainties, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning to build resilience and mitigate failures.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/quarks-and-meows-the-state-of-diving-safety

Links: Rasmussen’s Drift: https://youtu.be/SPa9Th9Fwh4

Schrodinger's cat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger%27s_cat

Hindsight bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

The importance of experience: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-experience

High-reliability teams and organisations: https://www.high-reliability.org/the-five-principles-of-weick-sutcliffe

High reliability organisations are learning organisations too: https://gue.com/blog/improvement-requires-learning-learning-happens-at-the-organizational-level-too/

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Safety Culture

SH191: Are there Cobras in diving?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the unintended consequences of rewarding specific behaviors and metrics in both high-risk industries and diving. From the infamous Cobra Effect in colonial India to modern-day challenges in reporting safety metrics, we examine how well-intentioned systems can backfire when rewards drive undesirable behaviors. In the diving world, certifications, dive counts, and reporting systems can be gamed, undermining safety and learning. We discuss how fostering a culture of psychological safety, shared learning, and context-driven discussions can transform mistakes into opportunities for growth. The key takeaway? Be mindful of what you reward—learning and improvement should always take precedence over punitive measures or superficial metrics.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/are-there-cobras-in-diving

Links: Goodhart’s Law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodhart%27s_law

Scuba Accidents and Risk Management Techniques for Divers Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1612046102342961

The Human Diver: Human Factors in Diving Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810

Weak signals: https://skybrary.aero/articles/weak-signals-approach-ansp-safety-performance

BMW celebrating failure: https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/emerald-publishing/the-acclaim-of-failure-why-bmw-reward-employee-mistakes-qmDonsLAav

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH190: You can't learn from adverse events if you are going to blame

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the role of punishment in learning and accident investigations, challenging the idea that punishment fosters accountability or safety. Drawing from research by Heraghty, Dekker, and Rae, we discuss how punishment often stifles honesty, trust, and meaningful learning by creating a culture of fear. Using real-world examples, like a tragic drysuit diving accident and the grounding of a liveaboard vessel, we examine systemic issues that contribute to failures and how biases like hindsight and severity affect our responses. Instead of focusing on blame, we advocate for systemic, science-based approaches to foster psychological safety, support accountability, and promote learning to prevent future incidents.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-or-learn

Links: Modifying an accident process and its justice system: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092575352100093X?via%3Dihub

Punishment doesn’t change behaviours associated with errant behaviours: https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html

Managing accidents using retributive justice mechanisms: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925753520300746?via%3Dihub

Linnea Mills case: https://divernet.com/scuba-news/12m-lawsuit-follows-suit-squeeze-death/

Mission Improbable: Using Fantasy Documents to Tame Disaster: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3791858?seq=1

The likelihood of drift: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Modifying an accident process and its justice system: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092575352100093X?via%3Dihub

CIEHF Guide to Learning from Adverse Events: https://ergonomics.org.uk/resource/learning-from-adverse-events.html

Socorro Vortex grounding: https://www.deeperblue.com/socorro-vortex-liveaboard-runs-aground/

Report from the Danish MAritime Accident Investigation Board: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021/

Cognitive biases that limit learning: https://gue.com/blog/drift-is-normal-being-a-deviant-is-normal-heres-why/

Identifying error prone or error producing conditions: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-error-in-diving-is-it-really-that-simple

Stoney Cove “Safety Stop” case: https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/diving-instructor-cleared-in-safety-stop-death-case/

Sidney Dekker’s Restorative Just Culture Checklist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vkg0o4Fc8XWsAul-mkXNqD5lwokQ0ntP/view?usp=sharing

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Just Culture, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH189: ‘Pilot error’. Don't 'fix' the Pilot. ‘Diver error’. 'Fix' the diver.

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how systems, not just individuals, shape safety outcomes in aviation, diving, and daily life. We discuss historical lessons, such as redesigning cockpit controls in WWII B-17 bombers to prevent pilot errors, and modern examples like changes to ATM processes to reduce card loss. Diving safety is also examined, highlighting the recurring nature of incidents and the limitations of focusing solely on human error without addressing systemic issues. Drawing on insights from safety science and Professor James Reason's work, we emphasize the importance of creating conditions that support human performance rather than blaming individuals for predictable mistakes. Tune in to learn how understanding and improving systems can lead to safer, more effective outcomes.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/fix-the-diver

Links: ‘Bad Apples’ blog: https://gue.com/blog/do-bad-apples-actually-exist/

Study from Denoble et al: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23955484_Common_causes_of_open-circuit_recreational_diving_fatalities

BSAC annual diving incident report: https://www.bsac.com/safety/diving-incidents/annual-diving-incident-report/

Forcing functions to reduce catastrophic failures: https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/human-factors-engineering

Types of error: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning

Perception of risk paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271767726_Perception_of_Risk

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Non-Technical Skills

SH188: The Status Quo Bias. We don’t like to change

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Status Quo Bias is the tendency to stick with familiar choices, even when better options exist, and it impacts decisions in many areas, including diving. From Coca-Cola's "New Coke" failure to nitrox's initial resistance in the diving world, this bias highlights our preference for the familiar and reluctance to embrace change. It shows up in dive site routes we repeat, equipment setups we hesitate to adjust, and training paths we follow without exploring alternatives. Being aware of this bias can help us question our habits, seek new perspectives, and make more informed decisions in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/status-quo

Links: Maintaining the Status Quo: https://www.academia.edu/8285384/The_Psychology_of_Preferences?

…If there is choice overload: https://econweb.umd.edu/~masatlioglu/DKM.pdf

…if there are costs to consider: https://philarchive.org/archive/NEBSQB

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision-Making, Leadership, Mike Mason

SH187: The risks we take. The decisions we make. The lessons we MIGHT learn.

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This episode dives into the complexities of risk, decision-making, and resilience, blending personal experience with critical lessons for divers and beyond. Host Gareth Lock recounts his journey from peak physical fitness to surviving a near-fatal cardiac event, emphasizing the importance of recognizing weak signals, confronting cognitive biases, and understanding that safety isn’t just about training or equipment but also mindset and preparedness. Gareth challenges us to think critically about risk, share vulnerabilities, and prioritize health and safety—not just for ourselves, but for those around us. This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience and change start with awareness and action.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risks-decisions-lessons

Links: Fitness for Rescues video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOiHkpvp2NU

Willful blindness: https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_the_dangers_of_willful_blindness?language=en

UK-DMC Post COVID score: https://www.ukdmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/UKDMC_COVID-19_diver_scorecard_Rev_1_20220209.pdf

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock

SH186: Being Efficient? Being Thorough? Which One Did You Choose?

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This episode explores the Efficiency Thoroughness Trade-Off (ETTO), a concept by Erik Hollnagel that explains how we balance being thorough and efficient in everyday tasks, including diving. Using relatable examples like incomplete checks and forgotten tasks, we discuss how time pressures and biases often lead us to prioritize productivity over safety—usually with successful outcomes, but occasionally with costly mistakes. We examine how ETTO influences individual and organizational decisions, highlighting strategies like checklists and clear communication to counteract its risks. By understanding these trade-offs, we can learn from past incidents and create safer, more effective systems in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ETTO

Links: If Only documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Behavioural economics: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-bend-is-uninteresting-the-related-decisions-are-much-more-so

ETTO paper: https://erikhollnagel.com/onewebmedia/ETTO.pdf

System 1 to System 2 thinking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfd8z3l3TYk

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Non-technical Skills

SH185: “Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt.”

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This episode dives into a powerful, real-life story of a cave diving incident that highlights the importance of psychological safety, trust, and clear communication in high-stakes environments. The narrative explores how a seemingly small misunderstanding about gas pressure spiraled into a stressful situation, showcasing the impact of doubt and unspoken concerns within a team. Lessons learned include the value of speaking up, taking responsibility, and building a culture of questioning and trust. The story serves as a reminder that even experienced divers can learn from mistakes, reinforcing the idea that addressing doubts early can prevent cascading problems and improve team dynamics.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/whenever-there-is-any-doubt-there-is-no-doubt

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Leadership Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH184: Why change is hard in diving

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Why do we do things the way we do? This question is at the heart of a story about a family’s tradition of cutting the ends off meat before cooking—a habit traced back to a Great Grandmother’s small tray. The tale highlights how unexamined habits can persist long after their original purpose is gone. In diving, the same applies to the debate over teaching students on their knees versus neutrally buoyant. While the former method made sense in the past, equipment advancements and new techniques now show better results with neutral buoyancy. Change, though, is hard—habits, convenience, and social norms all play a role. But by questioning the status quo, we open doors to improvements, whether it’s in teaching techniques, post-dive debriefs, or even gas analysis. Change may require effort, but the rewards can make it worthwhile. So, ask yourself: why have we always done it that way?

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-change-is-hard-in-diving

Tags: English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Leadership

SH182: Joining Dots is Easy, Especially If You Know the Outcome

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of learning from mistakes and adverse events in diving and beyond. Using real-world examples, including a technical diving error and a high-profile medical case, we explore how systemic pressures, biases like hindsight and confirmation bias, and the gap between "work as imagined" and "work as done" influence decisions. We highlight the importance of Just Culture in fostering open discussions and meaningful learning, emphasizing that improving safety means addressing systemic issues, not just individual actions. Join us to rethink how we approach errors and build resilience in high-pressure environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Links: Last week’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake

HFiD Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810

Some cognitive biases: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning

RaDonda Vaught verdict: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/03/25/1088902487/former-nurse-found-guilty-in-accidental-injection-death-of-75-year-old-patient

Learning from RaDonda Vaught case: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reckless-homicide-vanderbilt-just-culture-analysis-david-marx/

The learning line (page 7, section 6): http://sunnyday.mit.edu/16.863/rasmussen-safetyscience.pdf

Learning organisation: https://gue.com/blog/improvement-requires-learning-learning-happens-at-the-organizational-level-too/

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Hindsight Bias, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH182: My Biggest Mistake: Context Driving Behaviour

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how context drives behavior and how mistakes can happen even to experienced professionals. Sharing a personal story about a diving oversight, we examine how time pressures, language barriers, and assumptions led to a dangerous error—and the lessons learned from it. Highlighting the importance of psychological safety and robust pre-dive checks, we discuss why understanding "how it made sense at the time" is key to improving safety and preventing future mistakes. Tune in to rethink how we approach errors and learn from unintended outcomes.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake

Links: Gareth’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Communications, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH181: “Blame is the enemy of safety” - moving from blaming to learning

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Mistakes, slips, and lapses are a natural part of human performance, influenced by factors like training, time pressures, and equipment design. While rule-breaking may seem deliberate, it's often shaped by context, social pressures, and the perceived benefits of deviation. Biases like hindsight, outcome, and severity distort how we interpret incidents, leading to blame rather than understanding. Effective learning requires exploring why decisions made sense at the time and avoiding counterfactual judgments like "should have" or "could have." By shifting from blame to understanding and investigating systemic factors, we can improve safety and performance in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning

Links: Research about anaesthetists: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18941971/

Bad apples: https://gue.com/blog/do-bad-apples-actually-exist/

Attribution of agency: https://gue.com/blog/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/

Further reading: To blame is human. To fix is to engineer. https://www.academia.edu/527985/People_or_Systems_To_blame_is_human_The_fix_is_to_engineer

The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error. S. Dekker.

Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors: Learning from Adverse Events https://ergonomics.org.uk/resource/learning-from-adverse-events.html

US Forest Service - Learning Review Guide. https://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/coordinated-response-protocol-learning-review

"Blame is the Enemy of Safety" from Engineering a Safer World by Nancy Leveson.

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Just Culture

SH180: Challenger Safety: As an Instructor, don't I lose control?

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how instructors can balance leadership with fostering psychological safety in diving education. Psychological safety, defined as a "rewarded vulnerability," is crucial for creating environments where mistakes, questions, and challenges to the status quo are welcomed without fear of ridicule or blame. By understanding and implementing the four stages of psychological safety—Inclusion, Learner, Contributor, and Challenger safety—diving leaders can create teams that thrive on collaboration, trust, and continuous learning. We discuss practical strategies, like sharing mistakes, setting ground rules, and encouraging constructive feedback, to nurture this safety and improve outcomes for both instructors and students.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/challenger-safety-control

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH179: How and Why Checklists Work

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the importance of checklists in diving, inspired by lessons from aviation and medicine. After a tragic 1935 plane crash, pilots introduced simple checklists to reduce human error—an approach now standard in high-risk industries. Checklists help compensate for our natural forgetfulness and distractions by providing quick prompts for essential tasks. For divers, effective checklists should be simple, fit for the environment, and backed by proper training. Teams benefit from shared checklists, improving safety through collaboration and consistency. Adopting checklists as a cultural norm, much like in surgery, can make diving safer and more efficient for everyone.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-checklists-work

Links: Atul Gawande’s Reith Lecture: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/6F2X8TpsxrJpnsq82hggHW/dr-atul-gawande-2014-reith-lectures

Reduction in mortality due to checklists: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmsa0810119

How a checklist can be the difference between living and dying: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Tags: English, Checklists, Decision-Making, Mike Mason

SH178: The Importance of Experience: Expertise is different to Experience

Sat, 31 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Experience and practice are crucial for making better decisions, especially in uncertain situations, but they aren’t the same. Perfect practice builds expertise, while varied experiences across different environments enhance decision-making by expanding mental patterns. Decision-making relies on situational awareness, which involves sensing, understanding, and projecting future outcomes, all influenced by our training, memories, and expectations. Models like Gary Klein’s recognition-primed decision-making show how we use cues and past experiences to act efficiently, even under pressure. Feedback loops and a culture of learning are key to refining our actions. By diversifying your practice and learning, you can build the mental models needed to think and act like an expert.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-experience

Links: DEBRIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Situation Awareness

SH177: We see what we think we’re looking for

Wed, 28 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how human perception and assumptions can lead to critical errors, using real-world examples like the tragic 1994 friendly fire incident where two US helicopters were mistaken for enemy aircraft. These events highlight the dangers of "believing is seeing" and how expectations can shape our decisions under pressure. We connect these lessons to diving, where incomplete information and mental shortcuts can result in serious incidents. Learn how to reduce errors by validating assumptions, improving communication, and fostering shared mental models, helping to enhance safety and teamwork in high-risk environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/believing-is-seeing

Links: What You Look For Is What You Find paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925753509000137

Language can shape expectations: https://gue.com/blog/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/

Tags: English, Cave Diving, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Rebreather, Situation Awareness

SH176: How to Integrate Human Factors Education into a New Diving Class: A Real World Example

Sat, 24 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss integrating Human Factors training into technical diving courses, inspired by a new program blending eLearning, hands-on skills, and real-world exploration. The program emphasized teamwork, leadership, and psychological safety, with the DEBRIEF model becoming a standout tool for improving feedback and team efficiency. Students embraced these concepts, leading to more effective learning and collaboration. Lessons learned included refining teaching methods, incorporating Human Factors into all course modules, and fostering a just culture. The result? Better divers, better teammates, and a better instructor. Tune in for insights on enhancing diver education through Human Factors.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HF_Into_Archaeology

Links: Underwater Archaeology Society of British Columbia: http://www.uasbc.com/

DEBRIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

The Essentials class: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials

Guy Shockey: guy.shockey@thehumandiver.com

Tags: English, Debrief, Decision-Making, Guy Shockey, Leadership, Teamwork

SH175: You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness'

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the complexities of situational awareness (SA) in diving and why it's often only recognized as missing after an event has occurred. SA involves interpreting sensory data and predicting future outcomes based on experience. Experienced divers may notice subtle signs of danger, like coral movements indicating currents or rust falling in a wreck, while novices lack the knowledge to anticipate or respond. Distractions, limited mental capacity, or unclear information can divert attention from critical issues. Rather than focusing on "loss of SA," we discuss how effective briefings, experience, and deliberate focus can help divers pay attention to what truly matters underwater.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Non-technical Skills, Situation Awareness

SH174: When The Rescuer Nearly Needs Rescuing! - Task Fixation

Sat, 17 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this blog, a diver reflects on a simulated rescue scenario during a PADI Rescue Course, highlighting critical lessons about human factors in diving. The incident underscores the impact of high task focus, reduced situational awareness, and psychological stress, which led a student to run critically low on gas without asking for help. The writer explores contributing factors, including the challenges of operating in cold, low-visibility conditions, the pressures of performing under assessment, and the lack of a "just culture" where errors can be openly discussed and learned from. This real-life example emphasizes the importance of fostering psychological safety and vigilance in all roles during training dives.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/rescuer-and-rescued

Tags: English, Communications, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Psychological Safety, Situation Awareness

SH173: How to conduct effective pre-dive checks on a busy dive boat

Wed, 14 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Pre-dive checks are essential for diving safety, but they’re often rushed or overlooked, especially on busy dive boats. Factors like time pressure, peer pressure, distractions, and overconfidence can lead divers to skip thorough checks, relying instead on past outcomes. However, regardless of experience, using a familiar checklist with your buddy is key to ensuring equipment works and everyone knows how to assist in an emergency. While dive boats may not always allow for perfect checks, taking time beforehand—at the dive shop or during the journey—to understand your buddy’s gear can mitigate risks. Dive Masters play a vital role in setting the standard by demonstrating thorough checks. Ultimately, effective pre-dive checks improve safety, reduce errors, and prepare divers for unexpected situations.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/checks-on-a-dive-boat

Tags: English, Checklists, Decision Making, Mike Mason, Teamwork

SH172: Making sense now to see what the future might bring

Fri, 09 May 2025 21:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Gareth Lock explores the critical role of situation awareness and risk management in diving, emphasizing the importance of building accurate mental models to anticipate and manage potential hazards. He discusses how assumptions, experience, and training shape decision-making, and highlights the distinction between managing risks logically and addressing uncertainty through mental shortcuts and emotions. Gareth shares how The Human Diver promotes non-technical skills, psychological safety, and a Just Culture, fostering a learning approach to adverse events. With new programs and instructors worldwide, 2025 promises more opportunities to improve diving safety and teamwork.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/making-sense-now

Links: DAN Southern Africa webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSeKQidAZZA&t=547s

Upcoming Face to Face courses: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2#section-1637697699737

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Situation Awareness

SH171: If A=B and B=C, then why A≠C?

Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this blog, Bart Den Ouden shares a personal experience highlighting the importance of psychological safety, vulnerability, and human factors in diving. While teaching a rebreather instructor course, Bart forgot a critical piece of equipment, turning the oversight into a teachable moment. He emphasizes that instructors, as humans, can make mistakes, and fostering open communication and trust among divers is essential for safety and learning. By reflecting on errors—intentional or accidental—divers can improve team dynamics, decision-making, and preparedness, creating safer environments for themselves and others.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/checking_each_other

Tags: English, Bart Den Ouden, CCR, Human Error, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Rebreather, Teamwork

SH170: From an acorn to a two-day global virtual conference in four months!

Sat, 03 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The first-ever Human Factors in Diving Conference, held on September 24-25, 2021, brought together 27 speakers from around the world to explore the application of human factors, non-technical skills, Just Culture, and psychological safety in diving. Spanning nearly 25 hours of content over two days, the event showcased a global virtual conference model using the LexGo Live platform, with a focus on interactive and engaging experiences. Despite challenges with ticket sales, tight deadlines, and technical logistics, the conference provided invaluable insights and demonstrated the potential of human factors to enhance safety across recreational, military, commercial, and public safety diving. The event highlighted both the successes and lessons learned, paving the way for future efforts to bring this critical knowledge to the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/acorn-to-conference

Links: Conference website: https://www.hf-in-diving-conference.com/

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thehumandiver863

LexGo platform: https://www.lexgo.work/

Marketing advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosconkie/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeywilsonfirestarter/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH169: “The root cause of an accident is our imagination”

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Accidents in diving, and life, rarely stem from a single "root cause" but rather from a complex interplay of factors—technical skills, context, randomness, and non-technical skills like communication and decision-making. This episode explores how cognitive biases, such as the fundamental attribution error, often lead us to blame individuals rather than considering the broader system in which events unfold. Drawing parallels from diving, surgery, and other high-stakes environments, we discuss the importance of understanding the full context, embracing feedback, and focusing on interdependencies to improve safety and outcomes. Tune in to challenge your assumptions and expand your perspective on risk and decision-making.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-root-cause-of-an-accident

Links: Fundamental attribution bias: https://gue.com/blog/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/

The rise of human factors paper: https://europepmc.org/article/med/31183182#free-full-text

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Investigation, Investigations

SH168: What is a mistake? What is an error? Words have meanings.

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Gareth Lock delves into the nature of human error, exploring concepts like slips, lapses, mistakes, and violations through the lens of safety research and diving experiences. Drawing on James Reason’s work, Gareth explains how understanding errors and violations—whether unintended or situational—can foster learning, reduce outcome bias, and improve safety systems. By openly discussing mistakes, instructors can lower authority gradients, increase psychological safety, and promote a Just Culture where errors are seen as opportunities for growth rather than blame. Tune in to learn how these principles apply to diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Psychological Safety

SH167: Only 20% of surgeons would like to use a checklist in their operations…

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Gareth Lock explores the critical role of checklists in enhancing safety and reducing errors in high-risk environments like diving, surgery, and aviation. Drawing insights from Atul Gawande's The Checklist Manifesto, Gareth highlights how properly designed checklists can prevent lapses, improve communication, and establish a culture of accountability. Despite resistance from those who view checklists as unnecessary or a sign of weakness, evidence shows their ability to save lives by addressing "unknown unknowns" and mitigating human error. Gareth shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of embracing checklists to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surgeons-and-checklists

Links: Downloads and Transcripts of Atul Gawande’s lectures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9/episodes/player

The problem with not using checklists: http://aerossurance.com/helicopters/habits-kill/

The Checklist manifesto: https://cognitasresearch.wordpress.com/2015/01/17/only-20-of-surgeons-would-like-to-use-a-checklist-in-their-operations/0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E

NHS checklist: http://www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/resources/?entryid45=59860

DAN study: http://www.alertdiver.com/checklists

Checklist design: http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/profile/adegani/procedure-design/

Chain of events of things going wrong (1): http://silentdiversion.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/human-error-dont-blame-rebreather.html?spref=fb&m=1

(2): https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/06/05/navy-officer-35-dies-in-off-duty-diving-mishap/

Tags: English, Checklists, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH166: You can’t run before you can walk...

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Bart Den Ouden reflects on the importance of mastering the basics before taking on advanced challenges, using ice diving as a vivid example. During a rare opportunity for ice diving in the Netherlands, Bart observed several instructors rushing into instructor-level ice diving certifications without adequate experience. Drawing parallels with the Dunning-Kruger effect and highlighting the risks of "unknown unknowns," he emphasizes the dangers of overconfidence and taking shortcuts in training. Bart challenges dive professionals to lead by example, prioritize safety, and ensure they truly earn their certifications, reminding us all to slow down and build skills step by step.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/run-before-walk

Links: Micheal Thomas’ blog for TDI: https://www.tdisdi.com/tdi-diver-news/slow-down-young-fella-attitudes-in-technical-diving/

Dunning Kruger effect: https://vimeo.com/223029249

Tags: English, Bart Den Ouden, Decision Making, Instruction, Leadership

SH165: “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” Or can you..?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership and decision-making in diving safety, using a real-life story about a young instructor, “Jack,” who made a risky dive on a rebreather he wasn’t certified to use. Despite his confidence, Jack’s actions reflect dangerous cognitive biases like overconfidence, outcome bias, and normalization of deviance, shaped by a culture of cutting corners in his early training. Through this cautionary tale, we highlight the importance of setting the right example as dive leaders, understanding the consequences of our actions, and promoting a safety-first mindset. Tune in to learn why responsible leadership and listening to feedback are vital for creating a safer diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/lead-a-horse-to-water

Tags: English, Bart Den Ouden, Decision Making, Situation Awareness

SH164: Plan to fail safely – Part 2: Passing the test doesn’t say it all

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how listening to your inner voice can be a lifesaver, both in diving and everyday life. Bart Den Ouden shares his personal journey of uncovering severe heart issues despite passing regular diving medicals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs and overcoming cognitive biases like denial and confirmation bias. We also discuss a diver’s near-fatal experience with immersion pulmonary edema (IPO) and how quick action and a well-equipped facility saved their life. These stories highlight the critical role of self-awareness, preventative measures, and teamwork in planning to fail safely—whether under water or on land. Listen in to learn why trusting that “little voice” could be the key to staying alive.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/plan-to-fail-safely-part-2-passing-the-test-doesn-t-say-it-all

Links: Angioplasty and Stent: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-angioplasty/what-happens/

HSE Medical requirements: https://www.hse.gov.uk/diving/medical-requirements.htm

IPO (IPE): http://www.ukdmc.org/medical-conditions/immersion-pulmonary-oedema/

BMJ article: https://heart.bmj.com/content/80/6/537

DAN article: https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/health/heart/cardiac-health

Tags: English, Bart Den Ouden, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Medical

SH163: Who owns the risk in diving when something goes wrong?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into risk management and decision-making in diving, exploring the difference between personal and professional responsibilities. Using a case of a divemaster tasked with guiding divers on a challenging wreck dive, we examine the complexities of managing hazards, understanding acceptable risks, and the impact of assumptions and biases. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to safety, while acknowledging the challenges of balancing rules with real-world scenarios. Ultimately, we discuss how diving professionals can navigate these grey areas, fostering safer practices while maintaining the adventurous spirit of diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-owns-the-risk-in-diving

Links: HSE Terms: https://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/theory/alarpglance.htm

Normalisation of Deviance video: https://vimeo.com/174875861

Work as Imagined vs Work as Done: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management

SH162: Plan to fail safely - teaching students/candidates for the real world

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the importance of preparing for failure in diving education, inspired by Hal Watts' quote: “The most dangerous thing about diving is divers themselves.” Using a real-life example from a scuba Instructor Examination, we highlight how training focused solely on passing exams can lead to complacency and poor decision-making in real-life scenarios. Diving instructors and trainers must teach students to plan for and respond to unexpected challenges safely. This involves reflecting on training methods, addressing blind spots, and fostering a mindset where failure becomes a learning opportunity, not a life-threatening event. Part 2 will delve deeper into personal strategies for planning to fail safely.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/plan-to-fail-safely

Tags: English, Dart Den Ouden, Instruction, Leadership

SH161: ‘One mistake and you are dead’ – isn’t how accidents normally happen

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the dangers of "normalisation of deviance"—the gradual erosion of safety standards through repeated shortcuts—and its impact on rebreather diving and other high-risk activities. Drawing on lessons from aviation and diving, we discuss how human factors, cognitive biases, and systemic drift contribute to accidents, emphasizing that outcomes should not be the sole focus when analyzing incidents. Using models like the Swiss Cheese Model and concepts of systems thinking, we unpack how multiple, seemingly minor factors can align to create critical incidents. Learn how applying tools like checklists, audits, and effective debriefs can help mitigate these risks and maintain safety margins in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/one-mistake

Links: “If Only” documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

John Bantin’s Undercurrent article: https://www.undercurrent.org/blog/2020/06/01/the-tragic-and-un-necessary-death-of-brian-bugge/

Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Normalisation of Deviance: https://vimeo.com/174875861

Simple Swiss cheese model: https://vimeo.com/326723142

Big Hole animation: https://vimeo.com/326723122

Little Hole animation: https://vimeo.com/326723109

HSE report: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr871.pdf

Tags: English. CCR, Complacency, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Rebreather

SH160: Outcomes are so sexy and attractive…

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

This episode dives into the critical role of human factors in safety, using a tragic aviation incident and its parallels in diving to illustrate how distractions, pressures, and systemic issues contribute to accidents. We explore how a Royal Air Force training film, "Distractions," highlighted the cumulative factors behind a hypothetical crash, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in preventing errors. Similarly, the story of Brian Bugge's 2018 diving accident reveals the dangers of focusing solely on individual mistakes while overlooking the broader contributing factors. Accidents rarely result from a single error but emerge from a combination of conditions. By understanding these dynamics, we can better mitigate risks and improve safety in both aviation and diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/outcomes-are-so-sexy

Links: “If Only” Documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Tags: English, CCR, Checklists, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, If Only, Investigations, Rebreather

SH159: The best is the enemy of the good

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, a newly qualified Human Factors in Diving Instructor shares their journey of grappling with impostor syndrome and the challenges of teaching human factors to divers. Despite over a decade of diving instruction experience, they recount feeling inadequate compared to peers and doubting their knowledge, especially when students might view human factors as "common sense." Reflecting on the Dunning-Kruger effect, they explore how experts often underestimate their abilities because they understand the vastness of their field. Through conversations with peers and self-reflection, they learn to embrace the value they bring to the classroom and the importance of fostering curiosity in their students.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-best-is-the-enemy-of-the-good

Tags: English, Communications, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Teamwork

SH158: Predictive Profiling & diving: “what deviates, deserves attention!”

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

This episode dives into the critical importance of recognizing deviations from the norm in diving, a concept rooted in situational awareness. Inspired by the 1972 attack at Lod Airport, Bart den Ouden draws parallels between how assumptions can blind us and the role of training and experience in diving. By understanding what “normal” looks like, divers can detect and respond to unexpected changes. We explore mental models, decision-making under pressure, and the value of learning skills the right way to build a strong foundation. Tune in to learn why paying attention to the small details can make all the difference underwater!

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/predicitive-profiling

Links: Situational Awareness and Decision Making in Diving: https://gue.com/blog/situational-awareness-and-decision-making-in-diving/?fbclid=IwAR1Pq5eqIxWxcc0s1S2CoYefJgkWeXy_pUi8AsjQ8BoKSx-xKKXrLTPqleQ

Tags: English, Bart Den Ouden, Decision Making

SH157: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the pitfalls of blindly trusting technology through two cautionary tales—one about a GPS mishap in snowy Quebec and another about divers relying solely on their computers. Automation offers precision and convenience, but over-reliance can dull our awareness and problem-solving skills. We discuss how this applies to diving, where dive computers are invaluable but prone to errors if misconfigured or when they fail. Listeners will learn why it’s essential to combine technology with old-school skills, planning, and situational awareness to ensure safety. Embrace technology, but always have a backup plan!

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-good-the-bad-the-ugly

Tags: English, Decision Making, Helene Pellerin, Situational Awareness

SH156: CCR pre-dive checks and checklists are not always enough to prevent an equipment-based accident!

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how safety in diving is not just about avoiding accidents but about building systems that can fail safely. Drawing on a real-life incident shared by Phil Short, we examine how a small technical issue—debris in a rebreather valve—could have escalated into a life-threatening situation during a cave dive. We highlight the critical role of technical preparation, situational awareness, and non-technical skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication in managing and recovering from unexpected challenges. By sharing these stories, we aim to help divers understand how to plan for failures and enhance safety through learning, reflection, and a chronic unease about what could go wrong.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/failing-safely-400m-back-in-a-cave

Links: How Safe is Your Diving blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-diving

Tags: English, CCR, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Non-Technical Skills, Teamwork

SH155: How safe is your diving?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the concept of psychological safety and its critical role in diving and team performance. Psychological safety, defined as a shared belief that it's safe to take interpersonal risks, enables people to ask questions, make mistakes, contribute ideas, and challenge the status quo without fear of judgment or reprisal. Drawing on insights from experts like Amy Edmondson and Dr. Timothy Clark, we explore its four stages: inclusion, learner safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety, with a focus on how each stage impacts divers, instructors, and teams. From life-or-death scenarios to fostering innovation, creating a culture of psychological safety can improve decision-making, teamwork, and training outcomes. Tune in to learn how to build this essential skill in your diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-diving

Links: If Only video: https://vimeo.com/382399090

Debrief guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Psychological Safety and Learning Behaviour in Work Teams: http://web.mit.edu/curhan/www/docs/Articles/15341_Readings/Group_Performance/Edmondson%20Psychological%20safety.pdf

High Performing Teams need Psychological Safety: https://liberationist.org/high-performing-teams-need-psychological-safety/

What Psychological Safety is not: https://qz.com/work/1470164/what-is-psychological-safety/

Tags: English, Communication, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Leadership, Teamwork

SH154: The Importance of Decision Making in Setting Goals: Ensuring “The Juice is worth the Squeeze”

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the double-edged nature of goal setting—how it drives achievement but can also lead to risky decisions when pressure and commitment override safety and judgment. Using examples from mountaineering and advanced diving, including a personal story about a challenging CCR trimix course, we delve into the concept of "destructive goal setting." The discussion highlights how external pressures and an unwillingness to abandon goals can cloud decision-making, and emphasizes the importance of open communication, team empowerment, and stepping back to reassess whether "the juice is worth the squeeze."

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Guy Shockey

SH153: Why ‘They should have’, ‘...could have’ or ‘I would have..’ do not improve diving safety

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the concept of counterfactual reasoning—our tendency to imagine how incidents could have been avoided by different actions—and why it falls short in improving safety. While this type of hindsight helps us feel better by creating a sense of order, it doesn’t address the real-world conditions or decisions that led to the incident. Instead of asking, "Why didn’t they do Y instead of X?" we should ask, "How did doing X make sense to them at the time?" By focusing on what actually happened and understanding the context, we can uncover valuable insights to improve safety and decision-making in diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counter-factuals

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis

SH152: The Bend is Uninteresting...The Related Decisions Are Much More So

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore a personal account of a Gareth’s experience with decompression sickness (DCS) and the critical decision-making process that followed. The story dives into the internal monologue, biases, and stigmas surrounding DCS, highlighting how emotions and uncertainties influence risk-based decisions. We also examine industry practices, the importance of creating a psychologically safe culture for discussing incidents, and the need for better preparedness when things go wrong. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own decision-making and encourages a shift toward curiosity and learning in the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-bend-is-uninteresting-the-related-decisions-are-much-more-so

Links: PACE model: https://gcaptain.com/graded-assertiveness-captain-i-have-a-concern/

Prospect Theory: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1914185

Blog about Normalisation of Deviance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Distancing through Differencing: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David_Woods11/publication/292504703_Distancing_through_differencing_An_obstacle_to_organizational_learning_following_accidents/links/5742fb1808ae9ace8418b7ea/Distancing-through-differencing-An-obstacle-to-organizational-learning-following-accidents.pdf

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock

SH151: When the holes line up...

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore Professor James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model, which helps explain how incidents occur when multiple safety barriers fail at different levels within a system. We discuss how organizational, supervisory, and individual errors can combine to create accidents, and how the holes in these barriers move and shift over time. Using dynamic models, we highlight that safety is an emergent property of a system, where small errors accumulate and can lead to larger, more significant failures. We also examine the role of human error, risk management, and attention to detail in preventing accidents and emphasize the complexity of real-world systems, where multiple factors often lead to a critical mass of failure before an incident happens.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/when-the-holes-line-up

Links: Animated simple Swiss Cheese model: https://vimeo.com/326723142

Big Hole model: https://vimeo.com/326723122

Little Hole model: https://vimeo.com/326723109

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Incident Investigation

SH150: Are you a good enough diver?

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "good enough" in diving and how it relates to decision-making, risk, and safety. We explore why terms like "safe" and "good" are subjective and often influenced by context, experience, and social pressures, rather than absolutes. Using real-life examples, we discuss how divers weigh trade-offs between efficiency and thoroughness, balancing time, money, and risk to make decisions in uncertain situations. By understanding the biases and constraints that shape our choices, we can better assess what "good enough" means in different scenarios and improve through shared stories and context-rich learning.

Original blog: Spiderman drawing video: https://youtu.be/x9wn633vl_c

Blog from Steve Shorrock: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/

Efficiency-Thouroughness Trade Off: http://erikhollnagel.com/ideas/etto-principle/index.html

Latent Pathogens from James Reason: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1117770/

Outcome bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outcome_bias

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH149: 'Choices': Guaranteed small loss or a probable larger loss, injury or fatality?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how decision-making under uncertainty plays a crucial role in scuba diving, drawing insights from Prospect Theory and real-life scenarios. We discuss how psychological factors, like loss aversion, influence divers to take risks they might otherwise avoid—whether it's diving with faulty gear after weeks of being unable to dive or dealing with pressures during high-profile expeditions. Highlighting examples from both individual dives and operational standards in dive centers, we examine the balance between minimizing loss and managing uncertainty. Finally, we emphasize the importance of teamwork, robust communication, and standardization to mitigate risks, ensuring safer and more informed diving decisions.

Original blog: DOSPERT Study: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1301089

Near death experience in Truk lagoon: https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/complacency-kills-its-not-just-an-empty-threat.567481/

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk

SH148: Risk of diving fatality is 1:200 000. However, you cannot be a fraction of dead…!

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how risk is perceived and managed in diving, where emotions, biases, and mental shortcuts often outweigh logic and statistics. Diving fatalities are statistically rare, but those numbers don’t resonate emotionally—our decisions are more influenced by stories and personal experiences. Through real-life examples, we unpack biases like availability bias, outcome bias, and the “turkey illusion,” showing how these distort our understanding of risks. The discussion also highlights strategies for improving risk management, such as using checklists, planning and debriefing effectively, and sharing experiences to enhance collective learning. Join us to rethink how we approach uncertainty and decision-making in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/riskoffatality

Links: Fatalities COnference Procceedings: https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/Fatalities_Proceedings.pdf

Numbers don;t have the same emotional relevance as stories: https://hbr.org/2003/06/storytelling-that-moves-people

Risk of dying from a shark attack: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/odds/compare-risk/death/

Behavioural economics: https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/introduction-behavioral-economics/

Prospect theory: https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/mini-encyclopedia-of-be/prospect-theory/

Video about normalisation of deviance: https://vimeo.com/174875861

4 T’s of risk management: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1612046102342961/permalink/2160646497482916/

How it makes sense for “stupid” decisions: https://www.facebook.com/gareth.lock.5/videos/10155465887236831/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH147: Dive safety leads to nothingness...and nothingness is unemotive!

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

How do you measure safety in diving? This episode dives into a real story of a dive team that adapted to an emerging safety risk when two divers, certified but inexperienced in drysuits and challenging conditions, showed signs of stress. Through situational awareness, communication, and teamwork, the team adjusted their plan, choosing a safer dive site where the less experienced divers could build confidence. The story highlights how safety isn’t about luck or strict rule-following but proactive decision-making and collaboration. We explore how divers can develop the skills to create safety and why “nothing happening” often means someone made it happen.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/safety-is-nothingness

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Leadership, Safety, Teamwork

SH146: Why ‘everyone is responsible for their own risk-based decisions’ isn’t the right approach to take to improve diving safety.

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the decision-making challenges in diving, sharing a personal story of risky dives and lessons learned. A diver reflects on their early diving experiences, from breaking training depth limits to encountering equipment failures at 30m, and how a lack of knowledge and overconfidence contributed to risky choices. We discuss the importance of understanding context when evaluating incidents, avoiding hindsight bias, and learning from mistakes to improve safety. Diving involves inherent risks, but by fostering curiosity, sharing lessons, and acknowledging uncertainties, we can create a safer and more informed diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/responsible-but-not-informed

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk Management

SH145: Cognitive Dissonance - Why you are right and I am wrong...Or are you?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into cognitive dissonance—the psychological discomfort of confronting facts that challenge our beliefs—and how it impacts decision-making and safety in diving. Drawing on insights from Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed and examples from aviation, justice, and diving, we explore why even highly educated individuals can resist change to protect their reputation. From misconceptions about Nitrox and gas planning to biases in equipment and training preferences, we examine common examples in diving and discuss how human factors can improve safety. We also share practical steps to reduce cognitive dissonance, embrace learning from failure, and foster open-mindedness in the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance

Links: Ditching in the Hudson of Cactus 1549: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549

Story about cult foollowers expecting a UFO: https://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2011/04/when-facts-fail-ufo-cults-birthers-and-cognitive-dissonance

“Unintended co-ejaculators”: https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/cognitive-dissonance-case-unindicted-co-ejaculator

Examples of cognitive dissonance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH144: Just another brick in (under) the wall...taking action

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the gap between knowledge and action, focusing on how even small, intentional changes can lead to significant improvements in safety and performance. Drawing from examples like the WHO Safe Surgical Checklist and lessons from diving, we highlight the importance of applying what we know—whether through simple tools like checklists and debriefs or by understanding decision-making and systemic issues. Alongside a personal story about working with a coach to turn knowledge into impactful action, we challenge listeners to reflect: what will you do to turn your insights into meaningful change?

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/anotherbrickinthewall

Links: CAP 737 http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=6480

IOGP Doc 502 https://www.iogp.org/bookstore/product/guidelines-for-implementing-well-operations-crew-resource-management-training/

Non-technical skills for surgeons: https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/professional-support-development-resources/learning-resources/non-technical-skills-for-surgeons-notss

The Castle: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2018/02/the-castle-by-jorge-mendez-blake/

World Health Organisation Safe Surgical Checklist: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa0810119

Semmelweis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis

Distancing through differencing: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292504703_Distancing_through_differencing_An_obstacle_to_organizational_learning_following_accidents

Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Non-Technical Skills

SH143: 'Entirely Predictable' vs 'Managing Uncertainty': How many rolls on the dice?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of managing risk and uncertainty in diving, challenging the notion that accidents are "entirely predictable." Unlike measurable risks, diving involves countless variables that create uncertainty, often managed through mental shortcuts and biases. We discuss how hindsight bias, overconfidence, and peer pressure can cloud judgment, leading to poor decisions. Effective feedback, teamwork, and tools like checklists can reduce uncertainty, while debriefs and learning from others’ mistakes are crucial for improvement. Tune in to explore how divers can navigate uncertainty to enhance safety and performance in this high-stakes environment.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/uncertainty-vs-predictable

Links: Risk vs Uncertainty: http://www.mindtherisk.com/literature/67-risk-savvy-by-gerd-gigerenzer

Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow

Blog about the Dunning Kruger effect: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Blog about biases: https://www.humaninthesystem.co.uk/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk

SH142: The standard you walk past is the standard you accept

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

The diving industry faces challenges in maintaining high safety standards due to a lack of effective feedback mechanisms and a fear of reprisal for reporting substandard practices. Feedback is essential for improving performance and preventing dangerous "normalization of deviance," but it’s often viewed as blame rather than an opportunity for learning. Without proper acknowledgment or action from agencies, divers and instructors lose trust in the system, leading to fewer reports and greater risks. To protect the self-regulating nature of the industry, the community must embrace constructive feedback, report unsafe practices, and demand accountability from agencies to ensure safety and uphold standards.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/standard-you-accept

Links: Blog about normalisation of deviance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Willful blindness: https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_the_dangers_of_willful_blindness

Case study from healthcare in the US: https://news.aamc.org/patient-care/article/best-response-medical-errors-transparency/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Reporting

SH141: We cannot improve if we don't learn. We can't learn if we don't understand.

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

When discussing diving incidents, it’s vital to shift away from blame and hindsight bias and instead foster a culture of open dialogue to understand why decisions made sense at the time. Often, divers are doing their best with the resources, training, and information available, but situational awareness and decision-making are shaped by incomplete data, personal experience, and environmental factors. Criticism without context or constructive feedback doesn’t improve safety or learning; instead, it deters people from sharing critical insights. By embracing a "just culture," the diving community can better explore the underlying factors behind incidents, address systemic issues, and create meaningful opportunities for growth and safety improvement.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cannot-improve-do-not-understand

Links: Report of the death of CCR diver: https://cognitasresearch.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/dillon-2015-findings-in-the-inquest-into-the-death-of-philip-gray.pdf

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture

SH140: Safety is not _the_ priority...

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Safety in diving is not a standalone priority but one of many factors, including time, money, resources, and productivity, that individuals and organizations must balance in a dynamic environment. Safety is best understood as reducing risk to an "acceptable level," but defining what is acceptable can be complex and context-dependent. Using principles like ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable), risk is mitigated until further reduction becomes disproportionately expensive or impractical. Both training organizations and divers face trade-offs between safety and competing priorities, which can shift depending on circumstances. Divers must critically assess their own safety standards and weigh the effort, time, and money required to mitigate risks, understanding that "safety" is a shared responsibility within the larger system of diving. Ultimately, improving safety requires self-awareness, courage, and a commitment to learning from near-misses and incidents.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/safetyisnot_the_priority

Links: ICAO Safety Management Manual: https://www.icao.int/safety/SafetyManagement/Documents/Doc.9859.3rd%20Edition.alltext.en.pdf

Royal Sociecty Risk Assessment report: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Risk_Assessment.html?id=LRcmQwAACAAJ&redir_esc=y

John Adams book ‘Risk’: http://www.john-adams.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/RISK-BOOK.pdf

Efficiency-Throughouness Trade Off: http://erikhollnagel.com/ideas/etto-principle/index.html]

Work as Imagined/Work as Done: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-human-factors-in-diving-mean

Cognitive biases: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/17-cognitive-biases

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety

SH139: What does Human Factors in Diving mean?

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Human factors in diving encompass everything from individual behavior to the interaction between divers, technology, and organizational systems. This podcast dives into the complexities of human factors, exploring how they influence safety, performance, and decision-making. Topics include cognitive biases, stress, and fatigue, as well as the gap between "Work as Imagined" and "Work as Done." We also discuss the importance of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Non-Technical Skills (NTS) in improving team dynamics and situational awareness, even in solo diving. Additionally, we touch on the lack of formal human factors standards in diving and the need for better incident reporting systems. Finally, we highlight practical approaches to training, such as effective pre-dive briefs, debriefs, and feedback mechanisms, to help divers and instructors foster safer, more adaptive practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-human-factors-in-diving-mean

Links: Steven Shorrocks blogs about the four parts of Human Factors:

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH138: Why ‘Human Error’ is a poor term if we are to improve diving safety

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast explores the limitations of attributing diving accidents to "human error," a reductionist explanation that fails to address the complexities of real-world decision-making and system failures. By examining a case study involving oxygen toxicity during a rebreather dive, the episode delves into how biases, situational awareness, and flawed mental models contribute to adverse events. It highlights the importance of understanding the context behind decisions, recognizing that divers rarely intend to put themselves or others at risk. Drawing parallels with aviation and other industries, the podcast advocates for systemic changes, better training, and a culture of learning to enhance safety, rather than placing blame.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-human-error-is-a-poor-term

Links: Animated Swiss cheese model: https://vimeo.com/249087556

References:
1. Bierens, J. Handbook on drowning: Prevention, rescue, treatment. 50, (2006).

2. Denoble, P. J. Medical Examination of Diving Fatalities Symposium: Investigation of Diving Fatalities for Medical Examiners and Diving. (2014).

3. Denoble, PJ, Caruso, JL, de Dear, GL, Pieper, CF & Vann, RD. Common causes of open-circuit recreational diving fatalities. Undersea Hyperb Med 35, 393–406 (2008).

4. Parry, G. W. Human reliability analysis—context and control By Erik Hollnagel, Academic Press, 1993, ISBN 0-12-352658-2. Reliability Engineering & System Safety 99–101 (1996). doi:10.1016/0951-8320(96)00023-3

5. Reason, J. T. Human Error. (Cambridge University Press, 1990).

6. Phipps, D. L. et al. Identifying violation-provoking conditions in a healthcare setting. Ergonomics 51, 1625–1642 (2008).

7. Dekker, S. The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error. 205–214 (2013). doi:10.1201/9781315239675-20

8. Endsley, MR. Toward a theory of situation awareness in dynamic systems. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 37, 32–64 (1995).

9. Klein, GA. Streetlights and shadows: Searching for the keys to adaptive decision making. (2011).

10. Amalberti, R, Vincent, C, Auroy, Y & de Maurice, S. G. Violations and migrations in health care: a framework for understanding and management. Quality & safety in health care 15 Suppl 1, i66–71 (2006).

11. Cook, R & Rasmussen, J. ‘Going solid’: a model of system dynamics and consequences for patient safety. Quality & safety in health care 14, 130–134 (2005).

12. Woods, DD & Cook, RI. Mistaking Error. Patient Safety Handbook 1–14 (2003).

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Error

SH137: Stop making stupid mistakes. If only they’d follow the rules

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore a diving incident that highlights the critical importance of understanding human factors in high-risk activities like technical diving. A diver survived an oxygen toxicity seizure thanks to her buddy's quick thinking, but the investigation revealed a web of human errors, from outdated equipment to flawed decision-making. We discuss the lessons learned, the role of human variability in performance, and how other industries like aviation and healthcare have transformed safety through Crew Resource Management (CRM). Diving’s focus on technical skills often overlooks the human element—decision-making, communication, and teamwork—that can make or break a dive. Tune in to learn how adopting these skills can enhance safety, performance, and the culture of diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/stop-making-stupid-mistakes

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH136: Nine ways to stop your dive team improving

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Effective communication is critical for safety and performance in diving, yet many divers struggle to speak up due to fear of judgment, peer pressure, or an adversarial culture. This silence can lead to mistakes, unreported incidents, and missed opportunities for improvement. Leaders at all levels play a vital role in fostering open dialogue by responding to mistakes constructively, avoiding blame, and creating trust. Self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to learn are key traits for maintaining open communication. By embracing these principles and shifting focus from blame to learning, divers and teams can enhance safety, build stronger relationships, and achieve high performance.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/nine-ways

Links: Blog about peer pressure: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-thumb-a-dive-or-end-something-that-you-have-committed-to

Blog about leadership: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadershipindiving

Tags: English, Communications, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Teamwork

SH135: 17 Cognitive Biases which Contribute to Diving Accidents

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Cognitive biases and mental shortcuts significantly impact decision-making, especially in high-risk environments like diving, where errors can have critical or fatal consequences. Factors such as narcosis, reduced visibility, and altered sound perception exacerbate these biases, distorting reality and affecting safety. Common biases include anchoring, overconfidence, and confirmation bias, each influencing risk perception and decision-making in unique ways. Awareness and mitigation of these biases are vital, achieved through strategies like education, training, crew resource management, and system changes to reduce reliance on human behavior alone. Understanding these factors is essential to improving safety and preventing incidents often attributed to "human error."

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/17-cognitive-biases

Links: Types of cognitive bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased

Normalisation of deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Dunning-Kruger effect blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH134: Human Error in Diving: Is it really that simple?

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This episode explores the complexities of human error in diving incidents, challenging the oversimplified blame often placed on individuals. Drawing on James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model, we examine how both active failures (individual actions) and latent conditions (systemic weaknesses) contribute to accidents. We also discuss cognitive biases, such as hindsight and outcome bias, that hinder objective learning from incidents. By shifting focus from blame to systemic improvement, fostering accountability without shame, and continuously reforming processes, we can better manage errors and enhance safety. Tune in to rethink “human error” and embrace a systems approach to diving performance.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-error-in-diving-is-it-really-that-simple

Links: Shappell and Weigmann’s HFACS model: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Human_Factors_Analysis_and_Classification_System_(HFACS)

Animated Swiss cheese model: https://vimeo.com/249087556

James Reason, Managing Maintainence Error: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=sr_adv_b/?field-title=Managing%20Maintenance%20Error&search-alias=stripbooks&unfiltered=1

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Factors

SH133: Blood, Banks and Diving: The value of knowledge, experience and training

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This episode dives into the importance of investing in skills and experience to prepare for unexpected challenges in diving and life. Using an analogy of red and white blood cells, we explore the balance between productivity and response readiness, emphasizing why both are essential. Drawing lessons from Captain Sullenberger’s emergency landing on the Hudson River, we highlight the value of deliberate practice, teamwork, and situational awareness. By learning from our own experiences and others’ stories, we can improve decision-making and be better equipped to handle ambiguity, uncertainty, and complexity. Are you ready to invest in your “bank of experience”?

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blood-banks-diving

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk

SH132: Leadership in Diving? Why is it needed, it is only a sport...

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This episode explores the critical role of leadership in diving, drawing on a challenging night dive on the Abu Nuhas reef and lessons from military aviation. The dive highlighted the importance of accountability, planning, and adapting leadership styles to the situation. Diving lacks formal leadership training, yet all divers—from instructors to dive center managers—play leadership roles. Drawing inspiration from a Marine Corps officer’s letter, we discuss core leadership values such as professional hunger, focus, attitude, moral courage, and dedication. These values, combined with structured debriefs and continuous learning, are essential for fostering safety, excellence, and teamwork in diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadershipindiving

Links: Blog about deviation:

”Leaders in learning mode develop stronger skills than their peers”: https://hbr.org/2017/08/good-leaders-are-good-learners

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Leadership, Teamwork

SH131: With Errors: Aviation Blames The System, The Diving Community Often Blames the Individual

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This episode dives into the lessons the diving community can learn from aviation safety practices, using the near-disaster of Air Canada Flight AC759 at San Francisco Airport as a starting point. In aviation, near-misses are thoroughly investigated to uncover systemic issues rather than just individual mistakes, fostering a culture of learning and improvement. By contrast, the diving industry often discourages open discussions about close calls due to fear of criticism or legal consequences, hindering collective growth. We explore how a shift toward non-judgmental analysis and systemic thinking could enhance safety in diving, encouraging shared learning from mistakes and near-misses to prevent future incidents.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/aviation-diving-errors

Links: Mercury News report: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/02/ntsb-finds-blind-spot-in-sfo-radar-following-air-canada-near-disaster/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH130: The Power of One

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how authority gradients—the imbalance of power or experience between individuals—can lead to critical mistakes in diving and other high-stakes environments. Drawing lessons from aviation, medicine, and real-world diving incidents, we discuss how the fear of questioning a more experienced person can prevent vital safety concerns from being raised. Whether it's a student diver hesitant to challenge their instructor or a junior crew member in aviation unable to assert their concerns, the consequences can be life-threatening. We highlight the importance of fostering open communication, psychological safety, and mutual accountability to prevent errors and improve safety across all levels of experience.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-power-of-one

Links: Wrong site surgery: http://www.newstatesman.com/2014/05/how-mistakes-can-save-lives

Pan Am/KLM accident: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B742_/_B741,_Los_Rodeos_Tenerife,_1977_(RI_AGC_WX)

Landing gear light problem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_173

Crew Resource Management: https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP720.PDF

Non-Technical Skills: https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/professional-support-development-resources/learning-resources/non-technical-skills-for-surgeons-notss

Human Factors skills in Diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH129: We judge based on outcomes, not on process

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the role of social conformity, biases, and decision-making in diving safety. Humans naturally seek group belonging, but this can lead to harsh judgments when incidents occur, particularly on social media. We explore how biases like hindsight and outcome bias affect our perceptions of accidents, often focusing on blame rather than understanding the decision-making processes behind them. To improve diving safety, it’s essential to create a "Just Culture"—a psychologically safe environment where mistakes can be shared without fear of humiliation or judgment. By examining flawed systems rather than individual outcomes and teaching the "why" behind protocols, we can foster better decision-making and prevent future incidents.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-judge-based-on-outcomes-not-on-process

Links: Learning teams blog: https://www.thehumandiver/blog/can-divers-learn-from-the-us-forest-service

Hindsight bias: https://www.thehumandiver/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

More about Just Culture: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/11/24/just-culture-who-are-we-really-afraid-of%EF%BB%BF/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH128: I am biased...you are biased...we are all biased...!

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that influence our decisions—affect our actions in complex and dynamic situations. Whether things go right or wrong, biases like overconfidence, expectation bias, and hindsight bias shape our thinking, often without us realizing it. We discuss practical ways to identify and reflect on these biases to improve decision-making, drawing from Buster Benson’s framework that simplifies 175 cognitive biases into four key challenges: filtering too much information, finding meaning in a confusing world, acting quickly under uncertainty, and deciding what to remember. Tune in to learn how understanding biases can enhance awareness and resilience.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased

Links: Wikipedia page of cognitive biases: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases

Cognitive bias cheat sheet blog: https://betterhumans.coach.me/cognitive-bias-cheat-sheet-55a472476b18

Links: English, Gareth Lock

SH127: Can divers learn from the US Forest Service?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast episode explores how the U.S. Forest Service uses structured Learning Reviews to improve safety in high-risk environments by focusing on understanding the context, mindset, and systemic factors behind incidents rather than assigning blame. Highlighting parallels to the diving community, we discuss the importance of storytelling, identifying gaps between "normal" and "ideal" operations, and addressing systemic issues to enhance safety and learning. With insights from the USFS's approach and Todd Conklin’s Learning Teams, we consider how divers and training organizations can adopt these principles to prevent accidents, foster accountability, and improve decision-making under pressure.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/can-divers-learn-from-the-us-forest-service

Links: USFS Learning review: http://wildfiretoday.com/2014/08/07/usfs-to-use-new-serious-accident-review-system/

Todd Conklin’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Accident-Investigations-Introduction-Organizational-Safety/dp/1409447820

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Incident Reporting, Safety

SH126: Why did he make such an obvious mistake...?

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of decision-making in high-risk environments, focusing on why some choices that lead to accidents might seem baffling but are understandable in context. We discuss Todd Conklin's and Chris Perrow's ideas on "Normal Accidents," highlighting how unforeseen events can occur despite experience and training due to factors like hindsight and outcome biases. We’ll explore the three types of decision-making—skills-based, rules-based, and knowledge-based—explaining how each influences our actions, especially in unfamiliar situations. Lastly, we’ll address how understanding decision-making can lead to safer diving practices by analyzing actions and events before they turn into incidents.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-did-he-make-such-an-obvious-mistake

Links: Endsley’s SA model: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/blogs/817/images/sbYcrVK0QVe0CYJ2fYoC_ngcezfVOQw69fnrwH2BI_EndsleyModel.jpg

Known unknowns blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/known-unknowns-are-they-considered-enough-in-diving

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Rules

SH125: "Known Unknowns" - Are they considered enough in diving...?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore Donald Rumsfeld's "known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns" concept and how it applies to risk management in diving. Using the Johari window model of self-reflection, we discuss the importance of understanding risks that divers face, from routine (known knowns) to unpredictable (unknown unknowns). The episode highlights the role of experience, training, and non-technical skills in preventing accidents and managing emergencies. Listeners will gain insights on improving their decision-making and awareness, so they can better navigate both anticipated and unforeseen challenges in their diving journeys.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/known-unknowns-are-they-considered-enough-in-diving

Links: Johari Window: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window

Dunning Kruger effect: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Experience blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple

Charles Perrow, Normal Accidents: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Accidents

Parker Turner’s cave collapse: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150901121005.htm

Aqaurius Project fatality: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewey_Smith

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH124: Congratulations on surviving. Dude, you’re one lucky f***er

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the story of Eric, a wingsuit base jumper who nearly died during a jump, to explore the risks, attitudes, and decision-making in extreme sports. Eric’s candid interview highlights how rapid progression without mentorship, inferred peer pressure, and normalization of risky behavior nearly led to fatal consequences. His reflections underscore the need for awareness, honest self-assessment, and the courage to address safety concerns, both in wingsuit base jumping and diving. The episode discusses the role of social media in glamorizing risky sports, the sunk-cost fallacy, and the importance of learning from near-misses. By drawing parallels to diving, we hope to inspire listeners to be more mindful of safety, effective communication, and continuous learning in any high-risk pursuit. Warning: This podcast contains swearing.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/congratulations-on-surviving-dude-you-re-one-lucky-f-er

Links: Full blog: http://topgunbase.ws/i-flew-my-wingsuit-into-trees-and-woke-up-in-a-hospital/

Today is a good day to die article: https://issuu.com/divermedicandaquaticsafety/docs/divermedicmagazine_issue9

Incompetent and Unaware blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

DAN non-fatal incident reporting: http://www.danap.org/accident/nfdir.php

British Sub Aqua Club incident reporting: http://www.bsac.com/page.asp?section=1038§ionTitle=Annual+Diving+Incident+Report

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Normalisation of Deviance, Situational Awareness

SH123: Why is it so hard to thumb a dive, or end something that you have committed to?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

One of the key lessons in diving is that anyone can end a dive at any time for any reason, no questions asked, yet making that call can be tough due to unspoken pressures. This episode explores how inferred peer pressure, desire for group belonging, and risk-taking in “losing situations” all affect a diver’s willingness to thumb a dive. Through stories and research, we discuss how factors like fatigue, previous lost dive opportunities, and good visibility can cloud judgment, making it harder to call off a dive. Recognizing these influences and discussing them in debriefs can help divers build confidence in prioritizing safety over peer expectations.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-thumb-a-dive-or-end-something-that-you-have-committed-to

Links: Paletz’s research about pilots in Alaska: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Socializing-the-Human-Factors-Analysis-and-Paletz-Bearman/58a0496739adb8778b3f95cf53e9016f15dcf8e6

Kahneman and Tversky’s research: http://psiexp.ss.uci.edu/research/teaching/Tversky_Kahneman_1974.pdf

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

SH122: "Human Error" or "Diver Error": Are they just an easy way of blaming the individual?

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the concept of human error, examining why labeling it as the sole cause of accidents often oversimplifies the issue and prevents meaningful improvement. Human error is natural, inevitable, and can range from minor to life-threatening in impact. Effective safety culture encourages open discussion of mistakes without blame, helping us understand the factors influencing these errors, like pressure, environment, and subconscious decision-making. This episode also covers how divers and instructors can reflect on and report errors, find systemic solutions, and avoid jumping to conclusions like "human error," which should be a starting point, not an endpoint, in any investigation.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-error-or-diver-error-are-they-just-an-easy-way-of-blaming-the-individual

Links: Situation awareness model: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/blogs/817/images/sbYcrVK0QVe0CYJ2fYoC_ngcezfVOQw69fnrwH2BI_EndsleyModel.jpg

Diving fatality causes from DAN: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/DivingFatalityCauses.pdf

Instructor who didn’t analyse their gas: https://www.divingincidents.org/reports/136

AOW diver continuing diving: https://issuu.com/divermedicandaquaticsafety/docs/divermedicmagazine_issue6

Diving Incident Safety Management System: http://www.divingincidents.org/

Second victim issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BsHmwAFPKs

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Performance, Just Culture, Safety

SH121: We all make errors. Let’s not judge those involved without understanding the ‘how’ it made sense.

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the concept of a Just Culture in diving, where learning from mistakes and sharing incidents openly helps improve safety without fear of unfair criticism or blame. Inspired by Human Factors and Ergonomics, which emerged in WWII to address human error in fast-evolving systems, Just Culture highlights that mistakes often result from systemic issues, not individual faults. In diving, many errors go unreported due to fear of judgment, especially on social media, which prevents the community from learning valuable lessons. Just Culture fosters a fair, open environment where divers can learn from errors and incidents, understanding the difference between human error, risky behavior, and recklessness, helping all divers make safer decisions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-all-make-errors-let-s-not-judge-those-involved-without-understanding-the-how-it-made-sense

Links: Blog about local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/local-rationality-why-an-old-lady-vandalised-art-and-how-to-improve-diving-safety

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH120: Why is it so hard to talk about failure?

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss how openly sharing failures can lead to safer, more effective diving practices and team connections. Inspired by a diving forum thread called “I Learned About Diving From That,” we explore how sharing mistakes helps others learn without fear of criticism, creating a “Just Culture.” Embracing failure is vital for growth: it strengthens team bonds, encourages personal learning, fosters tolerance, and prepares us for future challenges. By acknowledging our mistakes, we create a safe space for feedback, helping us improve and making every dive a chance to learn and grow. Failure is normal; learning from it is essential.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-talk-about-failure

Links: The Dive Forum: http://www.thediveforum.co.uk/

Tags: English, Diving, Failure, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Leadership, Scuba Diving

SH119: Local Rationality: Why an old lady vandalised art and how to improve diving safety!

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how understanding "local rationality"—the idea that people make decisions that make sense to them in the moment—can improve diving safety and team performance. Using the story of a 91-year-old woman who "completed" a crossword art piece in a museum, believing it was interactive, we see how context shapes our actions. This concept is critical in diving, where incidents are often judged in hindsight, ignoring the pressures, norms, and limited information divers faced. By approaching errors with curiosity rather than blame, we can better understand and prevent future mishaps in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/local-rationality-why-an-old-lady-vandalised-art-and-how-to-improve-diving-safety

Links: BBC report about “vandalism”: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36796581

Mod 1 CCR bailout: https://www.divingincidents.org/reports/136

Diving with out of date cells: https://cognitasresearch.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/ccr-incident-feb-2013-double-cell-failure-human-factors-inquest-report/

Tags: English, Communication, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Factors

SH118: Being a deviant is normal...

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into "normalization of deviance"—how divers, like workers in many fields, can gradually drift from safe practices due to pressures to be more efficient or productive. Often starting with small rule-bending or shortcuts, this drift can increase over time, as divers operate closer to safety limits without realizing the risk. Drawing on examples from high-reliability organizations, we'll discuss strategies for recognizing and counteracting this drift, from clear baseline definitions to fostering environments where divers feel comfortable speaking up about concerns. Finally, we explore the value of critical debriefs to ensure safe practices remain a priority.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal

Links: Steve Lewis’ blog: https://decodoppler.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/normalization-of-deviance/

Andy Davis’ blog: http://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/guy-garman-world-depth-record-fatal-dive/#The_Issue_of_Normalization_of_Deviance

Amalberti’s papers: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092575350000045X

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2464877/

Cook’s paper: http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/14/2/130.short

Blog about complacency: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple

Efficiency thoroughness trade off: http://erikhollnagel.com/ideas/etto-principle/index.html

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Non-Technical Skills, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance

SH117: Complacency: The Silent Killer... But it's not that Simple!

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore complacency in technical diving, using the tragic case of Wes Skiles' 2010 rebreather accident as a springboard. Often labeled as the "silent killer," complacency can emerge when divers become overly reliant on their equipment and fail to actively monitor it, especially automated systems like rebreathers. Diving systems, much like any automated setup, require continuous attention and critical monitoring to avoid a gradual drift from safe operating practices—a concept known as the "normalization of deviance." We discuss the importance of training, shared learning from others' experiences, and maintaining a mindset of proactive failure anticipation, following insights from human factors research.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-the-silent-killer-but-it-s-not-that-simple

Links: Report about Wes Skiles: http://postoncourts.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/05/20/pbc-jury-deciding-whether-to-award-widow-of-famed-diver-wes-skiles-25-million/

HFACS: https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/fireInfo_documents/humanfactors_classAnly.pdf

Parasuraman et al 2010: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21077562

Normalisation of deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Endsley’s Situation Awareness model: http://hfs.sagepub.com/content/37/1/32.short?rss=1&ssource=mfc

Bahner et al: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581908000724

HUDs research: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21077562

Pilot missing parked aircraft: http://www.aviation.illinois.edu/avimain/papers/research/pub_pdfs/techreports/05-23.pdf

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH116: Incompetent and Unaware: You don't know what you don't know...

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the Dunning-Kruger effect and how it impacts diver safety. The presentation from TekDiveUSA 2016 emphasizes that humans often overestimate their own knowledge, creating gaps in situational awareness that can lead to dangerous decisions. By understanding cognitive biases, such as outcome and hindsight bias, divers can begin to recognize how easy it is to misjudge risks. Just as in aviation, implementing safety protocols like checklists and open communication within dive teams can improve decision-making. The Human Diver training offers essential human factors skills, enabling divers to better manage complex situations and avoid the complacency that comes from overconfidence.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Links: Wingsuit video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9cs51gbyujce3i6/Wingsuit-small.mp4?dl=1

Digger video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lmoj32hq6ajgd7h/Digger-Captioned.mp4?dl=1

Selective attention video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGQmdoK_ZfY&feature=youtu.be

Sidney Dekker’s videos on Just Culture: https://youtu.be/PVWjgqDANWA

Reading list: https://www.thehumandiver.com/pages/reading-list

Tags: English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety

SH115: It's the little things that catch you out...

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss how complacency and cutting corners can lead to serious diving accidents. We explore how the same mental shortcuts that help us operate efficiently can also cause us to miss critical changes in our environment, leading to dangerous situations. Using examples from aviation and diving, we highlight the importance of situational awareness, monitoring equipment, and questioning decisions—no matter how experienced you are. We also emphasize the need for open communication, where divers feel comfortable addressing concerns without fear of judgment. The Human Diver training helps develop these essential skills to improve safety and performance in diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/it-s-the-little-things-that-catch-you-out

Links: C130 accident summary: http://aerossurance.com/safety-management/c130j-control-restriction-crash/

Tags: English, CCR, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety, Scuba Diving

SH114: What relevance does Human Factors have to recreational and technical diving?

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore why Human Factors are crucial in diving, even if you haven’t experienced an accident. Drawing from high-risk industries like NASA and aviation, we highlight how human errors often lead to major incidents, even when no technical failures are present. We discuss real-life diving examples where poor communication, peer pressure, or lack of planning led to dangerous situations. By "sweating the small stuff" and embracing constructive feedback, divers can improve teamwork, decision-making, and safety. We also introduce the Human Factors Skills in Diving courses, which teach these vital skills, showing their importance both in diving and other high-performance environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-relevance-does-human-factors-have-to-recreational-and-technical-diving

Links: NASA and the Challenger and Columbia disasters

An Executive Jet crew who forgot to remove the gust lock

Pilot who didn’t drain the water from his fuel tanks http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2012/07/experimental-plane-crash-at-sandy-creek.html

Student who bailed out of his CCR https://www.divingincidents.org/reports/136

Instructor diving with out of date cells https://cognitasresearch.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/ccr-incident-feb-2013-double-cell-failure-human-factors-inquest-report/

Recently qualified AOW diver https://issuu.com/divermedicandaquaticsafety/docs/divermedicmagazine_issue6

Even experts make mistakes http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1397693/Wrong-kidney-surgeon-ignored-me-says-student.html

Tags: English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Performance, Safety

SH113: How to help correct the biases which lead to poor decision making

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the concept of "pre-mortem" or prospective hindsight, a technique that helps teams identify potential reasons for failure before a project begins. Research shows that this approach increases the ability to foresee outcomes by 30%. By imagining a scenario where a project has already failed, team members can share their insights and concerns without the fear of being seen as negative, helping to prevent issues before they occur. This method is highly effective in decision-making and risk management, particularly in high-stakes environments like diving or complex team projects.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-help-correct-the-biases-which-lead-to-poor-decision-making

Links: Sunk cost fallacy: http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/03/25/the-sunk-cost-fallacy/

Authority gradient: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/authority-gradient-why-people-don-t-or-can-t-speak-up

Video from Daniel Kahneman about the “pre-mortem”: https://vimeo.com/67596631

Hindsight bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindsight_bias

Outcome bias: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outcome_bias

Tags: English, Gareth Lock

SH112: Authority Gradient - Why people don't (or can't) speak up.

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the challenges teams face when speaking up, especially in the presence of authority figures. A German research study found that in 72% of cases, team members chose to remain silent even when verbal intervention was necessary, and only 40% of those who did speak up were assertive. Reasons for silence included deference to authority, lack of confidence, and failure to recognize the situation’s urgency. This highlights the need for effective Non-Technical Skills training, which helps individuals practice assertiveness without confrontation, improving safety and communication in high-stakes environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/authority-gradient-why-people-don-t-or-can-t-speak-up

Links: Tenerife crash 1977: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife_airport_disaster

Surgeon who removed wrong kidney: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1398408/Surgeons-who-removed-the-wrong-kidney-are-cleared.html

German research paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231210745_Do_residents_and_nurses_communicate_safety_relevant_concerns_Simulation_study_on_the_influence_of_the_authority_gradient

Improving Anesthetists’ ability to speak up: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26703413

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Healthcare

SH111: Big Data - Use as a Predictor? Or Not?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the potential and challenges of using Big Data to predict safety and performance issues, especially when human behavior is involved. While traditional cause-and-effect thinking works in some cases, complex incidents often involve many small contributing factors that are hard to detect. Big Data could help spot these hidden factors, but it requires detailed context and validation to ensure accuracy. Unlike structured fields like medicine, human behavior is unpredictable, influenced by culture, risk perception, and dynamic environments. While Big Data shows promise, it’s not yet ready to replace the experienced insights of human supervisors.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/big-data-use-as-a-predictor-or-not

Links: Article about Big Data: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/07/opinion/eight-no-nine-problems-with-big-data.html?_r=0

Todd Conklin’s Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leading-safety-metrics-big-data-prediction-todd-conklin

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Safety, Safety Culture

SH110: Looking in the (Cultural) Mirror...

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore cultural awareness and how understanding our own culture is key to improving relationships and performance in diverse environments. After attending a training session at Abbey Communication, I learned that we often judge others based on our own biases without realizing it. The course used the Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner model, which outlines seven dimensions of culture, to help us understand these differences. By recognizing and respecting cultural variations, we can work toward better communication, teamwork, and safety in multi-cultural settings, rather than assuming others share our viewpoint.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/looking-in-the-cultural-mirror

Links: Riding the Waves of Culture (book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1904838383/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1904838383&linkCode=as2&tag=cogniincidres-21

Seven dimensions: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/seven-dimensions.htm

Seven dimensions video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veA0bLa8xAg

Abbey Communication: http://www.abbeycommunication.com/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Safety Culture

SH109: Anyone could have done that...!

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the concept of "common sense" and how it's not always as common as we might think. Using the example of Columbus and his "uncommon sense" solution to standing an egg on its end, we explore how knowledge and experience shape our understanding of what seems obvious. Just because something appears simple to one person doesn't mean it's clear to others who haven't had the same experiences. This idea is crucial when explaining the need for training or coaching to others, as assumptions about common sense can hinder problem-solving and safety improvements.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/anyone-could-have-done-that

Links: The Ergonomist: http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/the-ergonomist/

Study about US college students knowledge: http://youarenotsosmart.com/2013/07/22/yanss-podcast-episode-seven/

Extramission theory: http://www.asa3.org/ASA/education/views/extramission.htm

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety

SH108: How Much Are You Willing to Risk?

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the parallels between decision-making in diving and the concepts from Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow." The discussion focuses on how divers often face tough choices when equipment malfunctions, similar to the mixed gambles described in the book. While staying on the boat may seem like the safe choice, the fear of missing a dive can lead to riskier decisions, driven by loss aversion and regret. We emphasize the importance of using logical, System 2 thinking in these situations and considering the potential consequences of your choices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-much-are-you-willing-to-risk

Tags: English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk Safety

SH107: Summary of RF4 Paper: Human Factors in Rebreather Diving

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the importance of human factors in rebreather diving, highlighting key themes from the Rebreather Forum 4 conference. Rebreather diving, while offering unique opportunities, is far more complex than traditional scuba due to its intricate systems and hidden failure modes. The talk covers the role of systems thinking in improving safety, the need for a just culture, the value of psychological safety, and the importance of non-technical skills like teamwork and communication. We also explore the challenges of implementing human factors and why they are essential for the future of safe rebreather diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/summary-of-rf4-paper-human-factors-in-rebreather-diving

Links: Workshop proceedings: https://indepthmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rebreather-Forum-4-Proceedings-2024.pdf

HSE report RR871: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr871.pdf

HFiD Essentials program: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials

Gareth’s thesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0

Video’s from the presentations: https://rebreatherforum.tech/program/

Gareth’s presentation: https://gue.tv/programs/rebreather-forum-4-ccr-diving-advancements?cid=3312565&permalink=human-factors-rebreather-diving-ccr-systems-safety

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Rebreather, Research, Safety

SH106: Language Matters: An HF Approach to Reviewing an ‘Accident Analysis’

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we discuss a recent accident analysis published by RAID, which was framed as a hypothetical event but turned out to be based on a real-life diving incident without full consultation with those involved. The focus is on how we frame learning opportunities in diving and the importance of understanding the decisions made in the moment rather than placing blame after the fact. Effective accident analysis must explore the conditions and pressures present, fostering empathy and a learning culture within the diving community. A PDF review of this case is available in the show notes.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/language-matters-an-HF-approach-to-reviewing-an-accident-analysis

Links: PDF copy of the analysis text: https://bit.ly/THD_Incident_Analysis_Review

Learning from Unintended Outcomes training: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo

Danish Maritime Investigation board report: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021

US Air Force report: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3850845/b-1b-accident-investigation-report-released/

Other reports and blogs: Roaring River Fatality

Links: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Just Culture

SH105: Mistakes are good- learning from mistakes is sometimes better than getting it right

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss why mistakes are a valuable part of the learning process, especially in scuba diving training. While most instructors aim for their students to perform perfectly, making mistakes actually helps students learn more effectively. Mistakes provide opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking, which can lead to deeper learning. We explore how immediate or delayed correction of errors, depending on the student's experience, enhances this learning process. The episode also highlights the importance of conducting effective debriefs to create a psychologically safe environment, where students can openly discuss their mistakes and learn from them.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-are-good-learning-from-mistakes-is-sometimes-better-than-getting-it-right

Links: What is a mistake? https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning

Make sure everyone knows it’s ok to make mistakes https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes

The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Tags: English, Debrief, Human Error, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

SH104: Communication- What stops people speaking up?

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the challenges of effective communication and the barriers that often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. We discuss how stress, language differences, and personal insecurities like the Imposter Syndrome can prevent clear communication, both underwater and on land. We also highlight the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Ultimately, good communication requires effort from both parties to ensure that the message is understood, not just transmitted. Tune in to learn how to improve your communication skills and build better connections.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communication-what-stops-people-speaking-up

Links: Blog about language use https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language

Blog about the Dunning Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware

Building a safe psychological environment series

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Communication, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

SH103: The Dunning Kruger effect- Incompetent (or Competent?!) and Unaware

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias where people with limited skills or knowledge in a particular area tend to overestimate their abilities, while those with more expertise may underestimate their competence. This effect explains why some new divers might think they’re better than they are, while more experienced divers might not realize how skilled they’ve become. We discuss how continuous learning and staying humble can help us accurately assess our abilities, leading to safer and more effective diving practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware

Links: Kruger and Dunning- Unskilled and Unaware https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12688660_Unskilled_and_Unaware_of_It_How_Difficulties_in_Recognizing_One%2527s_Own_Incompetence_Lead_to_Inflated_Self-Assessments&ved=2ahUKEwi-8Z2f2p6HAxUmV6QEHYb0CUEQFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2M00VJJpL1TSHlK-6bZ-Pl

The four stages of learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-four-stages-of-learning

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord

SH102: Decision Making- How do we explain our decisions to others?

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the challenges of explaining decisions to others, especially when they don’t share the same knowledge or experience. Jenny recounts a personal story about deciding not to dive a local canyon system again due to safety concerns, despite it seeming straightforward to others. The incident highlights the importance of situational awareness, good communication, and building a shared mental model within a dive team to ensure everyone understands the reasons behind decisions. This helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes safer diving practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/decision-making-how-do-we-explain-our-decisions-to-others

Links: The Dunnig Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Briefing and Debriefing video https://youtu.be/JTM_Lh7HtmA?si=H4ZSo4AiIQlpZn_e&t=585

The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Tags: English, Brief, Debrief, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord, Teamwork

SH101: Running out of gas- Why does this happen and how can we prevent it?

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss a personal diving incident where I ran out of gas underwater—a situation that could have been fatal but wasn't due to quick thinking and luck. The experience highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining situational awareness, even during routine dives. We explore how easily small oversights can lead to critical mistakes and the value of debriefing and sharing experiences to learn from them. This incident serves as a reminder that staying vigilant, especially when things seem routine, is crucial to safety in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/running-out-of-gas-why-does-this-happen-and-how-can-we-prevent-it

Links: Outcome bias blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

Counterfactuals blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda

Complacency and Efficiency blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency

Blame vs Learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Complacency, Counterfactuals. Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness

SH100: Illusory Truth Effect

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the illusory truth effect, where repeated information, even if false, can become ingrained in our beliefs. This cognitive bias can be reinforced by social media echo chambers, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. The effect is particularly strong when the information aligns with what we already believe, making us more likely to accept it without question. We discuss how this phenomenon affects not just everyday life but also diving practices, where long-held "common knowledge" can be hard to change. The key to overcoming this bias is to question information, especially when it supports our existing beliefs, and to seek out diverse perspectives to challenge our assumptions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/illusory-truth-effect

Links: Blog about the backfire effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind

1977 study https://web.archive.org/web/20160515062305/http://www.psych.utoronto.ca/users/hasher/PDF/Frequency%20and%20the%20conference%20Hasher%20et%20al%201977.pdf

Repeated studies inducing false memories https://web.archive.org/web/20161231091706/http://ejop.psychopen.eu/article/viewFile/456/pdf

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord

SH99: Standards- why do we have them and what can we do if someone breaks them?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the issue of diving standards and safety, particularly how some instructors may not follow proper procedures, putting students at risk. Unlike other outdoor sports, the underwater environment makes it difficult to monitor and ensure that standards are upheld. This episode explores why this might be happening, such as the pressure on instructors to certify students quickly, and how the certification-focused culture in diving often prioritizes collecting cards over gaining real experience. We also discuss the importance of addressing safety concerns constructively, encouraging a culture of learning and improvement rather than punishment, to ensure that divers are truly prepared and safe in the water.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/standards-why-do-we-have-them-and-what-can-we-do-if-someone-breaks-them

Links: Gareth’s Thesis “Story Telling to Learn: What happens underwater, stays underwater”

Blogs about Just Culture https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=just+culture

Tags: English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Learning

SH98: How do novices know what questions to ask?

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the importance of experience in diving and how it shapes decision-making and problem-solving. Experience helps divers build mental models that guide them in various situations, but beginners often face challenges because they don't know what they don't know. We discuss the value of curiosity in learning, emphasizing the need to ask questions, seek quality information, and understand the "why" behind rules and skills. By combining curiosity with experience, divers can better recognize gaps in their knowledge and adapt to new situations more effectively.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-do-novices-know-what-questions-to-ask

Links: Who is responsible for learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning

David Snowden’s paper https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241660493_Complex_Acts_of_Knowing_Paradox_and_Descriptive_Self-Awareness

Tags: English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Learning

SH97: Survival instinct: Reaction to stress

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how divers can manage extreme stress in life-threatening situations. While technical skills and knowledge are vital, the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is crucial. We discuss strategies like controlled breathing, tactical thinking, and continuous training to enhance mental resilience. Techniques such as stress inoculation training and mindfulness can help divers maintain composure and make sound decisions when it matters most. This holistic approach to readiness goes beyond survival, ensuring divers can perform effectively even in chaotic conditions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/survival-instinct-reaction-to-stress

Links: Reducing biological stress https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/16/2351

Breathing allowing us to focus https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyp.13952

Tactical breathing vs prolonged exhalation https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10484-020-09485-w

Other references:

Dillard CC, Martaindale H, Hunter SD, McAllister MJ. “Slow Breathing Reduces Biomarkers of Stress in Response to a Virtual Reality Active Shooter Training Drill.” Healthcare. 2023; 11(16):2351.
Driskell, J. E., Johnston, J. H., & Salas, E. “Does Stress Training Generalize to Novel Settings?” Human Factors. 1999; 41(1), 99-110.
Driskell, J. E., & Salas, E. “Stress and Human Performance.” 1996. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Jha, A.P., Stanley, E.A., & Baime, M.J. “The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation in Improving Performance in High-Stress Situations.” Mindfulness. 2010; 1(2), 95-103.
Laborde, S., Allen, M.S., Borges, U., Hosang, T.J., Furley, P., Mosley, E., & Dosseville, F. “The Influence of Slow-Paced Breathing on Executive Function.” Journal of Psychophysiology. 2021; 36(1).
Röttger, S., Theobald, D.A., Abendroth, J. et al. “The Effectiveness of Combat Tactical Breathing as Compared with Prolonged Exhalation.” Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2021; 46, 19–28.

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Diving Psychology, Non-Technical Skills, Performance Shaping Factors, Stress

SH96: What do we mean by experience?

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the concept of experience in diving and how it goes beyond simply logging a certain number of dives. True experience comes from the quality of dives, solving problems, and learning from mistakes in varied environments and conditions. We explore why minimum dive numbers shouldn't be seen as targets and highlight the importance of breadth and depth in diving experiences. Understanding that the same dive repeated 100 times doesn't equate to 100 unique dives is key, and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is essential to becoming a skilled diver or instructor.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-do-we-mean-by-experience

Links: Blog about learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning

Building experience https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-need-more-than-mistakes-to-learn

The same dives 100 times isn’t the same as 100 dives https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense

Why we need experience https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-experience

Tags: English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Learning, Rules, Training

SH95: Speaking the right language

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore Jenny’s journey as a diving instructor who discovered that teaching goes beyond technical skills and dives into the complexities of human behavior and communication. She realized that understanding and applying the concept of "situation awareness" was the missing piece in helping students who seemed competent but lacked a crucial element. This episode highlights how learning the language of human factors can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, enhancing both teaching and learning by bridging gaps in communication and awareness.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language

Tags: English, Communication, Jenny Lord

SH94: Practical Guide to Applying Teamwork in Diver Training

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore how human factors and non-technical skills can be applied to diving and diving instruction to enhance safety and performance. We discuss strategies like training senior instructors, fostering psychological safety, and promoting a culture of learning through context-rich storytelling. Practical tools include effective team communication, structured debriefs, and encouraging mutual accountability. The episode emphasizes the importance of a gradual paradigm shift towards incorporating these skills in training, supported by a wealth of resources available to divers and instructors looking to improve their practices and build stronger, safer teams.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/practical-application-of-teamwork-in-diver-training

Links: Video about compliance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc

Blog about compliance https://indepthmag.com/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/

The gaps between what should happen and what does happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ

How to build a team blogs (series of 4) https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Checklist design blogs https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use

Speaking up https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient

Structured briefing (UNITED-C) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTM_Lh7HtmA

Constructive dissent https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/challenger-safety-control

Debrief model https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Counterfactuals https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda

Don’t look at the outcome, look at the context https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

Continual learning and reflection https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement

What should happen compared to what does happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErhRa9i2giA

Putting HF into technical diver training programmes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noO1g3JnPRA

If Only….documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Human Diver Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@thehumandiver863/featured

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Teamwork

SH93: Who is responsible for learning?

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the responsibilities of diving instructors and students in ensuring divers are competent and prepared for independent diving. Initially, instructors must provide comprehensive training, but as divers gain experience, they must take responsibility for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps. The discussion highlights the importance of continuous learning, as some divers assume they know everything once certified, leading to potentially dangerous situations. The role of social media in learning is debated, with some preferring direct answers over independent research. We emphasize the need for open, constructive discussions about mistakes and learning opportunities to promote safety and growth within the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning

Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Learning

SH92: Diving accidents: the want to know what happened and why

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of understanding diving accidents and human communication. A recent diving fatality in Norway prompts reflection on how quickly we jump to conclusions and how our minds fill gaps with assumptions. Human Factors teach us to slow down, consider multiple perspectives, and understand that our memories and stories evolve over time. Effective communication, especially in high-stress situations, requires recognizing our biases and the importance of context. By focusing on asking questions rather than making judgments, we can better understand and learn from incidents, fostering a more comprehensive and less judgmental approach.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-accidents-the-want-to-know-what-happened-and-why

Links: Cognitive dissonance blogs by Jenny: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs

And Gareth: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance

Blog about joining the dots: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Conversations triggering ideas: https://youtu.be/E9TaHfvlyoU?t=986

Learning review guide for diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lr-diving

Fit to Dive, Dealing with Trauma in Diving: https://blog.fittodive.org/2023/01/18/scuba-diving-ptsd/

Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH91: Mind Reading for Beginners

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the concept of Human Factors, which, as one insightful 10-year-old put it, is like mind reading. Human Factors involves understanding and improving how we communicate, make decisions, and work together. Humans often struggle with communication, unlike animals that navigate and cooperate effortlessly. By focusing on what’s said, what isn’t, and how it’s conveyed, Human Factors helps us avoid misunderstandings and mistakes. It enhances teamwork and leadership by fostering better awareness of each other’s knowledge, needs, and limits. This makes it easier to do the right thing and harder to do the wrong thing, bringing us closer to being effective “mind readers” in our interactions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Mind-Reading-for-Beginners

Tags: English, Communication, Decision Making, Human Factors, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork

SH90: The Backfire Effect: Why our brains make it difficult to change our mind

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week, we dive deeper into the backfire effect, where contradictory information can reinforce rather than change a deeply held belief. When faced with conflicting information, our brains often react emotionally, making it harder to accept new ideas. We discuss how our analysis of information—based on compatibility, coherence, credibility, consensus, and evidence—can be influenced by emotions, leading to belief perseverance. Using examples like nitrox in the 90s and current vaccination debates, we explore how understanding the opposing view can help counter the backfire effect. For divers, staying open to change and analyzing new research and methods is crucial for keeping up with advancements in the field.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind

Links: System 1/System 2 thinking: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/teaching-on-old-dog-new-tricks-why-it-is-so-hard-to-unlearn-bad-practices

SH89: To Dive or Not to Dive? The Power of Decision Making

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the critical decision-making process in diving, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough planning. We discuss how divers must evaluate various factors, such as weather, equipment, and team dynamics, to ensure safe dives. Key steps include assessing justification and feasibility, finding the right solution, identifying alternatives, and choosing the best option. By conducting a "pros and cons" assessment, involving the entire team, and preparing contingency plans, divers can make informed decisions and maintain safety. Effective communication and psychological safety within the team are essential for addressing concerns and ensuring successful dives.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-the-power-of-decision-making

Links: Costs incurred: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs

Practise your crew resource management: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Decision Making, Leadership

SH88: Cognitive dissonance or why we don't always follow our beliefs

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the concept of cognitive dissonance, where our thoughts and actions conflict, causing discomfort and the need to resolve this inconsistency. We explore everyday examples, such as pretending to enjoy a course you disliked or justifying an expensive but unsatisfactory purchase. Cognitive dissonance often forces us to either change our actions or alter our beliefs to ease the mental tension. We also discuss how our brains perform mental gymnastics to rationalize our choices, sometimes even reinforcing false beliefs. Through intriguing examples and studies, we highlight the impact of cognitive dissonance on our emotions and decision-making, providing insights into why we sometimes cling to certain beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs

Links: Human Factors in Diving 2 day face to face course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2

Website: Thehumandiver.com

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Diving, Psychology, Jenny Lord, Stress

SH87: The road to excellence: Systems and structure form the foundation of a culture of improvement

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the importance of organizational culture and effective systems in achieving success, using examples from elite teams like the Navy SEALs and NASA. We explore how these principles apply to diving, emphasizing the need for aligned goals, skill development, clear communication, and constructive feedback. By creating a supportive and structured environment, teams can foster continuous improvement and inspiration. We discuss the significance of planning and debriefing, drawing from Einstein’s principle of spending the majority of time understanding the problem. This approach transforms diving from an individual activity into a cohesive, goal-oriented team effort, enhancing safety and mutual growth.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Communication, Debrief, Decision Making, Leadership, Safety Culture, Teamwork

SH86: Selective Attention Exists! 5 Tips to Increase Situational Awareness in Diving

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we dive into the critical topic of situational awareness and its profound impact on safety, especially in contexts like firefighting and diving. Today, Gareth emphasizes that despite our modern multitasking abilities, attention remains limited. We explore how situational awareness has been compromised in everyday life, from distracted pedestrians to drivers checking phones at stop signs. Gareth stresses the necessity of focused attention, akin to a spotlight, for effective decision-making and hazard prevention. They outline practical exercises to enhance situational awareness, such as multitasking simulations and scenario-based training. Ultimately, the message is clear: by making situational awareness a habit, we can significantly improve safety outcomes in high-stakes environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/selective-attention-exists-5-tips-to-increase-situational-awareness-in-diving

Links:

The gorilla experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtKt8YF7dgQ

Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork

SH85: Ergonomics- not just about comfy chairs

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the concept of ergonomics through the lens of diving equipment and safety. Ergonomics, which studies how humans interact with systems like physical gear, plays a crucial role in diving. From regulators to dive computers, well-designed equipment enhances ease of use and safety. Feedback mechanisms, like knowing if a regulator is properly connected or interpreting dive computer displays, are vital for diver awareness and safety underwater. Checklists are another critical tool, helping divers remember crucial steps before dives, whether recreational or technical. Choosing the right equipment and checklist system tailored to individual needs and diving environments can significantly enhance safety and enjoyment. Join us as we delve into these essential elements of diving preparation and safety.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ergonomics-not-just-about-comfy-chairs

Links:

Blogs about checklist design and use: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use

Mike’s blog about using a checklist on a busy dive boat: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/checks-on-a-dive-boat

Tags: English, Checklists, Jenny Lord

SH84: Why is it so hard to admit to our mistakes?

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, I reflect on a recent diving mistake that challenged my beliefs about sharing errors. While minor slip-ups are common and quickly corrected, this particular incident was a deliberate violation. Despite years of advocating for open discussion in human factors, I found myself hesitant to share this mistake publicly due to fear of judgment and repercussions. The dive industry, unfortunately, often lacks psychological safety, hindering honest dialogue and collective learning. The consequences of admitting mistakes can be severe, ranging from professional setbacks to personal shame. Yet, discussing these errors is crucial for understanding underlying conditions and improving safety practices. As leaders in the diving community, it's imperative to role model vulnerability and humility, contrary to the misconception that admitting mistakes shows weakness. Overcoming ego, shame, and embarrassment is essential to fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than grounds for punishment. By reframing mistakes as learning experiences, we can create a more supportive and safer diving environment for everyone.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes

Links: Blogs about Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/facing-one-s-own-shadow-discrimination-in-diving-limits-learning-impacts-safety-and-perpetuates-stereotypes

A blog about a mistake I made: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake

The DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

What is a Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture

How to build Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags: English, Human Error, Incident Reporting, Jenny Lord, Learning, Psychological Safety

SH83: The Curse of Knowledge

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week's podcast episode dives into the lessons learned from a recent holiday focused on diving. Jenny, typically more inclined towards activity than relaxation, decided to undertake a diving course during her vacation. Beyond the initial goal of learning, the experience brought a profound realization about the challenges of being a beginner. This insight connects to a historical event where miscommunication due to "the Curse of Knowledge" led to disastrous consequences in the Crimean War. Drawing parallels, Jenny reflects on how experienced divers often overlook gaps in knowledge when teaching novices, emphasizing the importance of empathy and open communication in such scenarios. The podcast also touches on personal diving experiences that underscored the significance of understanding different conditions and team dynamics in ensuring safety and enjoyment underwater. For more details on the course and further insights, head to the Human Factors in Diving Facebook group!

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-curse-of-knowledge

Links: Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord, Leadership

SH82: Familiarity as Distraction: Operating on Autopilot

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of being distracted by familiarity, commonly known as autopilot, and its implications for safety, particularly in diving and driving contexts. We discuss how familiar actions operate at a skill-based level, where errors are often slips or lapses, and contrast them with rule-based and knowledge-based decision-making. Drawing from examples in driving and diving, we examine how distractions can lead to critical errors even when operating on autopilot. We delve into the challenges of avoiding slips and lapses and emphasize the importance of safeguards such as buddy checks and checklists to mitigate risks. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of navigating autopilot behavior and becoming more aware to enhance safety in everyday activities.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/familiarity-as-distraction-operating-on-autopilot

Links: Example of people on autopilot (video, contains swearing): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1126486911851456

Original paper: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1126486911851456

Tags: English, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

SH81: Complacency and Efficiency

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we dive into the subtle balance between efficiency and complacency in dive briefings and procedures. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with fellow divers, we explore how familiarity with diving environments and buddies can lead to abbreviated briefings and overlooked safety protocols. Is it complacency or efficiency when briefings get shorter? The answer often depends on the outcome of the dive. We examine the natural human inclination to streamline processes and the potential risks of assuming familiarity with procedures. Reflecting on the importance of honest communication, regular evaluations, and psychological safety within dive teams, we challenge listeners to reconsider their own diving practices and embrace opportunities for improvement.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency

Links: Blog about the Efficiency-Thouroughness Trade Off: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off

Tags:

English, Complacency, ETTO, Jenny Lord

SH80: Why is it so hard to concentrate?

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the world of distractions and procrastination, exploring how they impact tasks, especially in critical situations like planning dives or navigating wrecks. From the allure of smartphones to unexpected interruptions, distractions can lead to increased stress and errors. Multi-tasking, often seen as efficient, can actually hinder complex tasks, as seen in a diving scenario where a simple conversation led to a crucial mistake. We discuss strategies to combat distractions, like blocking out noise or setting boundaries, but acknowledge the challenge of unexpected interruptions. Drawing from experiences in teaching and diving, we highlight the importance of teamwork and clear communication in managing distractions and ensuring task completion.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/3

Links:

Dug the dog from Disney’s “Up”: https://youtu.be/Q8FWzLMobx0

A study on the effects of distraction: https://ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf

Multi tasking: https://ics.uci.edu/~gmark/CHI2005.pdf

Tags:

English, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Teamwork

SH79: 5 Common Misconseptions about Human Factors

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we debunk common misconceptions about Human Factors, shedding light on its complexity and importance. Contrary to the belief that Human Factors is just common sense, it's an evidence-based practice that delves deeper into understanding human behavior and system design. While technical skills are crucial, Human Factors emphasizes non-technical skills like decision-making and communication to prevent errors. It's not solely about personal limitations but involves training and learning from mistakes. Additionally, Human Factors considers cultural and organizational influences on behavior. Addressing the misconception around Just Culture, it's about learning from mistakes while sometimes assigning blame when necessary. Emphasizing the role of change and learning, Human Factors seeks continuous improvement, making it easier to do the right thing in various aspects of life.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/5-common-misconseptions-about-human-factors

Links:

Blog about common sense:https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/common-sense

What we mean by a Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture

How learning reviews are different to traditional investigations: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving

Why this is important: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-factors-in-diving-what-it-is-what-it-isn-t-why-you-need-to-know

Tags:

English, Human Factors, Jenny Lord

SH78: Work as Imagined vs Work as Done

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked gap between how work is envisioned and how it actually gets done. Imagine crafting the perfect set of procedures for a job, only to face the realities of limited resources, budget constraints, and differing perspectives from those actually performing the tasks. This misalignment between "Work as Imagined" and "Work as Done" can lead to various outcomes, from compliant but flawed execution to outright disregard for standards. We delve into the complexities of why this misalignment occurs, from misunderstandings to deliberate acts of defiance or circumvention. By understanding the truth of "Work as Done," we can identify areas for improvement and bridge the gap between expectation and reality. Join the conversation on our Facebook group to share your insights and experiences in navigating these challenges.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Work-as-Imagined-vs-Work-as-Done

Links:

The difference between the standards as written and what happens: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/analyzing-the-hidden-consequences-of-undermining-diving-standards

Diagram of overlapping circles: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/%E2%80%9C

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810/

Further reading: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-human-factors-in-diving-mean

https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/

https://psychsafety.co.uk/psychological-safety-work-as-imagined-vs-work-as-done/

https://www.rcog.org.uk/about-us/quality-improvement-clinical-audit-and-research-projects/each-baby-counts-learn-support/safety-thinking-toolkit/work-as-imagined-versus-work-as-done/

Tags:

English, Jenny Lord, Rules

SH77: Analyzing the Hidden Consequences of Undermining Standards

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The podcast delves into the issue of ignoring diving standards, highlighting the potential consequences and influencing behaviors within the industry. Despite the prerequisite for Rescue Diver certification before starting Divemaster training, some i

nstructors overlook this standard for various reasons, from ignorance to time pressure or complacency. Direct consequences include students being inadequately prepared and potentially posing a danger to themselves and others, while influencing behaviors perpetuates a culture of shortcuts and compromises safety. The authority gradient between instructors and students means that instructors' actions significantly impact students' perceptions of importance and acceptable behavior. This influence extends throughout the diving community, emphasizing the need for adherence to standards to ensure safety and integrity within the industry.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/analyzing-the-hidden-consequences-of-undermining-diving-standards

Links: Work as Imagined vs Work as Done https://www.rcog.org.uk/about-us/quality-improvement-clinical-audit-and-research-projects/each-baby-counts-learn-support/safety-thinking-toolkit/work-as-imagined-versus-work-as-done/

Giving yourself permission to do it again: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Tags: English, Authority Gradient, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Leadership

SH76: Navigating the Depths Safely: Risk Management & Incident Reporting with a panel of experts

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The allure of SCUBA diving offers unparalleled opportunities for underwater exploration but also comes with inherent risks that demand respect and understanding. This podcast, summarizing a conversation between industry experts, delves into the critical aspects of risk management and incident reporting in diving. Understanding the risks, the role of equipment in safety, learning from experience, psychological preparedness, and the importance of community are all explored in depth. Each dive presents unique challenges, requiring thorough planning, adaptability, and a keen understanding of the underwater environment. By sharing experiences and fostering a culture of safety, divers can collectively enhance their awareness and practices, ensuring safer and more enjoyable experiences beneath the waves. Safety in diving is a continuous journey, requiring a holistic approach that considers people, equipment, processes, culture, and the environment, with each dive serving as an opportunity for learning and growth.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-podcast-review

Links: Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191453/14228917

2nd Podcast with Gareth: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191453/14507924-interview-with-gareth-lock

DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags:

English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Psychological Safety, Risk Management

SH75: Psychological Consequences of a Diving Accident

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the psychological impact of diving incidents, particularly focusing on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the diving community. While physical injuries from diving accidents are well-documented, psychological trauma often goes unnoticed and untreated. Research suggests that a significant portion of divers experience psychological effects even a year after an incident, affecting their overall well-being and decisions regarding future diving. However, the prevalence of PTSD in diving remains unclear due to limited reporting and awareness. Trauma related to diving accidents can have long-lasting consequences, affecting divers' mental health, social functioning, and their ability to cope with stress during subsequent dives. Despite the lack of formal diagnosis, unresolved trauma can lead to avoidance behaviors, anxiety, and even substance abuse. Addressing psychological well-being in diving is crucial for creating a safer and more supportive diving environment. Divers should be aware of the potential for psychological issues after an incident and know where to seek help. By prioritizing psychological support alongside physical safety measures, we can foster a culture of resilience and empowerment within the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/psychological-consequences-of-a-diving-accident

Links: Fit to dive

Reakcje psychologiczne i nurkowanie, opis terapii

The psychological impact of accidents on recreational divers: A prospective study

RISK OF SLEEP DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS: A NATIONWIDE, POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN TAIWAN -
- Psychiatria Danubina, 2019; Vol. 31, No. 2, pp 172-181 https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2019.172
A twelve-year longitudinal study of neuropsychological function in non-saturation professional divers

Tags:
English, Andrzej Górnicki, Diving Psychology, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Psychological Safety, PTSD

SH74: Who is responsible for change?

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore who should be driving change in the diving industry, drawing inspiration from quotes by George Bernard Shaw and Albert Einstein emphasizing the necessity of change for progress. While top-down leadership models are common, with executives setting the culture and direction, it's argued that true change often stems from the middle, where individuals are most affected. With millions of divers worldwide, those employed in diving, including instructors and professionals, hold significant influence and can champion higher standards and improved teaching methodologies. By advocating for better quality instruction and embracing current best practices, the industry can address issues like declining numbers and quality, ultimately fostering a safer and more satisfying experience for all divers. Encouraging discussions, teaching effective communication, and prioritizing skills training in buoyancy control can shape a positive culture shift that permeates through agencies and influences industry-wide change. As individuals in the middle, listeners are encouraged to envision the culture they desire and actively contribute to driving positive change within the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-change

Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Leadership

SH73: Why we need change

Wed, 29 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the necessity of change, exploring why it's crucial and who should be driving it. Drawing insights from Winston Churchill's quote, "To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often," we examine how change is an inherent part of life and essential for progress. While some resist change due to comfort or reluctance to adapt teaching methods, advancements in knowledge, equipment, and teaching methodologies underscore the importance of evolving practices in diving instruction. From teaching students while neutrally buoyant to embracing new equipment setups like wings and long hoses, the diving community is witnessing transformative shifts aimed at enhancing safety and efficacy. Despite challenges like the reluctance to break from tradition or financial constraints, we explore the imperative of staying abreast of modern best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in diving education.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-we-need-change

Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Safety Culture

SH72: Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Sat, 25 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the pitfalls of using "shoulda, woulda, coulda" in discussions about diving mistakes and accidents, emphasizing the need for constructive language and learning-oriented approaches. Drawing from real-life diving scenarios, we highlight how counterfactual responses hinder progress and fail to address the root causes of incidents. Instead, we advocate for reframing language to focus on actionable solutions and future improvements. By shifting from "would" to "will," "could" to "can," and "should" to proactive suggestions, we empower divers to learn from mistakes and enhance safety practices. Additionally, we stress the importance of understanding the context behind errors and offering supportive guidance for continuous improvement.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda

Links:

Blog about hindsight bias; https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Multiple factors leading to an incident: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/one-mistake

The Swiss Cheese model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/when-the-holes-line-up

Tags:

English, Counterfactuals, Hindsight Bias, Human Error, Jenny Lord

SH71: The Five Hazardous Attitudes

Wed, 22 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we draw parallels between aviation and diving safety, emphasizing the importance of human factors and non-technical skills in preventing accidents. Reflecting on a tragic airplane crash, we explore hazardous attitudes commonly seen in both industries and propose antidotes to mitigate their risks. From anti-authority to resignation, these attitudes can lead to complacency and unsafe practices, impacting instructors and divers alike. Through real-life examples and insights, we underscore the need for awareness and positive attitudes in diving instruction, aiming to foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-five-hazardous-attitudes

Links:

National Transportation Safety Board, Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report

CAA tutorial about Airmanship: https://infringements.caa.co.uk/tutorial/airmanship/

FAA info about Airmanship: https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=723&sID=1448&preview=true

EASA info about Aeronautical Decision Making: https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/HE4_Single-Pilot-Decision-Making-v1.pdf

More about this from a flight instructors perspective: https://www.aviation101.com/deathbyflightinstructor

Tags:

English, Communication, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Leadership

SH70: Mentoring: Both sides of the story

Sat, 18 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the dynamics of mentoring in the diving community, exploring how mentor-mentee relationships contribute to personal and professional growth. While traditionally seen as unequal, effective mentoring fosters mutual development, relying on trust, vulnerability, and constructive feedback from both parties. Mentors guide mentees to find solutions independently, balancing support with respectful critique. Through real-life examples, we witness how mentors facilitate learning by encouraging self-reflection and providing targeted guidance. Feedback plays a pivotal role in this relationship, promoting continuous improvement and mutual learning. Ultimately, mentoring in diving cultivates a culture of collaboration and skill development, benefiting both mentors and mentees alike.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mentoring-both-sides-of-the-story

Links:

Blog about leadership in a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team

Blog about debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Tags:

English, Followership, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH69: Leadership in a Short Term Team

Wed, 15 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of leadership in diving beyond traditional roles like Divemasters and Instructors. Leadership in diving involves guiding a team towards a common goal, prioritizing communication and maintaining situational awareness. Through real-life scenarios, we see how leadership can shift within a dive group, with experienced divers stepping up to lead even without formal titles. Effective leadership entails understanding each diver's goals, ensuring compatibility, and adapting plans accordingly. Whether navigating, monitoring gas levels, or supporting specialists like photographers, leaders prioritize safety and effective teamwork. Trust and communication are key components, fostering psychological safety within the team. Through briefings and debriefings, divers can enhance their leadership skills and ensure successful and safe dives.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team

Links:

Part 1: building a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team

Blogs about how to build psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

English, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Teamwork

SH 68: Scientific Diving: Trust and Communication in the depths

Sat, 11 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of effective communication and trust in scientific diving. Communication underwater is essential for safety, coordination, and data collection, but it comes with its challenges, including language barriers and equipment limitations like Full Face Masks and helium distortion. Various methods such as hand signals and underwater writing tools facilitate communication but require practice and agreement among divers. Trust is equally vital, involving confidence in team members, equipment, and established procedures. Team cohesion and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for successful diving missions, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and preparation. Ultimately, prioritizing safety and effective communication enhances the efficiency and outcomes of scientific diving projects, ensuring the safety of all involved while gathering valuable research data.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/scientific-diving-trust-and-communication-in-the-depths

Tags:

English, Beatrice Rivoira, Communication, Trust

SH67: Diving Liability Insurance: Enabler or Barrier to Diving Safety?

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of Human Factors training in the diving industry, drawing parallels with its significance in aviation. A firsthand account reveals how insurance premiums reflect the recognition of this training's value, emphasizing the shift from blaming individuals to fostering a culture of learning for safety improvement. While insurance companies incentivize instructors to undergo such training, diving agencies have yet to mandate it, potentially impacting the industry's sustainability. The discussion underscores the necessity of viewing the issue holistically and integrating Human Factors training into all aspects of diving, beyond just formal instruction. Ultimately, change may only occur when instructors recognize the direct benefits, potentially through increased premiums, prompting a broader industry shift. The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential for a politically relevant event to drive change, echoing insights from Gareth Lock's presentation on the subject.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-liability-insurance-enabler-or-barrier-to-diving-safety

Links:

Compliance to avoid litigation: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/

Gareth’s presentation at Rebreather Forum 4: https://gue.tv/programs/5-gareth-lock-human-factors-in-diving

Relevant slide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/rf4-resources

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Guy Shockey, Risk Management

SH66: The Value of Loops for Learning: Don't Just Fix the Diver /Instructor

Sat, 04 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the concept of learning loops in scuba diving, inspired by the works of Chris Argyris and Donald Schön. We explore single-loop learning, focusing on immediate problem-solving like fixing a malfunctioning buoyancy control device (BCD), and double-loop learning, which involves analyzing underlying issues such as calibration errors in a rebreather. Then, we introduce triple-loop learning, which considers broader contexts like team dynamics and learning culture within the dive community. Practical examples illustrate each loop's application, from troubleshooting equipment issues to enhancing training programs. Drawing parallels with other high-risk domains like wildland firefighting, we emphasize the importance of fostering a learning culture and embracing continuous improvement at every level of diving. Whether troubleshooting a BCD or revising safety protocols, remember that each dive offers opportunities for growth and deeper understanding, contributing to a safer and more knowledgeable diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-value-of-loops-for-learning-don-t-just-fix-the-diver

Links:

Learning in Loops doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WOy5v81N5zkAAgwVOZD53G6LIVPMnZr5/view?usp=sharing

Standards changes: https://fifthpointdiving.com/the-dive-pro-hub-teaching/changes-to-padi-dry-suit-standards/

Blog about moving too quickly through the system: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast

Human and Organisational Performance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/five-key-principles-how-to-improve-individually-and-organisationally

Brad Mayhew’s blog: https://bradmayhew.substack.com/p/38-the-first-law-of-learning

What is a Just Culture?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture

Tags:

English, Gareth Lock, HOP, Human Performance, Leadership, Learning

SH65: Building a Short Term Team

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the dynamics of teamwork in diving, emphasizing that although diving may not be a traditional team sport, divers typically operate in teams to ensure safety underwater. Key factors in team development include communication, shared goals, and role clarity. Whether diving with familiar partners or strangers, effective communication through pre-dive briefings and debriefings is crucial. Trust is built on competency, honesty, and consideration for others, while role clarity ensures everyone understands their responsibilities. These principles apply to both short-term dive teams and longer-term collaborations, fostering a culture of safety and cooperation in the diving community. For more insights, check out the links in the show notes.

Original link: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team

Links:

Debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Dummies blog about teamwork: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork

Dummies blog about communication: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms

How to build psychological safety in teams: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

English, Communication, Jenny Lord, Team, Teamwork, Trust

SH64: Price vs Quality: The Efficiency-Thoroughness Trade Off

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of dive training agency standards and the challenges faced by instructors in evaluating student performance. While standards outline specific skills, determining their mastery isn't always straightforward. New instructors, lacking experience and nuanced judgment, often prioritize efficiency over thoroughness due to external pressures like time constraints and financial considerations. This efficiency-thoroughness trade-off (ETTO) can compromise the quality of instruction, leading to pass grades for students who may not be fully prepared. The root issue lies in instructors' limited exposure to diverse student experiences and the reluctance of dive centers to invest in extensive observation opportunities. As an industry, we must reconsider this trade-off, where financial concerns often outweigh safety and quality. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on individual divers to evaluate their skills, raising questions about the integrity of certification processes and the adequacy of diver preparedness.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off

Links:

Erik Holnagel’s paper: https://erikhollnagel.com/onewebmedia/ETTO.pdf

Another blog about ETTO: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ETTO

Tags:

English, Decision Making, ETTO, Jenny Lord

SH63: Unlocking the Secrets of Safer Diving: A Guide to Learning Reviews in Diving

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we reflect on the tragic death of a fellow diver and the tendency within the diving community to rush to conclusions and assign blame rather than focusing on learning from incidents. Highlighting the need for a shift towards a more transparent and constructive approach, Gareth introduces The Human Diver's "Learning Review Guide in Diving," which provides a structured framework for analyzing diving incidents. Drawing on concepts from safety science and human factors, the guide emphasizes understanding the complexity of diving incidents and the role of various factors at play. Through a system-centric approach and steps for conducting a learning review, divers and organizations can work towards enhancing safety and preventing future mishaps. The guide, available for download, offers practical tools and insights for promoting a culture of learning and improvement within the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving

Links:

Jenny’s blog about the death of one of her colleagues: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning

Learning review technique understanding the relationships, tensions, and conflicts within the complex system of diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/can-divers-learn-from-the-us-forest-service

Learning Review in Diving guide here

Tags:

English, Gareth Lock, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting

SH62: Blame vs Learning

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we confront the harsh reality of diving accidents and the lack of transparency within the diving community regarding incident reporting and analysis. Reflecting on a recent tragedy involving a colleague, we emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes rather than engaging in speculation and blame. Unlike other sports, diving lacks a comprehensive reporting system, leading to misinformation and missed opportunities for collective learning. We advocate for a cultural shift towards open discussion and analysis of accidents, recognizing that understanding why incidents occur is essential for improving diver safety. By asking constructive questions and sharing insights, we can honor those who have lost their lives by preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning

Links:

Last week’s blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast

Incident analysis: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad

Incident investigation: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-or-learn

Tags:

English, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Jenny Lord, Just Culture

SH61: Racing through courses- how fast is too fast?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the complexities of diving instruction and the pressures to rush through courses without adequate skill consolidation. The author reflects on a student who quickly progressed from one course to another, raising concerns about the thoroughness of training and readiness for advanced dives. Despite the instructor's thorough evaluation process and warnings, the student passed the course but may lack crucial experience. The episode highlights the need for a shift towards quality over quantity in diving instruction, encouraging instructors to prioritize skill development and safety. As the diving community moves towards this ethos, instances of rushed training and unprepared divers may diminish, promoting a culture of skill mastery and responsible diving practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast

Links:

Changing the way we think about training blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/changing-the-way-we-think-about-training

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Leadership

SH60: Facing One's Own Shadow

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of tribalism and discrimination within the diving community, stemming from cultural, historical, and social factors. Discrimination based on race, gender, age, or social background hampers the development of diving students, leading to lowered motivation, unrealistic expectations, and reduced quality of training. We dissect the distinction between normalization of deviance and constructive deviation, emphasizing the importance of creating a just and tolerant society. Unconscious biases among instructors and leaders can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder the inclusivity of diving environments. Overcoming discrimination requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to equality. By fostering psychological safety and open communication, we can strive towards a more inclusive and accepting diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/facing-one-s-own-shadow-discrimination-in-diving-limits-learning-impacts-safety-and-perpetuates-stereotypes

Tags:

English, Andrzej Górnicki, Just Culture, Leadership, Psychological Safety

SH59: Drift vs Advancement: How do we push limits safely?

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the distinction between normalization of deviance and constructive deviation/advancement within the diving community. Normalization of deviance, as coined by Diane Vaughen, describes the gradual acceptance of unsafe practices as the norm, whereas constructive deviation involves a deliberate, open exploration of new methods to enhance safety and efficiency. Through examples such as the evolution of nitrox usage and the risks associated with solo diving, we explore how attitudes toward failure shape these approaches. Standard procedures typically incorporate fail-safes to prevent errors, while constructive deviation involves consciously researching and adopting alternative practices. Join us as we dissect these concepts and their implications for diver safety and training.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/drift-vs-advancement-how-do-we-push-limits-safely

Links:

The Nitrox controversy: https://dtmag.com/25th-anniversary-vintage-articles/breathe-not-breathe-exploring-nitrox-controversy/

Attitudes towards failure: https://www.corporate-rebels.com/blog/right-kind-of-wrong-intelligent-failure

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Normalisation of Deviance

SH58: Changing the way we think about training

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of sunk cost fallacy in training courses, challenging the traditional mindset of focusing solely on certification or titles. Drawing from personal experiences in teaching outdoor sports like white water kayaking, the discussion emphasizes the value of adopting a mindset centered on skill improvement rather than certification attainment. By sharing anecdotes from kayaking clubs and professional diving, we encourage listeners to reframe their approach to training, viewing it as an opportunity for skill enhancement and personal growth rather than a mere pursuit of certifications. The episode proposes a shift towards embracing the journey itself, advocating for a mindset where learning and skill development are prioritized over hierarchical certifications.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/changing-the-way-we-think-about-training

Links:

First blog about Sunk Cost Fallacy: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs

Further reading: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-choices-guaranteed-small-loss-or-a-probable-large-loss-injury-or-fatality

Tags:

English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord, Training

SH57: My Attitude Impacts Your Behaviour...

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the Betari Box model, exploring how our attitudes and behaviors are influenced by others and can create a negative spiral, particularly in diving scenarios. Through real-life examples, we illustrate the impact of negative attitudes on dive outcomes, highlighting situations where frustration, stress, and complacency lead to undesirable outcomes. We discuss strategies for breaking out of negative cycles, including internal reflection, external communication using tools like HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), and fostering mutual accountability within teams. By consciously choosing a positive attitude and behavior, divers can positively influence their own experiences and those of others, emphasizing the role of dive leaders and instructors in setting a constructive tone. Join us as we explore ways to navigate interpersonal dynamics and foster a culture of safety and respect in diving environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-attitude-impacts-your-behaviour

Tags:

English, Communication, Leadership, Mike Mason, Teamwork

SH56: Navigating the Authority Gradient #2

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore strategies for individuals to navigate authority gradients and foster open communication within teams, focusing on the PACE model for graded assertiveness communication. Drawing parallels from medical and diving contexts, we highlight the importance of gentle escalation when addressing concerns with higher-ranking individuals. Through probing, alerting, challenging, and, if necessary, declaring emergencies, team members can effectively communicate issues while maintaining respect and professionalism. We discuss real-life scenarios and acknowledge cultural biases that may hinder effective communication, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive efforts to mitigate these challenges. While there's no quick fix, fostering psychological safety and utilizing communication tools like PACE can facilitate constructive dialogue and enhance team dynamics. Join the conversation in our Facebook group to share your insights and experiences on this topic.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2

Links:

Part One: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810

Tags:

English, Authority Gradient, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

SH55: Navigating the Authority Gradient #1

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of authority gradient, illustrated by a personal anecdote highlighting the challenges of challenging authority in diving contexts. Despite efforts to foster psychological safety, the innate hierarchical structure often inhibits individuals from voicing concerns. We explore strategies to mitigate this gradient, emphasizing the importance of building psychological safety through genuine acceptance of mistakes and open communication. Additionally, we discuss practical approaches such as leaders actively engaging in tasks alongside their team and promoting continuous skill development to empower individuals to question norms. While these methods may not be foolproof, they offer avenues to cultivate a culture of mutual respect and accountability within dive teams. For further insights, we recommend exploring the provided series of articles on building psychological safety in teams.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient

Links:

DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

How to build psychological safety in a team:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

English, Authority Gradient, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

SH54: Brrrr- Cold water and the effects on our brain

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the cognitive effects of cold water on divers, balancing our understanding of temperature's impact with last week's discussion on heat. While physiological effects of cold water, like decompression sickness, are well-documented, the cognitive implications are less known but equally important, particularly for divers in cold conditions. Studies reveal that besides feeling colder with repeat dives, divers experience symptoms like de-personalization, reduced concentration, and memory lapses, impacting their ability to execute essential tasks underwater. Despite potential improvements with acclimatization, divers must consider these cognitive effects, especially during task-loaded dives or repetitive immersions. Mitigation strategies include wearing appropriate insulation, limiting dive times, and actively warming up between dives, emphasizing the importance of planning and preparation for cold-water diving excursions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/brrrr-cold-water-and-the-effects-on-our-brain

Links:

1968 study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872086801000501

2019 study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899319302331?via%3Dihub

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Fatigue, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Situation Awareness

SH53: Hot, hot, hot- Challenges of diving in the heat

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the often-overlooked impact of weather, particularly heat, on divers' cognitive and physical abilities. Despite the common perception that warm temperatures are ideal for vacations, studies reveal significant cognitive impairment in individuals exposed to heat, especially without air conditioning. From decreased reaction times to impaired decision-making and mental flexibility, the effects of heat on divers, particularly those new to hot climates, pose considerable risks. Additionally, physical conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly, underscoring the importance of staying hydrated and seeking shade. With many divers visiting hot destinations for short holidays, acclimatization becomes crucial for safe diving, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to temperature regulation and self-care to mitigate the cumulative effects of heat on diving performance.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hot-hot-hot-challenges-of-diving-in-the-heat

Links:

Harvard study: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002605

Study by Cheema and Patrick: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1509/jmr.08.0205

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors

SH52: Change is difficult- consider the opposite

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the contentious debates within the diving community, focusing on the half turn back of tank valves as a prime example. Exploring a recent Facebook group discussion with diverse opinions, ranging from staunch supporters to strong opponents, the episode delves into the broader issue of anchoring bias in scuba diving practices. Drawing parallels with anchoring bias in various domains, from shopping decisions to legal judgments, the episode emphasizes the impact of initial teachings on long-term practices. Anchoring bias, deeply rooted in psychology, influences how divers learn and instruct others, creating a tradition that may persist even when no longer necessary. The podcast encourages listeners to question established practices, employing the "consider-the-opposite" technique to overcome anchoring bias and think logically about alternative approaches. The episode extends this mindset to examining incidents and accidents, advocating for understanding the context and reasons behind actions rather than focusing solely on mistakes. Ultimately, the episode urges divers to embrace exploration of new ideas, challenging traditional practices to foster continuous learning and improvement.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/change-is-difficult-consider-the-opposite

Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

SH51: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly- learning from achievements, challenges and mistakes

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of mistakes in the learning process, drawing parallels between human learning and artificial intelligence. Reflecting on the challenges of learning to dive, the narrative emphasizes the importance of trial and error, highlighting that making mistakes is an inherent part of improvement. The episode introduces the concept of debriefs as a powerful tool for learning, not just to identify mistakes but also to recognize what went well. A practical model, DEBrIEF, is discussed, emphasizing the significance of balanced feedback that includes both positive and negative aspects. The podcast encourages a learning mindset when approaching accidents and incidents, shifting the focus from assigning blame to preventing future occurrences. The episode underscores the value of a structured approach to debriefs, providing references to support the discussion. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and underscores the importance of fostering a learning-oriented mindset in both individual and team contexts.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

Links:

Robots learning to play football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZjQwZNw2po

“Ugly”- Two other relevant blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counter-factuals

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

The positivity effect: a negativity bias in youth fades with age. Laura L Carstensen and Marguerite DeLiema: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6186441/

Tags:

English, Debrief, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

SH50: Learning from stories isn't easy...here's why

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the challenge of bringing about change, emphasizing the importance of recognizing value in stories. Three compelling examples are discussed: a near-fatal diving incident due to an oxygen mix-up, a media company's critical review of a faulty rebreather incident, and a rural Indian village adopting latrines after witnessing the consequences of unhygienic practices. The central theme revolves around the need for reflection to identify similarities and conditions leading to outcomes, rather than focusing solely on differences. The episode poses questions about trust in established practices, the depth of evidence required for change, and the factors hindering it. The diving industry's reliance on compliance and resistance to a Just Culture are highlighted, emphasizing the necessity of investing in continuous learning and applying human factors for lasting improvement. The podcast encourages listeners to move beyond identifying lessons to implementing meaningful changes for genuine learning.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-from-stories-isn-t-easy-here-s-why

Links:

Look at the conditions, not the outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Article by Dan Heath on LinkedIn about trying to bring latrines to rural Indian villages: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-can-change-anyones-mindif-help-them-trip-over-truth-dan-heath/

The status quo is good enough blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/status-quo

Compliance provides an illusion of safety blog: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/

Compliance provides an illusion of safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc

Were you lucky or were you good blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2

Tags:

English, Debrief, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Learning, LFUO

SH49: Unleashing Your Sixth Sense: Building capacity and directing attention

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

Dive into the world of diving safety with insights from Gareth's blog on counterfactuals in this podcast episode. Jenny tackles common but unhelpful statements following accidents, such as "They should have paid more attention" and "They lacked situation awareness." The episode explores practical strategies for divers, focusing on increasing capacity and directing attention effectively. She emphasizes the importance of making diving processes automatic and shares tips on self-assessment for skill readiness. The episode also covers the nuances of prioritizing attention to elements like mindset, buoyancy, and gas supply, offering a comprehensive guide for safer and more enjoyable diving experiences. The summary highlights the significance of practice, experience, and slowing down to build expertise in underwater environments.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense

Links:

Gareths blog about counterfactuals: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals

Tags:

English, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness

SH48: Lost in Translation: Unravelling Misunderstandings, Assumptions and Communication breakdowns

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Jenny shares a humorous yet insightful experience from assessing an instructor course, highlighting the common issue of miscommunication. The example involves a diver misinterpreting hand signals during a training exercise, leading to an unexpected outcome. She explores the challenge of ensuring clear communication, emphasizing the responsibility of the communicator to provide sufficient information. The episode introduces the concept of closed loop communications as a way to check assumptions and ensure understanding, especially in underwater scenarios where verbal communication is limited. Cultural behavior and the importance of avoiding condescension in communication are also discussed. Jenny acknowledges the inevitability of miscommunication due to our natural inclination to be efficient and make assumptions, concluding with a humorous reference to the challenges of explaining every detail, especially for those with young children. The show notes include a link to a video that further explains the efficiency aspect of communication.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/lost-in-translation

Links:

Video about explaining every step of a process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDA3_5982h8

Tags:

English, Communication, Jenny Lord

SH47: They should have lined in. I would have done that.

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore a diving incident where two divers entered a wreck without laying a line, resulting in a challenging situation inside a room. We reflect on common responses that often follow such incidents, emphasizing the limitations of retrospective counterfactuals, where people tend to say what the divers "should have," "could have," or "would have" done differently. The episode discusses biases and the importance of understanding the local rationality of those involved, urging listeners to consider the perspectives of the divers at the time. Gareth provides insights into various factors affecting decisions, such as training availability, financial constraints, and the emotional significance of past experiences. The episode concludes by highlighting the prevalence of counterfactuals in discussions about incidents and encourages listeners to approach learning from adverse events with an open mind, understanding the complexity and challenges involved in change.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals

Links:

The power of hindsight blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Hindsight bias blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

We can’t pay more attention blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention

Balasore train crash news report 1: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/odisha-accident-wrong-labelling-of-location-box-wires-led-to-mix-up-crs-report-8699655/

Balasore train crash news report 2: https://thewire.in/law/cbi-arrests-three-railway-employees-for-balasore-train-tragedy

Tags:

English, Cognitive Biases, Counterfactuals, Decision Making, Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Just Culture

SH46: You need more than mistakes to learn

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the profound wisdom encapsulated in various quotes about learning from mistakes. Quotations from figures like Oscar Wilde, Samuel Levenson, and Mary Tyler Moore emphasize the importance of embracing errors as opportunities for growth. The discussion delves into the challenge of learning from near-misses and the cognitive biases, such as the outcome bias, that hinder our ability to reflect on decision-making. Using the context of diving safety, Gareth highlights the significance of focusing on contributory factors rather than just outcomes when analyzing incidents. The episode emphasizes that true learning involves change and recounts a personal experience in a diving safety review, highlighting the crucial difference between lessons identified and lessons learned. The importance of reflection in activities like diving is stressed, and a four-question post-activity debrief model is shared. The episode concludes by distinguishing between types of errors – mistakes, slips, and lapses – and underscores the need for understanding the context surrounding these events for effective learning. The concept of psychological safety and Just Culture is introduced, highlighting the necessity of creating an environment where learning from mistakes is encouraged. The summary encourages listeners to recognize that merely focusing on outcomes without understanding the context may hinder the learning process, emphasizing that true learning involves embracing change.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-need-more-than-mistakes-to-learn

Links:

The difficulty in learning from near misses: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2

The difference between mistakes, slips, and lapses: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning

Looking at conditions, not just outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Stages of psychological safety blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Just Culture video: https://vimeo.com/410128892?share=copy

Tags:

English, Debrief, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

SH45: It’s obvious why it happened!! (In hindsight)

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth reflects on the challenges of learning from near-misses, particularly in the context of recent tragic events involving the loss of the Titan submersible. The episode explores the biases that hinder our ability to analyze and learn from incidents, emphasizing the complexities of socio-technical systems and the difficulties in replicating conditions for learning. Drawing parallels with diving, Gareth discusses the dynamic nature of risks, the fallacy of binary safety assessments, and the importance of recognizing uncertainties. The episode delves into cognitive biases, heuristics, and psychological factors influencing decision-making, shedding light on the sunk cost fallacy, prospect theory, and the local rationality principle. It advocates for a culture of learning, critical debriefs, and the application of human factors principles in diving. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to approach incidents with curiosity, suspend judgment, and seek to understand the local rationality of those involved. The tragic loss of the Titan submersible serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to learn and improve safety in complex systems. The episode concludes by honoring the lives lost in the incident.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

Links:

How Near-Misses Influence Decision Making Under Risk: A Missed Opportunity for Learning: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.1080.0869

If we want to learn, notice the conditions, not the outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

AccipMap: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S000368701730100X

DMAIB report: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021/

Implications for hindsight bias: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Perspectives-on-Human-Error%3A-Hindsight-Biases-and-Woods/d913cdeae4e2782881a52e635e06c208b0796aed

If the adverse event occurs in an uncertain or unusual environment, then we are more likely to judge it more harshly: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167292181012

Five principles behind High-Reliability Organisations (HRO): https://www.high-reliability.org/faqs?_gl=1*j0ylqo*_ga*NDkyNjExMzA3LjE2ODc2Nzc2NTI.*_ga_TM3DC1EMKK*MTY4NzY3NzY1MS4xLjEuMTY4NzY3OTI2OC4wLjAuMA..

Prospecive hindsight/Pre-mortems: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-help-correct-the-biases-which-lead-to-poor-decision-making

Red Team Thinking: https://www.redteamthinking.com/

Guy’s blog, Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze

Doc Deep’s final dive: https://gue.com/blog/i-trained-doc-deep/

Single and Double Loop learning: https://hbr.org/1977/09/double-loop-learning-in-organizations

Columbia Accident Investigaion Board: https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/caib/news/report/pdf/vol1/chapters/chapter8.pdf

New ways to learn from the Challenger disaster: https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/aero.2015.7118898

Drop your Tools: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2393722

Availability, Representativeness & Adjustment and Anchoring: https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~schaller/Psyc590Readings/TverskyKahneman1974.pdf

Trieste record breaking dive: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2020/january/first-deepest-dive

Resources from RF4 presentation: https://bit.ly/rf4-resources

Psychological safety, Tom Geraghty’s site: https://psychsafety.co.uk/

Normal Accidents: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_Accidents

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Incident Investigation

SH44: Near-misses: Were you lucky or were you good?

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth delves into the concept of near-misses in diving, exploring the two categories: those that "could happen" and those that "almost happened." The distinction lies in background risks versus perceived risks influenced by cognitive biases. The episode draws parallels with real-world examples, such as the normalization of risks in the space shuttle Columbia tragedy. Three dive scenarios are presented, examining the outcomes and whether the participants were lucky or skilled. The discussion emphasizes the impact of successful near-misses on risk perception, leading to potential complacency. The episode concludes with insights into mitigating these issues, promoting counterfactual thinking, and stressing the importance of effective debriefs to enhance learning from near-misses. The audience is encouraged to reflect on successful outcomes and consider whether they were lucky or good in order to improve diving practices.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2

Links:

Normalisation of Deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

How Near-Misses Influence Decision Making Under Risk: A Missed Opportunity for Learning. Dillon & Tinsley, 2008: https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.1080.0869

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Normalisation of Deviance, Risk Management

SH43: Please sir, my brain is full...We're not stupid

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth recounts the experience of an experienced cave diver during what was intended to be a routine sidemount dive. Despite their expertise and previous successful dives, this particular excursion took an unexpected turn, prompting reflection on why certain factors may not be apparent in the moment but become evident in hindsight. The episode explores the physiological and cognitive aspects affecting diver performance, touching on concepts like working memory, task load, and background cognitive loading. Analogies such as juggling and buckets of water are used to illustrate the limitations of cognitive capacity. The impact of being submerged on cognitive performance is discussed, emphasizing the need for awareness and adaptation during underwater activities. The episode concludes with insights into the narcotic effects of gases, particularly nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and examines the specific context that contributed to the diver's challenges. The importance of resilience in the face of errors is highlighted, encouraging listeners to understand the local rationality of those involved in adverse events and emphasizing the value of learning from near misses.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/please-sir-my-brain-is-full

Links:

Carl Spencer’s last dive: https://www.sidetracked.com/the-siren-song-of-the-britannic/

Dalecki et Al, 2012: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-012-2999-6

Oxygen narcosis research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35859332/

Tags:

English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis

SH42: Would you do the same thing again?

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth shares insights gained from conversations with survivors of the recent Carlton Queen liveaboard incident off the coast of Egypt. The survivors recounted harrowing experiences during the ship's sinking and discussed conditions that seemed "odd" in hindsight. The episode delves into the challenge of recognizing latent factors contributing to accidents before they occur and emphasizes the importance of understanding what 'normal' looks like in various situations. Drawing on the survivors' perspectives, Gareth explores the powerful effects of hindsight bias, providing practical tips for reducing its impact when analyzing events and learning from them. The episode concludes with a call for active reflection and the use of tools like DEBrIEF to uncover error-producing conditions and improve safety.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/would-you-do-the-same-thing

Links:

Looking for patterns: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Error producing conditions: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Debrief guide:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Hindsight Bias

SH41: Assumptions: A paradox

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth reflects on the power of assumptions in everyday life, using examples ranging from a humorous cycling sign to more serious incidents in diving. The discussion explores how assumptions, while essential for navigating the complexity of daily activities, can sometimes lead to oversights and mistakes. Drawing parallels with diving scenarios, the episode emphasizes the critical need to validate certain assumptions, especially those related to safety in the underwater environment. Gareth shares insights into the recent incident involving the Carlton Queen liveaboard, highlighting the individual and systemic failures that contributed to the event. The episode concludes by advocating for a shift from a punitive approach to a restorative one in learning from mistakes and fostering a culture of safety in diving.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/assumptions-a-paradox

Links:

Cognitive bias infographic: https://medium.com/thinking-is-hard/4-conundrums-of-intelligence-2ab78d90740f

Buster Benson’s original blog about cognitive bias: https://betterhumans.pub/cognitive-bias-cheat-sheet-55a472476b18

Debrief model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags:

English, Cognitive Biases, decision Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture

SH40: Watch what you say

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, the focus is on how we interpret and learn from incidents in diving. Using the analogy of a vase breaking, the episode explores how the language we use to describe events can influence our understanding. It presents two diver scenarios, emphasizing the importance of context in shaping behavior and decision-making. The podcast delves into research showing biases in incident reports, where a linear-cause-and-effect narrative leads to individual blame. It stresses the need for context-rich narratives for a more comprehensive understanding of incidents. The episode discusses cultural influences on diving safety protocols and calls for a shift from an individual-blame approach to a systemic understanding of failures. It concludes with an announcement of "Learning from Unintended Outcomes" course and upcoming comprehensive guide on moving from blame to learning in diving incidents using a human factors and system-learning approach.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/watch-what-you-say

Links:

The role of agency in discussing dive incidents: https://gue.com/blog/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/

2018 Research aboout linear reports: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-576X/4/4/46

2023 research about experienced vs inexperienced analysis: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144921/full

Work as imagined vs work as done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=26

Two contrasting views of the South Korea ferry accident: https://vimeo.com/122851457

Moving from an individual blame focused approach to one that looks at the wider system: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227822215_A_Review_of_Literature_Individual_Blame_vs_Organizational_Function_Logics_in_Accident_Analysis

Learning from Unintended Outcomes course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo

Tags:

English, Communication, Gareth Lock, Incident Investigation, Just Culture

SH39: Risk Management in Diving: Using Best Practice

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around risk management in diving, sparked by an incident in a remote location. The episode explores fundamental principles applicable to all diving scenarios. It begins by emphasizing the inherent hazards in diving and the potential fatal outcomes associated with various risks. The "bow-tie model" is introduced to illustrate preventive measures, controls, and mitigations. The episode further delves into the Four Ts of risk management—Treat, Transfer, Tolerate, and Terminate—and explains their relevance to diving, considering factors like training, equipment, and environmental conditions. The inherent and irreducible risk in diving is acknowledged, with a focus on the delicate balance between risk and reward, highlighting the trade-offs involved in decision-making. The podcast concludes with a scenario-based exploration of risk management strategies in a remote diving expedition, addressing the complexities and interdependencies of the 4Ts. The episode encourages listeners to consider these principles when assessing risk in their diving experiences and emphasizes the importance of a multi-layered approach to achieve a tolerable level of risk.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-in-diving

Links:

The confusing concept of inherent risk: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFVM8QrNv0zfevkiGBX38SC-MJWYNdco/view?usp=sharing

Human Diver blog about risk or uncertainty: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty

Dirty Dozen checklist: https://thedirtydozenexpeditions.com/s/Dirty-Dozen-Group-LLC-SPLASH-CHECKLIST-30-AUDITED-BY-HUMAN-FACTORS.pdf

Pschosocial risks: https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/psychosocial.htm

More Human Diver blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=cognitive+biases

Blog about hindsight bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Tags:

English, Checklists, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk Management

SH38: How to Improve Diving Checklist Design and Use - Part 2

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast episode explores the critical importance of designing checklists for rebreather and general diving operations, drawing parallels with aviation practices. The episode delves into the 'Challenge and Response' checklist method widely used in aviation, emphasizing its role in enhancing safety, systematic verification, and crew coordination. The discussion addresses reasons for deviations from checks, including distractions, individualism, complacency, and frustration, with insights from aviation incidents. Solutions to these challenges are presented, advocating for optimal checklist initiation, managing interruptions, and thoughtful checklist design based on human factors principles. The episode concludes by underlining the need for checklists as integral tools in diving safety, urging consistent usage within a robust social system to minimize deviations and enhance overall operational safety.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use

Links:

Original checklist blog, part one: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist

Ross. Human Factors Issues of the Aircraft Checklist, 2004: https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1553&context=jaaer

Degani, Asaf; Wiener, Earl L. (1990) Human Factors of Fight-Deck Checklists: The Normal Checklist. Contract No. NCC2-377. A report prepared for Ames Research Center: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19910017830

Degani, A. and Wiener, E. L. (1994). On the Design of Flight-Deck Procedures. (NASA Contractor Report 177642). Moffett Field, CA: NASA-Ames Research Center: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19940029437

Tags:

English, Checklists, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Non-Technical Skills, Situation Awareness

SH37: How to Build an Effective Checklist - Using Human Factors Principles

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast episode explores the crucial role of checklists in enhancing safety and standardizing procedures in various fields, with a focus on diving. Delving into the complexities of checklist design and execution, the discussion emphasizes the importance of considering human factors, operational conditions, and the social environment. While checklists play a vital role in promoting mutual monitoring and coordination during high workload periods in dive operations, the episode highlights the need for balance in standardization, length, typography, and phraseology. The podcast underscores the significance of addressing cognitive limitations and potential error-producing conditions, advocating for the thoughtful design of checklists based on human factors principles. The episode concludes by stressing that checklists are not a one-size-fits-all solution; they must be integrated into a team with a shared commitment to adherence and accountability for effective risk management in diving operations.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist

Links:

World Health Organisations Surgical Safety Checklist: https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/patient-safety/research/safe-surgery/tool-and-resources

Part 2 original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use

Degani, Asaf; Wiener, Earl L. Human Factors of Fight-Deck Checklists: The Normal Checklist. Contract No. NCC2-377. A report prepared for Ames Research Center. May 1990: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19910017830

Degani, Asaf. On the Typography of Flight-Deck Documentation. Contract No. NCC2-327. A report prepared for NASA. December 1992: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930010781

Burian, Barbara. “Design Guidance for Emergency and Abnormal Checklists in Aviation.” In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 50th Annual Meeting. 2006: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/253033092_Design_Guidance_for_Emergency_and_Abnormal_Checklists_in_Aviation

Tags:

English, Checklists, Decision Making, Gareth Lock

SH36: What does safe mean? How would you measure safety in diving?

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth delves into the nuanced concept of safety in diving, challenging the perception of what constitutes a "safe" dive. Examining different dive scenarios, from reef dives to wreck penetrations and cave dives, the episode explores the subjective nature of acceptable risk levels based on individual training, skills, and experience. Drawing on a healthcare safety framework, the discussion categorizes safety approaches into "Ultra Adaptive," "High Reliability," and "Ultra Safe," questioning where the diving industry aligns in terms of risk management. The lack of precise data on diving failures and fatalities is highlighted, challenging the commonly cited failure rate. The episode encourages listeners to reconsider their understanding of a "safe" dive, emphasizing the importance of regular emergency and rescue plan validation, skill practice, and reflective debriefs to foster a true sense of safety in diving. Gareth prompts listeners to contemplate their personally constructed views of safety and the potential challenges when these views differ within a dive team, stressing the need for a psychologically-safe environment for effective risk management discussions.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-safe-mean

Links:

Framework of contrasting approaches to safety: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25559-0

Tags:

English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management, Safety Culture

SH35: Risk or Uncertainty in Diving: What’s the difference? Why it matters.

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the complexities of risk management in diving, emphasizing the hazards involved, including drowning, hypoxia, hyperoxia, entanglement, and decompression illness. The discussion challenges the traditional concept of risk, highlighting that in diving, uncertainties are managed, not risks, due to the unknown probabilities associated with events. Drawing from a real-life cave diving accident, the episode delves into cognitive biases such as availability bias, representativeness bias, and mirages, revealing how humans struggle to accurately judge risks, especially in low probability/high consequence situations. The importance of framing decisions and considering cultural effects is discussed, shedding light on the divergent perspectives within the diving community. Gareth advocates for education and systematic thinking to address biases, emphasizing the role of checklists and the unique approach of The Human Diver in managing uncertainty rather than quantifiable risk. The episode concludes by highlighting the social construction of safety and the subjective nature of an acceptable level of risk in diving.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty

Links:

Plura cave diving accident: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_into_the_Unknown

Anchoring case study: https://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/07/27/anchoring-effect/

Dirty Dozen splash checklist: https://thedirtydozenexpeditions.com/s/Dirty-Dozen-Group-LLC-SPLASH-CHECKLIST-30-AUDITED-BY-HUMAN-FACTORS.pdf

Reference: Social Structure, Psychology, and the Estimation of Risk. Heimer, 1998: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.so.14.080188.002423

Tags:

English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Gareth Lock

SH34: Success or Failure. Success and Failure. What do they mean?

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the nuanced meanings of terms like success, failure, good, bad, and safe within the context of a two-week workshop for developing Human Diver instructors. The workshop incorporates realistic simulations with live students from diverse backgrounds, posing challenges in team formation. The episode delves into discussions around defining success in simulations, where both positive and negative outcomes contribute to learning. Gareth shares a personal experience from the workshop, highlighting the impact of goal-oriented leadership on team dynamics and the importance of maintaining psychological safety for effective communication. The episode emphasizes the relevance of these insights to the diving community, prompting listeners to reflect on leadership styles, capacity to fail safely, emergency preparedness, and the value of non-technical skills in high-consequence environments. Ultimately, Gareth argues that being safe involves understanding context, implementing defenses, and planning to fail safely in a fallible environment.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/success-or-failure-success-and-failure

Links:

DEBrIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Challenger Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

The courses we run: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2

Safety is not being compliant with rules: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/

Tags:

English, Gareth Lock, InterLAB, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork, Training

SH33: Introducing Human Factors into Scientific Diving: first impressions

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, the host reflects on the crucial role of human factors in diving, particularly in the context of scientific diving, where diverse skills are essential for conducting underwater research. The episode details the experience of implementing human factors training in the first Occupational Scientific Diving Training class at the Tvärminne Zoological Station in Finland. The scientific diving class, held over six weeks, aimed to develop skills in project management, supervision, emergency plans, and diving skills. The incorporation of human factors principles, such as creating a psychologically safe environment, using checklists, and improving communication techniques, significantly enhanced the students' learning experience. The host shares how these practices fostered teamwork, reduced errors, and improved safety and efficiency in the challenging underwater environment. The episode concludes with the students' positive feedback, highlighting the transformative impact of integrating human factors training into scientific diving education.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HF-into-scientific-diving

Links: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research-stations/tvarminne-zoological-station/finnish-scientific-diving-academy

Tags:

English, Beatrice Rivoira, Checklists Communication, Psychological Safety, Scientific Diving, Teamwork

SH32: Five Key Principles to Adopt: How to Improve Individually and Organisationally

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the safety practices of aviation and nuclear industries, and their relevance to diving. Rather than focusing on regulations, the discussion centers on five key principles derived from Human and Organisational Performance (H&OP). The principles delve into understanding human error as normal, avoiding blame in favor of learning, recognizing that context drives behavior, emphasizing the importance of leaders' responses, and highlighting the vital role of continuous learning for improvement. Gareth provides a concise overview of each principle, underscoring their interdependence and practical applications in the diving community. The episode concludes by emphasizing the need to shift from a blame-oriented culture to one centered on learning, promoting safety and improved performance in the dynamic world of diving. Additional resources are offered for a deeper exploration of these principles.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/five-key-principles-how-to-improve-individually-and-organisationally

Links:

Work as imagined will not meet the operating environment: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/

James Reason’s categorised errors: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning

You can blame or you can learn, you can’t do both: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surely-if-we-blame-and-punish-things-will-be-safer

Context, the decision-making process, and ‘local rationality’: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad

Social media sites and the fear of sharing stories: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-ve-got-an-attitude-problem

Psycholoigcal safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Dummies blog about Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-3-just-culture

Adopting HF and Non-Technical Skills training into curricula: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/knowledge-is-not-enough-we-must-apply

Moving from a blame-focused approach to one which is focused on learning and understanding local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/accountability-or-another-word-for-blame

Learning from unintended outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo

The need to tell context-rich stories: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Patrick Lencioni’s ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’: https://medium.com/@leenasn/book-summary-the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team-f3299a1f1a3c

Post from the CEO of PADI: https://pros-blog.padi.com/straight-talk-from-padi-ceo-your-1-priority-and-responsibility-when-training-or-supervising-divers/%C2%A0

Moving from blame to learning: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning

Tags:

English, Gareth Lock, HOP, Human Error, Human Performance, Just Culture, Leadership

SH31: Do you trust me? Can I trust you?

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Jenny delves into the concept of trust, drawing a historical connection to the origin of the term "confidence man" in the late 1940s. The story of William Thompson, a small-time thief, serves as an analogy to highlight the importance of integrity in building trust, especially in teamwork. The discussion emphasizes that while skills and integrity are foundational components of trust, benevolence, or the belief that someone is acting in our best interests, plays a crucial role. Jenny explores Shane Snow's three building blocks of trust – ability, integrity, and benevolence – and emphasizes that benevolence forms the foundation, making it the most critical factor. The episode concludes by relating these trust principles to the diving community, highlighting the natural tendency for divers to trust one another based on shared identity and the significance of considering all three trust components in diving partnerships. Relevant academic references on organizational trust and teamwork are provided for further exploration.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/do-you-trust-me-can-i-trust-you

Links:

Simon Sinek’s presentation about trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdXjtSnZTI

Shane Snow’s three building blocks: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2020/04/27/this-common-approach-to-earning-trust-completely-backfires-on-leaders/

An Integrative Model of Organisational Trust: https://www.jstor.org/stable/258792?seq=7#metadata_info_tab_contents

Trust in Teams: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0018726718818721

Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Foundation is Trust. https://medium.com/@leenasn/book-summary-the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team-f3299a1f1a3c

Tags:

English, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork, Trust

SH30: DEBrIEFing Capturing the experience and improving learning

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Gareth shares his insights from a presentation given to young CEOs and presidents during a diving trip, focusing on applying lessons from diving to non-diving environments. The discussion encompasses topics like organizational drift, competing goals, creating a shared mental model using non-technical skills, and fostering an environment supporting psychological safety and a Just Culture. The key takeaway emphasizes the importance of learning and practicing debriefs for future dives, with a focus on the DEBrIEF framework. The framework is detailed as a valuable tool for analyzing both positive and negative dive experiences, promoting a psychologically safe environment for effective debriefing. Each element of the DEBrIEF framework is explained, from defining the scope and creating psychological safety to reviewing the timeline and fostering internal and external learning. The episode concludes by highlighting the framework's role in continuous development for high-performing dive teams and the importance of a positive and supportive learning environment. The standalone DEBrIEF guide is also made available for further reference.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Links:

DEBrIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags:

English, Debrief,Gareth Lock, Leadership, Teamwork

SH29: Making a deviation to end up with a better outcome

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, the focus is on a scenario involving three teams of divers tasked with finding a wreck in challenging underwater conditions. The problem requires a mix of decision-making and situation awareness, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current situation, recognizing patterns, and projecting ideas into the future. The teams face challenges such as maintaining a constant bearing and dealing with variable currents. The experienced divers demonstrate the concept of intentional deviation, choosing a longer route to increase the chances of finding the wreck. The episode highlights the application of human factors and non-technical skills in diving, showcasing how intentional decisions, though seemingly flawed economically, can be smarter in the given context. The interdependence between technical skills, environmental factors, luck, and non-technical skills is explored, emphasizing the critical link between situation awareness and the diving environment. The podcast encourages post-dive debriefs to enhance understanding of problem-solving approaches and underscores the interconnected nature of situation awareness, task, and environment in diving.

SH28: Whose job is it to create change?

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, the focus is on the importance of taking action and addressing issues in various environments, drawing parallels to a scenario in fire safety training. The speaker reflects on the quote, "The standard you walk past is the lowest standard you accept," emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to initiate change by not overlooking problems. The Bystander effect is explored, particularly in the diving industry, where psychological safety and lack of standards can hinder addressing issues. The podcast discusses effective strategies to counter the Bystander effect, including proactive discussions, defined team roles and standards, and the significance of briefs and debriefs in fostering a culture of learning and improvement. The episode encourages individuals to be proactive leaders, persist in initiating change, and engage with the team to maintain momentum. Additionally, we look at how change can start with one person and gain momentum with others joining in.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/whose-job-is-it-to-create-change

Links:

Speech from Lieutenant General David Morrison:https://youtu.be/s_TfZdIhIgg?t=156

The bystander effect video: https://youtu.be/OSsPfbup0ac

Interesting leadership tips: https://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/story-everybody-somebody-anybody-nobody/

Debrief webinar from Jenny and Mike: https://youtu.be/JTM_Lh7HtmA%C2%A0

Psychological safety blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

English, Gareth Lock, Leadership

SH27: Teamwork in Diving - What I Learned From a Recent Training Course

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Mike Mason, an instructor for The Human Diver in Australia, shares insights from his recent week-long dive training course focused on MOD 2 CCR. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, he discusses key takeaways applicable to all divers, regardless of their specific diving interests. Mike delves into the significance of team pre-jump checks, highlighting how performing these checks as a group enhances awareness and emergency response. Gas planning and computer settings are explored, with an emphasis on independent problem-solving and the use of worst-case scenarios for safer decision-making. Mike also underscores the unique approach of physically supporting teammates during simulated problems, enhancing safety and situational awareness. The episode concludes with a recommendation for instructor Marc Crane, known for integrating Human Factors into dive training, and the value of non-technical skills in becoming a better diver.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/teamwork-in-diving-what-i-learned-from-a-recent-training-course

Links:

Dummies series, Leadership blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork

Tags:

English, Communication, Decision Making, Mike Mason, Situation Awareness, Teamwork

SH26: Why diving incident stories are ‘good’ and ‘bad’

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the challenges of diver training and the limitations of a formulaic approach in preparing divers for real-world uncertainties. The discussion revolves around the difficulties of transferring tacit knowledge from experienced divers and instructors to students within the constraints of short course durations. The evolution of competence through stages—novices, advanced beginners, competent performers, proficient performers, and experts—is explored, emphasizing the importance of contextual understanding and decision-making. The episode scrutinizes the current training culture in diving, highlighting the need for frequent, reflective experiences and contextual situations for effective learning. The role of case studies, near misses, and incident reports in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application is emphasized, with a call for a just culture and psychologically safe environments for meaningful discussions and learning. The episode concludes with insights into the challenges of knowledge transfer and the significance of contextual understanding in improving diving competency.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad

Links: Five stages of competancy by Dreyfus https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0270467604264992

Flyvberg’s book on social science https://amzn.to/3ZvuXiG

Essentials program https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials

If Only documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Oatmeal comic about the backfire effect https://theoatmeal.com/comics/believe

The problem with transferring knowledge, Dave Snowdon https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241660493_Complex_Acts_of_Knowing_Paradox_and_Descriptive_Self-Awareness

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident, Reporting, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH25: Human Factors Analysis of a Maltese Diving Fatality

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the tragic details surrounding a fatal diving accident between friends, investigating a series of factors leading to the unfortunate outcome. The incident took place outside formal dive center procedures, raising questions about the supply of compressed air by unlicensed operators and the lax recertification requirements for divers. Numerous issues emerged, such as buoyancy problems, rapid ascents, and the management of finite gas supplies. The proceedings scrutinize team protocols, gas tracking, and a lack of rescue attempts, shedding light on the complexities of mixed diving methods and decision-making under stress. The podcast highlights the intersection of errors, environmental influences, and diver fatigue, questioning the inevitability of the final outcome and implications for the criminalization of buddy system failures in the diving community.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-factors-analysis-of-a-maltese-diving-fatality

Links:

Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board on the grounding of the Beau Maiden: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021/

References and source materials:

Summary of the judgement: https://www.divinginfo.mt/?p=1751

Judgement details (in Maltese) https://ecourts.gov.mt/onlineservices/Judgements/Details?JudgementId=0&CaseJudgementId=135422

Facebook page of the Professional Dive Schools Association of Malta: https://www.facebook.com/PDSAMalta

Scuba Tech Philippines- Andy Davies: http://scubatechphilippines.com/scuba_blog/accident-analysis-gauci-2020/

Clapham Rail Crash report: https://www.jesip.org.uk/uploads/media/incident_reports_and_inquiries/Clapham%20Rail%20Crash.pdf

Never Events: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/02/27/neverzero-thinking/

Case studies from the outdoor activities sector in Australia: https://uploadsproject.org/

Criminalising human error: https://humanfactors101.com/2022/05/08/is-human-error-a-crime/

Being aware of hindsight bias doesn’t mean we won’t fall foul of it: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10631443_Hindsight_is_not_equal_to_foresight_The_effect_of_outcome_knowledge_on_judgment_under_uncertainty

The “Reasonable Man”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reasonable_person

Rodando Vought case: https://humanfactors101.com/2022/05/08/is-human-error-a-crime/

Liability of a buddy: https://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/dive_magazine/2002/LiabilityBuddy200203.html

BSAC Safe Diving Guide: https://www.bsac.com/safety/bsacs-safe-diving-guide/

BSAC Duty of Care and Welfare page: https://www.bsac.com/advice-and-support/club-support/duty-of-care-and-welfare/duty-of-care-and-welfare--club-checklist/

British Mountaineering Council Risk, Responsibility, Duty of Care and Liability Club Guidelines: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=385

Work as Imagined vs Work as Done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=24

Professional Diving Schools Association statement: https://www.facebook.com/PDSAMalta

Maltese Diving Regulations: https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/409.13/eng/pdf

Everest tragedy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Destructive-Goal-Pursuit-Everest-Disaster/dp/023000332X

Loss of Situation Awareness blog: https://gue.com/blog/the-cause-of-the-accident-loss-of-situational-awareness/

The shooting down of US Blackhawks in Iraq: https://www.mindtherisk.com/literature/150-friendly-fire-the-accidental-shootdown-of-u-s-black-hawks-over-northern-iraq-by-scott-a-snook

Tags:

- English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

SH24: Don't just focus on the errors

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of human error in diving and how it relates to different types of errors, including slips, lapses, mistakes, and violations. The episode highlights that errors alone aren't the primary issue; they need to occur in a specific context where hazards and control/mitigation measures are present to impact safety. Using a real-life example from the "If Only" documentary, the podcast discusses how various factors, such as time pressure, equipment issues, and social environments, can contribute to catastrophic outcomes when combined with errors. It introduces the "TWIN" or "WITH" model, which categorizes error-precursors into four areas: Work Environment, Task Demands, Individual Capability, and Human Nature. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these error-precursors to enhance dive safety and prevent adverse events. It also encourages divers and instructors to proactively identify and address these conditions, highlighting the role of context in diving incidents and accidents.

Task Demands

Time pressure (in a hurry)

High workload (large memory)

Simultaneous, multiple actions

Repetitive actions/monotony

Irreversible actions

Interpretation requirements

Unclear goals, roles, or responsibilities

Lack of or unclear standards

Individual Capabilities

Unfamiliarity with task/first time

Lack of knowledge (faulty mental model)

New techniques not used before

Imprecise communication habits

Lack of proficiency/inexperience

Indistinct problem-solving skills

Unsafe attitudes

Illness or fatigue; general poor health

Work Environment

Distractions/interruptions

Changes/departure from routine

Confusing displays or controls

Work-arounds/OOSß instrumentation

Hidden system/equipment response

Unexpected equipment conditions

Lack of alternative indication

Personality conflict

Human Nature

Stress

Habit patterns

Assumptions

Complacency/overconfidence

Mind-set (intentions)

Inaccurate risk perception

Mental shortcuts or biases

Limited short-term memory

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Links:

HF for Dummies Part 2- Human Error: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-2-human-error

‘If Only’ Documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Normalisation of Deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Institute of Nuclear Power Operations reference guide: http://nuclearsafety.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Human-Performance-Reference-Manual.pdf

Tags:

English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting

SH23: The Four Stages of Learning

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the four stages of learning, offering insights into the learning journey of a diver, from novice to expert. We begin with the first stage, unconscious incompetence, where beginners are unaware of their lack of knowledge and often rely on step-by-step instructions. The journey continues to the second stage, conscious incompetence, where novices start to realize the vast amount of knowledge and skill they have yet to acquire, often referred to as the "Mount Stupid" phase. Moving on, we explore the third stage, conscious competence, where divers begin to master skills but still need to concentrate. Finally, we reach the fourth stage, unconscious competence, where experts can execute skills almost instinctively and effortlessly. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing these learning stages, highlighting the role of teaching, practice, and learning from others' mistakes in the process. It also touches upon the significance of diving incident stories in the learning journey.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-four-stages-of-learning

Links:

Dunning Kruger, Unskilled and Unaware of it

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjem7i_pZOCAxUhiv0HHXTIDjUQFnoECAgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpublication%2F12688660_Unskilled_and_Unaware_of_It_How_Difficulties_in_Recognizing_One%2527s_Own_Incompetence_Lead_to_Inflated_Self-Assessments&usg=AOvVaw2M00VJJpL1TSHlK-6bZ-Pl&opi=89978449

Learning from others mistakes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad)

Tags:

Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Jenny Lord

SH22: The Need for a Different Perspective

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, the focus is on the significance of learning from diving incidents, accidents, and near-misses, as these provide valuable lessons for safety improvement. While media attention tends to center on fatalities, the episode argues that a "Just Culture," emphasizing a psychologically-safe environment for open conversation, can promote better learning from incidents and near-misses. It addresses the prevalent tendency to blame individuals for adverse outcomes, highlighting the limitations of this approach, which doesn't consider the context or conditions that lead to these events. The episode introduces two contrasting perspectives: the Individual Blame Logic (IBL), which attributes incidents to individual choices and seeks to assign blame, and the Organisational Function Logic (OFL), which identifies systemic factors that influence outcomes and aims to improve the system. Through a case example, it illustrates how the OFL approach reveals multiple organizational and latent conditions. In conclusion, it underscores the importance of the OFL in creating a safer and more learning-oriented environment compared to the punitive IBL, which tends to conceal learning opportunities.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-to-blame-what-to-learn

Links:

A review of LiteratureIndividucal Blame vs Organisational Functional Logics in Accident Analysis. Catino, 2008:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227822215_A_Review_of_Literature_Individual_Blame_vs_Organizational_Function_Logics_in_Accident_Analysis

Tags:

- English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture

SH21: A 'Just' Culture or a 'Just Do It' Culture?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

This podcast episode delves into the concept of a "Just Culture" in the context of diving, addressing potential confusion within the diving community. A 'Just Culture' revolves around fostering an environment of trust where individuals are encouraged to share safety-related information without fear of retribution, while also defining the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. However, this culture can be challenging to implement effectively, as it requires post-event determinations of what's acceptable, often influenced by various biases and societal pressures. The episode explores the need to differentiate a 'Just Culture' from a 'Just Do It' culture, emphasizing the importance of sharing context-rich stories to facilitate learning from near-misses, incidents, and accidents. In the world of adventure sports like diving, where inherent risks persist, understanding cognitive biases and promoting a culture of open storytelling is crucial. The episode also touches upon the hurdles of intentionally creating cultural change within sub-communities and highlights key steps to develop a 'Just Culture' to support learning from mistakes. In essence, this discussion sheds light on the significance of learning from others' experiences to enhance safety in diving.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture

Links:

Messy World of Diving presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=26

Safety Clutter paper: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/382962/Rae159320.pdf?sequence=1

A System Safety perspective of Gross Negligence: https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/9114283

Normalisation of Devience blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Don’t Just Focus on the Errors blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors

Bad apples or bad day blog: https://gue.com/blog/do-bad-apples-actually-exist/

Risk or uncertainty blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty

How to develop a Just Culture in healthcare study: https://bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/12/1/e002049

HF for Dummies Just Culture blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-3-just-culture

Is a Just Culture needed blog: https://gue.com/blog/is-a-just-culture-needed-to-support-learning-from-near-misses-and-diving-accidents/

Tags:

- English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture

SH20: Common Sense: It doesn't exist, or if it does it isn't what you think it is

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of "common sense" and how it relates to decision-making, especially in uncertain situations like diving. Often, the hindsight bias leads us to believe that situations should have been obvious, but in reality, decision-making is influenced by various factors, including previous experiences and social interactions. We delve into the mechanisms behind decision-making, highlighting the importance of shared narratives and tribal learning in developing practical wisdom rather than relying on a vague notion of common sense. The episode emphasizes the role of debriefing and reflection in improving decision-making and fostering a psychologically safe environment for learning. So, next time someone mentions "common sense," consider the complexity of human decision-making and the context in which choices are made.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/common-sense

Links:

Article about naturalistic decision making:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/seeing-what-others-dont/201602/the-naturalistic-decision-making-approach

AquaCORPS magazine:

https://aquacorps.online/

Blog about hindsight bias:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

TED talk from Barry Schwartz about Practical Wisdom:

https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_using_our_practical_wisdom?language=en

Blog about debriefing:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Jenny and Mike’s DEBrIEF webinar:

https://youtu.be/xzOdjNC5szU

DEBrIEF guide:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Tags:

- English Decision-Making Gareth Lock Leadership Situation Awareness Teamwork

SH19: Speaking up to prevent an adverse event

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial concepts of psychological safety and a Just Culture in the context of diving, teams, and organizations. These two terms, while closely related, have distinct roles in fostering learning, improvement, and safety. The episode begins with a scenario illustrating the interplay of these concepts in a diver's training journey, highlighting the impact of trust, vulnerability, and communication. Psychological safety, as defined by Professor Amy Edmondson, is explored in four stages: Inclusion Safety, Learner Safety, Contributor Safety, and Challenger Safety, each contributing to a learning-focused environment. A Just Culture, aimed at organizational improvement, is introduced as a way to analyze adverse events without resorting to blame. The episode provides insights into the proactive nature of psychological safety and the retrospective approach of a Just Culture in promoting safety and learning in diving and other domains. It emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding human error, and exploring conditions that influence behavior to enhance safety and performance.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-up-to-prevent-an-adverse-event-looking-back-to-learn

Links:

Blog about near misses:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2

European aviation regulations:

https://www.caa.co.uk/media/sf3eiszu/fwm20160629_06_just-culture.pdf

Blog about hindsight bias:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome

Psychological safety toolkits by Tom Geraghty

https://psychsafety.co.uk/tool-kit/

Video about Psychological safety and Just Culture:

https://vimeo.com/410128892

Tags:

- English Gareth Lock Just Culture Psychological Safety

SH18: What are we pretending not to know?

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the journey of Nic Emery, a graduate of the Human Factors in Diving course, as she shares her experiences in cultivating psychological safety within her dive center, The Fifth Point. Nic emphasizes that this endeavor is a continuous process, requiring self-reflection, time, and commitment. She narrates how her team began quietly building a culture of psychological safety since 2021, influenced by the principles of Human Factors in Diving. Nic highlights the importance of open communication, vulnerability, and feedback in fostering psychological safety, both within her team and among divers. She shares a pivotal moment when they decided not to dive due to challenging conditions and how it led to a realization about the authority gradient and the need for psychological safety among customers. Nic's story showcases the gradual integration of these concepts into their dive center's culture and the steps they are taking to make it a part of their customer experience. The episode provides insights into creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to speak up and contribute to safety.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know

Links:

The Fifth Point diving:

https://fifthpointdiving.com/

https://thehonestdiver.com/

Nic’s blog about why dive pro’s should talk about bad dives

https://fifthpointdiving.com/the-dive-pro-hub/why-dive-pros-should-talk-about-bad-dives/

Display design

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1a84tbFQcJe4RTbzxb20MWUMwJLX45gLZ?usp=sharing

More blogs about psychological safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety

Building a team series

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

-English Leadership Nic Emery Psychological Safety Teamwork

SH17: Human Factors. What it is. What it isn't. Why you need to knw.

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the realm of Human Factors in diving, breaking down its fundamental concept of designing systems that facilitate correct actions and deter mistakes. Human Factors in diving encompasses various aspects, including improving teaching techniques, minimizing errors in equipment use, and promoting a culture of inquiry and learning within the diving community. We explore its history in aviation and nuclear power industries, highlighting the shift from blaming individuals to understanding system limitations and human performance. The episode introduces the SHELL framework, emphasizing the interdependence of hardware, environment, software, and people in complex systems. It discusses four perspectives of Human Factors: the psychology of humans, human characteristics, factors affecting humans, and socio-technical system interaction. Additionally, we examine survey results that reveal diver perceptions of Human Factors. The episode clears misconceptions, emphasizing that Human Factors is not common sense, politeness, or just the cause of accidents. It explores the role of checklists and the challenges of implementing Human Factors in diving. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of understanding the specifics of Human Factors for effective teaching and safety improvements in diving, and the need for training agencies to integrate Human Factors into their programs for the betterment of diver safety.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-factors-in-diving-what-it-is-what-it-isn-t-why-you-need-to-know

Links:

Insight into the background of Human Factors:

https://youtu.be/iHaQjoxQlLs?si=K0CGhCzvu8pwf6wr

The ‘SHELL’ framework used by the aviation community:

https://skybrary.aero/articles/icao-shell-model

The first of Steven Shorrock’s blogs about what Human Factors is:

https://humanisticsystems.com/2017/08/11/four-kinds-of-human-factors-1-the-human-factor/

Gareth’s presentation at Rebreather Forum 4.0

https://gue.tv/programs/rebreather-forum-4?cid=3312565&permalink=5-gareth-lock-human-factors-in-diving

Another series of blogs from Steven Shorrock:

https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/07/10/what-human-factors-isnt-1-common-sense/

How to build a checklist (part 1 and 2)

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use

The training courses that The Human Diver run:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/training

GUE tv- Human Factors for beginners:

https://gue.tv/programs/human-factors-basics-for-divers

Resources from RF 4.0
https://bit.ly/rf4-resources

Tags:

- English Gareth Lock Human Factors

SH16: How do I improve Situation Awareness?

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of Situation Awareness (SA) in diving. We learn what SA is, why it's crucial for safe diving, and how to recognize when it's compromised. The episode introduces a model by Mica Endsley that breaks SA into three layers: perception, comprehension, and projection. It then discusses why SA matters, emphasizing its significance in avoiding accidents and mishaps. The episode also provides valuable tips on how to improve your SA, such as conducting briefings, gaining experience in diverse conditions, practicing technical skills, and engaging in debriefings for shared learning. Developing habits and routines to maintain SA during dives is highlighted as a key takeaway for enhancing safety and decision-making underwater.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-SA

Links:

You can’t pay MORE attention blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention

Tags:

- English Brief Debrief Decision-Making Mike Mason Situation Awareness

SH15: Normalisation of Deviance

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of "Normalization of Deviance" in the context of diving. While it may seem like rule-breaking, it's actually about the social acceptance of deviating from established standards and practices. The episode explores how this phenomenon occurs in diving, where 'safety' is a social construct based on the absence of adverse events rather than legal rules. It delves into examples of drift at various levels, from industry-wide issues to individual behaviors like reducing gas minimums or exceeding depth limits. To address this, the episode emphasizes the need for performance-based standards, psychological safety, leadership development, and a Just Culture to prevent and correct the normalization of deviance.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking

Links:

Blog about rule breaking and rule following

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/they-broke-the-rules

Cognitive biases and heuristics

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased

Drift

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jud_9k6fTHw

Minimums become targets

https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/10/24/shorrocks-law-of-limits/

UK HSE CCR report 2011

https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr871.htm

Psychological safety blogs

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety

Challenger safety blog

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/challenger-safety-control

Tags:

- English Decision-Making Gareth Lock Normalisation of Deviance Risk Risk Management

SH14: Building a Team. Part 4. Challenger Safety.

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In the final installment of the series on building psychological safety in instructional and ‘fun diving’ environments, this podcast episode explores "challenger safety." It underscores the importance of creating an environment where team members feel comfortable questioning or challenging unsafe practices, including instructors. This safety aspect encourages open dissent aimed at constructive improvement and urges leaders to welcome disruptive ideas and bad news with a positive response. It also advocates for diverse teams to foster divergent thinking and emphasizes the need for leaders to revisit and explain past decisions, avoiding groupthink and encouraging critical thinking. The episode concludes by highlighting the role of leaders and instructors in setting the cultural tone and ensuring a safe environment where team members can end a dive when necessary.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Links:

“If Only” documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?

Part One: Inclusion Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Part Two: Learner Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

Part Three: Contributor Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

Tags:

- English Communications Gareth Lock Leadership Teamwork

SH13: Building a Team. Part 3. Contributor Safety.

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0100

You might think that students have little to contribute when they are part of a team. However, if you think back to the inclusion safety and the need for a shared purpose of mutual learning, your students can help you improve as an individual and as a team. Look for opportunities whereby they contribute. In the context of fun diving, by allowing team members to contribute, then you can increase the chance of having more fun and using the cognitive diversity in your team to solve problems you face, this includes in an incident or adverse event. Don’t dismiss others, they might have an answer you haven’t thought about.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

Links:

Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?:

Part One: Inclusion Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Part Two: Learner Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

Part Four: Challenger Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

- English Gareth Lock Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork

SH12: Building a Team. Part 2. Learner Safety.

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Building on the foundation of inclusion safety, the second part of this podcast series explores "learner safety" in instructional diving settings. Learner safety involves creating an environment where students and team members feel safe to make mistakes as they learn new skills and knowledge. To foster learner safety, adopting a "student mindset" is crucial, emphasizing that learning is a lifelong journey and no one reaches permanent competency. Sharing what you are learning with enthusiasm and optimism can inspire others to do the same, while sharing past mistakes and the lessons learned from them encourages a culture of vulnerability and growth. Celebrating failures within defined limits is vital, recognizing that they are opportunities for learning and improvement. Additionally, asking for feedback at the moment of need and encouraging collaborative problem-solving contribute to learner safety, creating thinking divers who continually improve and push their boundaries in the world of diving.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

Links:

DEBrIEF template: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?:

Part One: Inclusion Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Part Three: Contributor Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

Part Four: Challenger Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

- English Gareth Lock Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork

SH11: Building a Team. Part 1. Inclusion Safety.

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Creating a team quickly in diving can be challenging due to the litigious nature of the sport, especially in the US, where instructors fear legal repercussions for acknowledging mistakes or deviations from standards. This fear hinders the development of psychological safety within a team. Psychological safety, defined as the shared belief within a team that it's acceptable to take interpersonal risks, plays a crucial role in diving, as every instructional dive is a team effort. To build psychological safety, it's essential to foster trust, humility, and good communication. Psychological safety consists of four stages: inclusion safety, learning safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety. This podcast series explores each stage in detail, beginning with inclusion safety, which involves making everyone feel included, moving to mutual discovery, defining and communicating the team's purpose and values, active listening, following through on commitments, and forbidding personal attacks. These practices promote inclusion and ultimately enhance team cohesion and safety in diving.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

Links:

Amy Edmonson’s book

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Organization-Psychological-Workplace-Innovation/dp/1119477247/

About Prospect Theory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prospect_theory

Timothy Clark’s book

https://www.amazon.co.uk/4-Stages-Psychological-Safety/dp/1523087684/

Why is it so hard to create a team quickly in diving, especially in classes?

Part Two: Learner Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

Part Three: Contributor Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

Part Four: Challenger Safety

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags:

- English Gareth Lock Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork

SH010: HF for Dummies. Part 10. Human Error. Psychological Safety

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams, allowing members to speak up about problems without fear of backlash or dismissal. It hinges on trust, humility, and effective communication. Trust involves believing in your team's integrity, benevolence, and ability. Humility means acknowledging that no one knows everything and being open to listening. Good communication requires understanding and avoiding assumptions in conversations. Psychological safety goes both ways, from leaders to followers and among peers. Leaders set the tone by admitting their mistakes, fostering a culture where everyone can learn from errors. Building psychological safety takes practice, but its benefits are invaluable for strong, high-performing teams.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety

Links:

Communication for Dummies:
https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms

Tags:

- English Dummies Jenny Lord Leadership Psychological Safety Teamwork

SH09: HF for Dummies. Part 9. Performance Shaping Factors.

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore the impact of tiredness, fatigue, and stress on diving performance and safety. We discuss how these factors can lead to errors and potentially dangerous situations underwater. Fatigue, whether short-term or long-term, affects cognitive functions like problem-solving, memory, and alertness, making it essential for divers to prioritize rest. Stress, which can be either distress (negative) or eustress (positive), also plays a significant role in diving performance. We introduce the "three lemons" concept, where any stressor, or "lemon," that arises before or during a dive should be considered carefully. We emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of stress in ourselves and our dive buddies, and we discuss the challenge of calling off a dive due to small issues, known as the "sunk cost fallacy." Ultimately, we highlight the critical role of being well-rested and managing stress in ensuring safe and enjoyable dives.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-for-dummies-part-9-error-producing-conditions

Tags:

- English Dummies Fatigue Jenny Lord Performance shaping factors Stress

SH08: HF for Dummies. Part 8. Leadership.

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we dive into the concept of leadership in the context of diving, emphasizing that leadership applies to everyone in various capacities. A leader is someone who understands the common goal, communicates it clearly, and fosters collaboration among team members to achieve it, even if they don't possess all the required skills themselves. We discuss leadership roles in diving, including dive guides, instructors, and even buddy pairs, stressing the importance of goal clarity, role awareness, and effective communication. We share a real-life example of an instructor who demonstrates strong leadership by addressing equipment safety concerns and creating a culture of psychological safety within the dive center.

We also explore the negative aspects of leadership, such as destructive goal pursuit, where leaders become overly focused on tasks and neglect their team's well-being and learning. Good leadership behaviors are highlighted, including maintaining awareness of the team's purpose, active listening, and fostering psychological safety for open communication. Leadership is portrayed as a dynamic and situational skill that requires conscious practice and a clear understanding of the team's goals. In conclusion, whether you find yourself in a formal leadership role or not, effective leadership in diving involves understanding the why, what, and how of your team's mission and promoting continuous improvement among all team members.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-leadership

Tags:

- English Dummies Jenny Lord Leadership Teamwork

SH07: HF for Dummies. Part 7. Teamwork.

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of teamwork in diving, shedding light on its importance and practical application. While team sports like football, rugby, and hockey inherently rely on teamwork, diving often overlooks the team dynamic. We discuss the key elements of effective teamwork, including role clarity, where everyone understands their role and the goals of the dive, and clear communication, which involves using consistent signals and fostering an environment where questions and concerns are welcomed. The briefing and debriefing process is highlighted as a crucial tool for aligning the team's mental model and learning from each other's experiences. Trust, the cornerstone of teamwork, is explored, emphasizing its development over time and its profound impact on team dynamics. Real-life examples, including challenges faced by a married couple in a diving course, illustrate the significance of trust and the possibility of splitting up a team when necessary.

Original Blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork

Links:

Communication for Dummies blog

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms

All the Dummies blogs

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=dummies

How to create a team, 4 part series

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-3

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-4

Tags: - English Dummies Jenny Lord Teamwork

SH06: HF for Dummies. Part 6. Communication.

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we explore the critical issue of communication and why it can be so challenging, even in life-or-death situations. We start with a famous radio conversation between a US naval ship and Canadian authorities, highlighting the importance of clear communication. We then delve into the various barriers to effective communication, including language differences, distractions, culture, and the fear of looking foolish or facing punishment. We discuss the challenges of hierarchical structures that hinder open dialogue and emphasize the need for instructors to create a safe environment for questions. Additionally, we examine the problem of missing context and how it can lead to misunderstandings, especially in complex situations. We stress that clear communication is the responsibility of the message sender and recommend using open questions to ensure comprehension. Finally, we highlight the significance of not just what we say but how we say it, with examples illustrating the importance of context and patience in ensuring effective communication. Tune in for valuable insights into improving communication, and remember that clear communication can be a lifesaver, especially in high-stakes environments like underwater activities.

Original blog:

https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms

Links

Fact checking the Lighthouse story!

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-obstinate-lighthouse

Tags: - English Communication Communications Dummies Jenny Lord

SH05: HF for Dummies. Part 5. Decision Making.

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In today's podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating world of decision-making, something we engage in constantly, whether it's choosing between a big life-changing move or simply opting for a cup of tea. We make thousands of decisions daily, many of which happen unconsciously. However, when it comes to underwater scenarios, the decisions we make can be a matter of life or death. So, how do we ensure we make the right choices in those critical moments? We explore various models of decision-making, such as System 1 (the fast, automatic mode we use in familiar situations) and System 2 (the slower, more deliberate mode used in new or complex situations). We also discuss the difference between expert decision-makers who rely on mental models and beginners who may struggle to interpret the same cues. An insightful real-life diving experience highlights the importance of experience and debriefs in decision-making. Finally, we offer practical advice on improving decision-making skills through practice and the power of debriefing to share mental models. Tune in for more on this crucial topic, and if you want to explore it further, check out the linked blogs for additional insights. Stay tuned for our next episode on communication and the challenges it poses, especially in underwater environments.

Links

Situation Awareness for Dummies blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-4-SA

The Human Diver DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief

More blogs about decision making https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=decision-making

SH02: HF for Dummies. Part 2. Human Error.

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Part 2 of the Dummies series, all about Human Error, the slips, lapses, mistakes and violations that are made.

In this episode, we tackle the issue of labeling mishaps as 'human error' and why this term often falls short in helping us prevent future mistakes. Instead of simply attributing accidents to human error, we delve into Professor James Reason's groundbreaking work on error types.

Reason's categories include unintended actions, like slips (resulting from distractions) and lapses (memory failures), which can be reduced through environment adjustments and effective checklists. On the other hand, intended actions are divided into rule-based mistakes (applying incorrect rules) and knowledge-based mistakes (thinking you're doing the right thing, but it's wrong). These errors can be mitigated through thorough dive planning, briefings, and debriefings.

Lastly, we explore violations, where rules are seemingly broken on purpose, often revealing deeper organizational issues. Join us as we dissect the complexities of human error and how understanding its nuances can lead to safer practices in high-risk industries like diving.

Original blog URL: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-2-human-error

Links:

My biggest mistake blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake

Description of types of errors and further reading: https://skybrary.aero/articles/human-error-types

Tags: - English Dummies Gareth Lock Human Error

SH03: HF for Dummies. Part 3. Just Culture.

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Part 3 of the Dummies series. This one is looking at Just Culture and why we need it in order to learn.

In this episode, we unravel the concept of a Just Culture in the context of Human Factors and its critical role in facilitating learning from mistakes. We start by clarifying the notion of culture, emphasizing its subjective nature rooted in fairness. Contrary to common misconceptions, a Just Culture is not about assigning blame but about understanding what went wrong and why individuals made certain decisions.

We illustrate this with two poignant examples: the MV Conception sinking and a tragic diving incident in the UK. In both cases, a deeper examination of the system and circumstances, rather than immediate blame, led to valuable lessons and, in some instances, legal outcomes that diverged from initial perceptions.

We underscore the importance of asking "How did this happen?" rather than "Who is to blame?" and advocate for a shift in language and culture within the diving community to foster a shared belief in learning from incidents and enhancing safety.

Original blog URL: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-3-just-culture

Links:

National Transportation Safety Board accident report

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAR2003.pdf

Press reports on the “out of gas” incident

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/hung-jury-discharged-in-stoney-manslaughter-trial/

https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/diving-instructor-cleared-in-safety-stop-death-case/

Information about IPO

https://www.bsac.com/news-and-blog/the-hidden-killer-immersion-pulmonary-oedema-ipo/

Gareth’s blog on InDepth about Just Culture

https://gue.com/blog/is-a-just-culture-needed-to-support-learning-from-near-misses-and-diving-accidents/

Tags:

- English Dummies Incident Analysis Incident Investigation Incident Reporting Jenny Lord Just Culture

SH01: HF for Dummies. Part 1. Human Factors.

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this 10-part podcast series, we'll explore the basics of human factors in diving, breaking down complex ideas in a way that's easy to grasp. Each episode will feature real-life examples to make the concepts clear. We're doing this series because we've heard feedback that some diving information can be too hard to understand. Our first episode explains what human factors are and why they matter in diving. We'll cover topics like how to give a dive briefing, using checklists effectively, making good decisions, and more. These principles help divers do the right things and avoid mistakes. Join us as we make diving safer and more understandable for everyone.

Original Blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-for-dummies-part-1-human-factors

Tags:

English Dummies Gareth Lock Human Factors Non-Technical Skills

Links:

Humanistic Systems: Four Kinds of ‘Human Factors’ - https://humanisticsystems.com/2017/08/11/four-kinds-of-human-factors-1-the-human-factor/

SH04: HF for Dummies. Part 4. Situation Awareness.

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, we dive into the concept of situation awareness, something we've all been told to improve at some point in our lives. Instead of trying to pay more attention, we explore the idea of knowing what to pay attention to and how to use that information effectively. We look at the three key components.

First, there's Perception, which involves gathering information through our senses—what we see, hear, and feel. However, our ability to notice everything is limited, so we subconsciously select what's relevant to us. This selection is based on importance, interest, or danger, which grabs our attention. But even then, we can still miss important details due to overload or not realizing their significance at the time. The second part is Comprehension, where we need to understand and interpret the information we've perceived. Sometimes, even if we see clues, we may not fully grasp their meaning. Finally, Projection is about taking these clues, understanding them, and anticipating what might happen next. It's the ability to predict outcomes based on the information we've gathered. Experience and training play a crucial role in enhancing our situation awareness, allowing us to handle more tasks without losing awareness. If you'd like to delve deeper into this topic, check out the provided resources for more insights.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hf-in-diving-for-dummies-part-4-SA

Links:

You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness' - https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention

When The Rescuer Nearly Needs Rescuing! - Task Fixation - https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/rescuer-and-rescued