Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ​​

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

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

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

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

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

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 ​​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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

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

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&sectionTitle=Annual+Diving+Incident+Report   Tags:  English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Normalisation of Deviance, Situational Awareness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Maltese Diving Fatality The role of ‘Agency’ in understanding adverse events. Unlocking the Secrets of Safer Diving: A Guide to Learning Reviews in Diving It’s obvious why it happened!! (In hindsight) Don’t just focus on the Errors – Look at the Conditions   Links:  English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Just Culture