Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 4.0https://bit.ly/rf4-resources   Tags:  - English Gareth Lock Human Factors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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   Tags - English Decision-Making Dummies Jenny Lord

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

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/  

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   Tags - English Dummies Jenny Lord Situation Awareness

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