Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

Leadership in diving is critical for navigating uncertain situations and achieving successful outcomes, whether you're teaching students, leading a dive project, or running a dive center. Drawing lessons from Ernest Shackleton's legendary leadership and modern theories of influence, this episode explores how effective leaders go beyond authority and management to inspire trust, foster psychological safety, and build personal connections. We discuss six key strategies for diving instructors, including defining a clear purpose, embracing humility, managing conflict constructively, learning from mistakes, adapting leadership styles, and showing genuine care for others. Tune in for actionable insights to enhance your leadership in the water and beyond. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/follow-me-trust-me-i-am-your-leader   Links: Building psychological safety in a team (part 1): https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1 Trust is based on 1:1 relationships: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2020/04/27/this-common-approach-to-earning-trust-completely-backfires-on-leaders/?sh=515264702fcb Goodheart’s law: https://humanisticsystems.com/2019/10/24/shorrocks-law-of-limits/ Double-loop learning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-loop_learning The Ladder of Inference: https://thesystemsthinker.com/the-ladder-of-inference/ Self Discovery techniques: https://spectrumofteachingstyles.org/index.php?id=21 The Myth of the Advert: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/shackleton-probably-never-took-out-an-ad-seeking-men-for-a-hazardous-journey-5552379/   Tags:  English, Communication, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

Debriefs are vital for learning and improvement, but making them effective can be challenging. This episode explores how the DEBrIEF framework, inspired by aviation and human factors experts, provides a structured approach to debriefing that fosters psychological safety. We discuss the importance of vulnerability, showing that even experienced divers make mistakes, and how leading by example encourages honest self-reflection. Real-world examples highlight how debriefs can move beyond surface-level feedback, helping teams identify areas for growth and create meaningful solutions. With the right structure and environment, debriefs can become powerful tools for continuous improvement in diving and beyond. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-psychological-safety-in-debriefs   Links: The DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief Jenny and Mike’s Briefing and Debriefing presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTM_Lh7HtmA&t=591s   Tags:  English, Communication, Debrief, Gareth Lock, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

In this episode, we explore the meaning of accountability and its role in learning and improvement. Is accountability about assigning blame, or can it be a tool for growth? We discuss the difference between backward-looking accountability, which focuses on punishment, and forward-looking accountability, which emphasizes understanding, empathy, and systemic change. Drawing on lessons from healthcare and diving, we highlight the importance of hearing multiple perspectives, addressing the needs of those impacted, and fostering a culture of responsibility over blame. By sharing real-world examples, we show how open conversations and a Just Culture approach can lead to better outcomes, stronger relationships, and meaningful improvements in safety and performance. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/accountability-or-another-word-for-blame   Links: Two approaches to accountability: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-007-1878-4_3 Accountability and Responsibility defined: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324582377_Accountability_and_responsibility_defined Helping people understand what happened: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/best-response-medical-errors-transparency Communications and Resolutions Programmes: https://communicationandresolution.org/communication-and-resolution-programs/ ‘Work as Imagined’ and “Work as Done’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ&list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C&index=24&t=1s Restorative Just Culture in The Merseyside NHS Trust: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331284479_Restorative_Just_Culture_a_Study_of_the_Practical_and_Economic_Effects_of_Implementing_Restorative_Justice_in_an_NHS_Trust Restorative Just Culture: http://www.safetydifferently.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/RestorativeJustCultureChecklist-1.pdf Second and Thrid victims: https://youtu.be/YeSvCEpg6ew   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Incidents, Just Culture

In this episode, we dive into how to integrate human factors and non-technical skills into dive training and businesses. We explore the importance of understanding and applying these concepts in real-world scenarios, from effective communication to structured debriefing. Discover practical tools like blogs, workshops, and the Essentials of Human Factors in Diving course to deepen your knowledge and improve safety. Learn how abstraction, open questions, and storytelling can enhance learning and problem-solving in diving. Tune in to hear actionable advice on making human factors a core part of your diving practice. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/knowledge-is-not-enough-we-must-apply   Links: Human Factors in Diving Conference videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNXuyLsCTX6hHS3newpcROfJ_JiI27q3C Blog page: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog Dummies series: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=dummies DeBRIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief If Only…documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly Gareth’s contact for Mandated Essentials class, or Affiliate link: https://www.thehumandiver.com/contact   Tags: English, Gareth Lock

In this episode, we explore why calling a dive can be so difficult and why safety ultimately allows us to dive more. We discuss how small issues and stressors, combined with the sunk cost fallacy, can lead divers to push boundaries they wouldn’t normally cross. Drawing on personal experiences, we highlight the challenges of making safety-focused decisions and why they’re essential for long-term enjoyment of the sport. Safety may seem like a small loss in the moment, but it guarantees the chance for many more dives in the future. Listen in to learn how to balance risk and reward to keep diving safe and fun. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs   Links: Guaranteed small loss vs possibly big loss blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-choices-guaranteed-small-loss-or-a-probable-large-loss-injury-or-fatality   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord    

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

What can WWII bombers teach us about diving? The story of Abraham Wald’s counterintuitive armor placement on planes highlights the importance of analyzing what’s not immediately visible—a lesson diving can embrace. Success in diving isn’t just about avoiding accidents but understanding why things go well and whether it’s skill or luck. Reflecting on successes and failures through effective debriefs can enhance learning. Additionally, survivorship bias can skew our perception, as we often focus on thriving divers and ignore those who leave the sport. Incorporating human factors and non-technical skills, like communication and psychological safety, is crucial for safer, more enjoyable diving. Change starts with action—let’s bring these lessons to the forefront of the diving industry. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good   Links: Abraham Wald: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Wald Operations Research and Management Science Applied to Marketing: https://www.decisionanalyst.com/whitepapers/bulletholesinbombers/ DeBRIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief Close Calls: https://stratiskas.com/closecalls/ Under Pressure: https://www.thehumandiver.com/underpressure   Tags:  English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation

Mistakes are an essential part of learning, but in the highly regulated world of diving, the fear of judgment often stifles open discussion. Unlike other extreme sports where mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, diving culture tends to focus on blame. This discourages growth and progress within the community. A "Just Culture" encourages sharing mistakes—large or small—without fear, fostering learning and improvement for everyone. Divers, especially those in leadership roles, are urged to lead by example by sharing their stories, explaining how their mistakes made sense at the time, and how they’ve adapted since. Join the movement to normalize learning from errors by engaging in safe spaces like the Human Factors in Diving Facebook group. Let’s change the culture together. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-ve-got-an-attitude-problem   Links: The Human Diver Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810 My Biggest Mistake blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake Just Culture: https://gue.com/blog/is-a-just-culture-needed-to-support-learning-from-near-misses-and-diving-accidents/ Blaming blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/surely-if-we-blame-and-punish-things-will-be-safer Building a psychologically safe team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-2   Tags:  English, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

When diving accidents occur, the immediate response often blames rule-breaking, but reality is far more complex. Rules are designed to enhance safety, yet accidents can happen even when rules are followed—and sometimes rules are broken without incident. Diving operations occur within a web of technical, social, and cultural conditions, which can provoke deviations. This highlights the gap between “work as imagined” (rules and procedures) and “work as done” (real-world practice). Understanding why rules are broken requires looking at the system rather than focusing solely on individuals. A Just Culture, where context-rich stories can be shared without fear of punishment, helps address underlying issues and drives meaningful improvements in safety. Punishment alone rarely deters rule-breaking if systemic conditions remain unchanged. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/they-broke-the-rules   Links: Root Cause blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-root-cause-of-an-accident Identifying violation-provoking conditions in a healthcare setting: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18941971/ The Extent of Conditions: https://preaccidentpodcast.podbean.com/e/papod-399-the-extent-of-condition-episode/ Normalisation of Deviance from the Challenger launch decision: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Challenger-Launch-Decision-Technology-Deviance/dp/0226851761   Tags:  English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance

Exploring the flaws in Murphy's Law, the discussion emphasizes that success often stems from more than just luck. It highlights the importance of structured debriefs to reflect on both good and bad outcomes in diving. The podcast delves into near-misses, like the chlorine gas leak in Aqaba, showing how systemic issues can lead to individual errors. By addressing these deeper factors influencing behavior, divers can improve safety management and prevent serious incidents, rather than merely adhering to rules or blaming failures.