Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

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

Speaking up when something feels off—whether on the dive boat, in a briefing, or underwater—is key to building a safe and inclusive dive culture. In this episode, we explore how small interventions, from a simple pause to a well-placed question, can shift group dynamics and reinforce psychological safety. Using real-world diving scenarios, research-backed strategies, and insights from human factors, we discuss how to challenge problematic comments without escalating conflict. Tune in to learn how small moments can shape dive team culture and why speaking up, even subtly, can make a big difference. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/wtf-did-you-just-say-i-said-nothing   Links: Reel from Kenny Dyal and Sweetwater Scuba: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1385836736105494 Blog from Nic Emery: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know Psychological safety blogs from THD: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety “How to say when it’s not ok” paper: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/media/media/campaigns/iwd/how-to-say-when-its-not-okay.pdf THD wetnotes: https://the-human-diver.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/thd-wetnotes-divers-notebook Asch conformity experiments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEhABrJ4T2Y   Tags:  English, Communications, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork

Effective dive briefings are key to safe and successful dives, yet many divers overlook their importance. In this episode, we explore how structured briefings help build a shared mental model, reducing misunderstandings and improving team coordination. Using the UNITED-C framework—covering goals, roles, risks, contingencies, and more—we break down how to deliver clear, effective dive briefings that set your team up for success. Tune in to learn how small changes in briefing style can enhance safety, teamwork, and overall dive experience. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively   Links: Get The Human Diver wetnotes here: https://the-human-diver.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/thd-wetnotes-divers-notebook   Tags:  English, Brief, Mike Mason, Team, Teamwork

Show Notes Summary: In this episode, we dive into the challenges of effective communication, especially in multicultural and high-stakes environments like diving. Using a real-life example from a Human Factors in Diving class, we discuss how cultural misunderstandings and non-verbal cues can lead to confusion and unintended consequences. We explore the importance of tailoring messages to your audience, breaking communication into manageable chunks, and using techniques like pauses, closed-loop communication, and clear written formatting to ensure understanding. Whether on land or underwater, making your message "land well" is key to building shared understanding and effective teamwork. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-understood-not-just-transmitting   Links: Another blog about Situation Awareness: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense   Tags:  English, Communication, Communications, Debrief, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Team

Show Notes Summary: In this episode, we explore the concept of normalization of deviance and how it applies to diving. Inspired by a Divemaster's comment about surfacing gas reserves, we discuss how divers can unknowingly drift from safety standards over time, often influenced by social norms or perceived authority. Normalization of deviance, coined by Diane Vaughan, describes how repeated deviations from acceptable standards become normalized when no immediate consequences occur. We contrast this with constructive deviation—deliberate, researched changes to improve safety—and share practical steps to guard against normalization of deviance in diving: establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conduct thorough pre-dive briefs, and hold regular debriefs. Building a culture of psychological safety is essential for divers to feel empowered to question and challenge unsafe practices. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalization-of-deviance-risk-how-socially-accepted-drift-can-impact-your-diving   Links: NOD isn’t about rule breaking blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking Debrief model” https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief   Tags:  English, Decision-Making, John Strobridge, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance, Risk

Diving is often seen as a safe and relaxing sport, but true safety goes beyond avoiding accidents—it requires building resilience and learning from mistakes. In this episode, we explore how incidents often stem from systemic pressures and "practical drift," not just individual errors. Through real-world examples from diving and other high-risk industries, we highlight the importance of open debriefs, a just culture, and robust training to prepare divers for real-world challenges. By embracing transparency and focusing on system-level improvements, we can create a safer, more adaptive diving community that prioritizes learning and continuous improvement. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/linnea-mills-death-hf-systems-lens   Links: “Bad Apples”: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning Just a Routine Operation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzlvgtPIof4 Court submission for Linnea Mills death: https://www.scribd.com/document/555406095/Mills-v-Gull-Dive-Center-PADI-2nd-Amended-Complaint History as a cause: https://www.montana.edu/rmaher/engr125/CAIB-History%20as%20a%20cause.pdf Restorative Just Culture checklist: https://safetydifferently.com/restorative-just-culture-checklist/ Laura Walton’s Fit to Dive: https://www.fittodive.org/ Diving incidents often remain hidden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0 Sidney Dekker’s tunnel: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened Research about sharing stories in diving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0 Blogs on THD about psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety Blogs on THD about why context matters: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/search?q=context+matters Asking questions about local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Healthcare, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Normalisation of Deviance, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore why situational awareness (SA) is the most critical skill for divers, even more so than technical abilities like buoyancy control or propulsion. SA isn’t just about noticing and processing information—it’s about projecting it into the future to anticipate outcomes. Through real-world examples, we highlight how building mental models—scripts based on experience and “what if” thinking—helps divers make quicker, better decisions in complex scenarios. We also discuss the vital role of structured debriefs in turning experiences into actionable insights, ultimately creating divers who can handle challenges with confidence and skill. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/situation-awareness-and-mental-models-making-it-easier-to-the-do-the-right-thing   Links: Further reading from The Human Diver blog: Selective Attention Exists! 5 Tips to Increase Situational Awareness in Diving Unleashing Your Sixth Sense: Building capacity and directing attention Running out of gas- Why does this happen and how can we prevent it? How do I improve my Situation Awareness? You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness'   Tags:  English, Debrief, Guy Shockey, Situation Awareness

In this episode, we explore the challenges and lessons from diving in the Baltic Sea, where high-pressure conditions tested both skill and decision-making. We delve into the concepts of just culture and psychological safety, emphasizing their importance in fostering open communication, learning from mistakes, and creating safer systems. Drawing parallels to regulated industries like aviation, we discuss how divers can benefit from sharing experiences without fear of judgment and how understanding the "why" behind errors leads to meaningful improvements. Through real-world examples, we highlight the value of trust, reflection, and teamwork in making diving safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-if-just-culture-and-psychological-safety-is-not-enough   Links: Discussing dives when things go wrong: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-talk-about-failure Sensitive System Syndrome: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11700375/   Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership in diving, focusing on the responsibilities dive professionals take on as role models. From following standard operating procedures to fostering psychological safety, we discuss how every action, intentional or not, shapes the behavior of students and less experienced divers. We emphasize the importance of admitting mistakes to build trust and create a learning environment where open dialogue thrives. Additionally, we highlight the value of continued education to stay empathetic and relatable as instructors. Ultimately, great dive leadership extends beyond technical skills, shaping safer and more confident divers. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-diving-professional-leadership-is-not-optional   Links: Blogs about Leadership: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=leadership   Tags:  English, Guy Shockey, Leadership, Psychological Safety

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