Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this episode, we explore how cognitive biases like hindsight bias, severity bias, outcome bias, and confirmation bias impact our ability to learn from accidents and incidents, both in diving and beyond. Using recent Red Sea liveaboard tragedies as a backdrop, we discuss why some events seem “obvious” only in hindsight, how severe outcomes lead to harsher judgments, and the danger of stopping investigations once a single cause is found. By understanding how biases shape our reactions, we can shift from judgment to learning, asking better questions and uncovering the deeper factors behind decisions and actions. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-are-all-biased   Links: BBC articles: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3z0k72yw3o https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87dxx41lvvo Sea story sinking news report (in German): https://taucher.net/diveinside-safariboot_sea_story_im_roten_meer_gesunken-kaz9391 List of Red Sea dive boat sinkings: https://matthiasmunz.de/Sunken_Diving_Safari_Boats_Egypt/ Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Hindsight Bias, Jenny Lord

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

This podcast dives into the analysis of a cave diving fatality at Cenote Nariz in Mexico, based on a detailed report by the Creer Line and Safety Committee. The incident highlights critical lessons for divers in all environments, emphasizing the importance of understanding human factors, decision-making, and context in adverse events. While the exact cause of the diver's seizure remains uncertain, likely contributors include hypercapnia or hyperoxia, exacerbated by equipment and procedural factors. Broader lessons focus on fostering safety cultures, avoiding the normalization of risk, maintaining equipment rigor, and embracing systems that encourage learning without blame. Join us to explore how these insights can improve safety and awareness across diving disciplines. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/change-your-language-change-the-world   Links: Podcast ‘Hidden Brain’- are our memories real?: https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/are-your-memories-real/ Blog about Agency: https://indepthmag.com/the-role-of-agency-when-discussing-diving-incidents-an-adverse-event-occurs-an-instructor-makes-a-mistake/ Learning Reviews: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving Podcast ‘How did it make sense’: https://www.humaninthesystem.co.uk/hits-hdims How language changes the way we think TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKK7wGAYP6k The Power and Pitfalls of Language in Accident Investigation: https://nescacademy.nasa.gov/video/2c1ea826930946ff8659621ee83bec931d The Power Of Language: https://mindsetleadership.co.uk/2023/09/01/the-power-of-language/   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Communication, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Reporting

This podcast dives into the analysis of a cave diving fatality at Cenote Nariz in Mexico, based on a detailed report by the CREER Line and Safety Committee. The incident highlights critical lessons for divers in all environments, emphasizing the importance of understanding human factors, decision-making, and context in adverse events. While the exact cause of the diver's seizure remains uncertain, likely contributors include hypercapnia or hyperoxia, exacerbated by equipment and procedural factors. Broader lessons focus on fostering safety cultures, avoiding the normalization of risk, maintaining equipment rigor, and embracing systems that encourage learning without blame. Join us to explore how these insights can improve safety and awareness across diving disciplines. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mx-singlefatality-report   Links: CREER: https://creer-mx.com/ Accident report: https://creer-mx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Single-Diver-Fatality-in-Cenote-Nariz-on-3-February-2024.pdf A Just Culture is not a 'just do it' culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture Counterfactuals: I would have lined in: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals Why is it so hard to admit our mistakes?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes Tags:  English, Cave Diving, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture

This episode explores the power of small, intentional changes to improve teamwork, leadership, and performance in diving. Drawing from the Human Diver team's experience with a new training platform, we discuss how focusing on key skills like communication, task prioritization, and role clarity can create significant improvements. By embracing curiosity, running effective debriefs, sharing stories, and taking actionable steps, we can build safer, more effective diving practices. Change starts with small actions, and owning that change is the key to lasting impact. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-one-thing   Links: Marginal gains: https://jamesclear.com/marginal-gains DEBrIEF guide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief If Only… documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly The Human Diver blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog Contact Gareth: https://www.thehumandiver.com/contact The Essentials class: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials Level 1 Webinar: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-1-webinar-series Face-to-Face program: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2 2 relevant blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/knowledge-is-not-enough-we-must-apply https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-power-of-one   Tags:  English, Debrief, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, If Only, Just Culture, Leadership

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