Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

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

In this episode, we discuss why mistakes are a valuable part of the learning process, especially in scuba diving training. While most instructors aim for their students to perform perfectly, making mistakes actually helps students learn more effectively. Mistakes provide opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking, which can lead to deeper learning. We explore how immediate or delayed correction of errors, depending on the student's experience, enhances this learning process. The episode also highlights the importance of conducting effective debriefs to create a psychologically safe environment, where students can openly discuss their mistakes and learn from them.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-are-good-learning-from-mistakes-is-sometimes-better-than-getting-it-right   Links: What is a mistake? https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning Make sure everyone knows it’s ok to make mistakes https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing   Tags:  English, Debrief, Human Error, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the challenges of effective communication and the barriers that often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. We discuss how stress, language differences, and personal insecurities like the Imposter Syndrome can prevent clear communication, both underwater and on land. We also highlight the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Ultimately, good communication requires effort from both parties to ensure that the message is understood, not just transmitted. Tune in to learn how to improve your communication skills and build better connections.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communication-what-stops-people-speaking-up   Links: Blog about language use https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language Blog about the Dunning Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware Building a safe psychological environment 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, Cognitive Biases, Communication, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias where people with limited skills or knowledge in a particular area tend to overestimate their abilities, while those with more expertise may underestimate their competence. This effect explains why some new divers might think they’re better than they are, while more experienced divers might not realize how skilled they’ve become. We discuss how continuous learning and staying humble can help us accurately assess our abilities, leading to safer and more effective diving practices.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware   Links: Kruger and Dunning- Unskilled and Unaware https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12688660_Unskilled_and_Unaware_of_It_How_Difficulties_in_Recognizing_One%2527s_Own_Incompetence_Lead_to_Inflated_Self-Assessments&ved=2ahUKEwi-8Z2f2p6HAxUmV6QEHYb0CUEQFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2M00VJJpL1TSHlK-6bZ-Pl The four stages of learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-four-stages-of-learning   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord

In this episode, we explore the challenges of explaining decisions to others, especially when they don’t share the same knowledge or experience. Jenny recounts a personal story about deciding not to dive a local canyon system again due to safety concerns, despite it seeming straightforward to others. The incident highlights the importance of situational awareness, good communication, and building a shared mental model within a dive team to ensure everyone understands the reasons behind decisions. This helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes safer diving practices.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/decision-making-how-do-we-explain-our-decisions-to-others   Links: The Dunnig Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know Briefing and Debriefing video https://youtu.be/JTM_Lh7HtmA?si=H4ZSo4AiIQlpZn_e&t=585 The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing   Tags:  English, Brief, Debrief, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord, Teamwork

In this episode, we discuss a personal diving incident where I ran out of gas underwater—a situation that could have been fatal but wasn't due to quick thinking and luck. The experience highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining situational awareness, even during routine dives. We explore how easily small oversights can lead to critical mistakes and the value of debriefing and sharing experiences to learn from them. This incident serves as a reminder that staying vigilant, especially when things seem routine, is crucial to safety in diving and beyond.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/running-out-of-gas-why-does-this-happen-and-how-can-we-prevent-it   Links: Outcome bias blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened Counterfactuals blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda Complacency and Efficiency blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency Blame vs Learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Complacency, Counterfactuals. Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness