Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

This week, we dive deeper into the backfire effect, where contradictory information can reinforce rather than change a deeply held belief. When faced with conflicting information, our brains often react emotionally, making it harder to accept new ideas. We discuss how our analysis of information—based on compatibility, coherence, credibility, consensus, and evidence—can be influenced by emotions, leading to belief perseverance. Using examples like nitrox in the 90s and current vaccination debates, we explore how understanding the opposing view can help counter the backfire effect. For divers, staying open to change and analyzing new research and methods is crucial for keeping up with advancements in the field.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind   Links: System 1/System 2 thinking: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/teaching-on-old-dog-new-tricks-why-it-is-so-hard-to-unlearn-bad-practices Further reading: The Oatmeal comic https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/05/13/backfire-effect-mcraney/ Making the truth stick & the myths fade: Lessons from cognitive psychology When (fake) news feels true: Intuitions of truth and the acceptance and correction of misinformation The Prevalence of Backfire Effects After the Correction of Misinformation Correcting the unknown: Negated corrections may increase belief in misinformation Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord

In this episode, we explore the critical decision-making process in diving, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough planning. We discuss how divers must evaluate various factors, such as weather, equipment, and team dynamics, to ensure safe dives. Key steps include assessing justification and feasibility, finding the right solution, identifying alternatives, and choosing the best option. By conducting a "pros and cons" assessment, involving the entire team, and preparing contingency plans, divers can make informed decisions and maintain safety. Effective communication and psychological safety within the team are essential for addressing concerns and ensuring successful dives.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-the-power-of-decision-making   Links: Costs incurred: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/sunk-costs Practise your crew resource management: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2   Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Decision Making, Leadership

In this episode, we dive into the concept of cognitive dissonance, where our thoughts and actions conflict, causing discomfort and the need to resolve this inconsistency. We explore everyday examples, such as pretending to enjoy a course you disliked or justifying an expensive but unsatisfactory purchase. Cognitive dissonance often forces us to either change our actions or alter our beliefs to ease the mental tension. We also discuss how our brains perform mental gymnastics to rationalize our choices, sometimes even reinforcing false beliefs. Through intriguing examples and studies, we highlight the impact of cognitive dissonance on our emotions and decision-making, providing insights into why we sometimes cling to certain beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs   Links: Human Factors in Diving 2 day face to face course: https://www.thehumandiver.com/hfid-level-2 Website: Thehumandiver.com   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Diving, Psychology, Jenny Lord, Stress

In this episode, we dive into the importance of organizational culture and effective systems in achieving success, using examples from elite teams like the Navy SEALs and NASA. We explore how these principles apply to diving, emphasizing the need for aligned goals, skill development, clear communication, and constructive feedback. By creating a supportive and structured environment, teams can foster continuous improvement and inspiration. We discuss the significance of planning and debriefing, drawing from Einstein’s principle of spending the majority of time understanding the problem. This approach transforms diving from an individual activity into a cohesive, goal-oriented team effort, enhancing safety and mutual growth.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement   Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Communication, Debrief, Decision Making, Leadership, Safety Culture, Teamwork 

In this podcast episode, we dive into the critical topic of situational awareness and its profound impact on safety, especially in contexts like firefighting and diving. Today, Gareth emphasizes that despite our modern multitasking abilities, attention remains limited. We explore how situational awareness has been compromised in everyday life, from distracted pedestrians to drivers checking phones at stop signs. Gareth stresses the necessity of focused attention, akin to a spotlight, for effective decision-making and hazard prevention. They outline practical exercises to enhance situational awareness, such as multitasking simulations and scenario-based training. Ultimately, the message is clear: by making situational awareness a habit, we can significantly improve safety outcomes in high-stakes environments.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/selective-attention-exists-5-tips-to-increase-situational-awareness-in-diving Links: The gorilla experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtKt8YF7dgQ Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork

In this episode, we explore the concept of ergonomics through the lens of diving equipment and safety. Ergonomics, which studies how humans interact with systems like physical gear, plays a crucial role in diving. From regulators to dive computers, well-designed equipment enhances ease of use and safety. Feedback mechanisms, like knowing if a regulator is properly connected or interpreting dive computer displays, are vital for diver awareness and safety underwater. Checklists are another critical tool, helping divers remember crucial steps before dives, whether recreational or technical. Choosing the right equipment and checklist system tailored to individual needs and diving environments can significantly enhance safety and enjoyment. Join us as we delve into these essential elements of diving preparation and safety.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ergonomics-not-just-about-comfy-chairs   Links: Blogs about checklist design and use: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use Mike’s blog about using a checklist on a busy dive boat: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/checks-on-a-dive-boat   Tags: English, Checklists, Jenny Lord

In this episode, I reflect on a recent diving mistake that challenged my beliefs about sharing errors. While minor slip-ups are common and quickly corrected, this particular incident was a deliberate violation. Despite years of advocating for open discussion in human factors, I found myself hesitant to share this mistake publicly due to fear of judgment and repercussions. The dive industry, unfortunately, often lacks psychological safety, hindering honest dialogue and collective learning. The consequences of admitting mistakes can be severe, ranging from professional setbacks to personal shame. Yet, discussing these errors is crucial for understanding underlying conditions and improving safety practices. As leaders in the diving community, it's imperative to role model vulnerability and humility, contrary to the misconception that admitting mistakes shows weakness. Overcoming ego, shame, and embarrassment is essential to fostering a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than grounds for punishment. By reframing mistakes as learning experiences, we can create a more supportive and safer diving environment for everyone.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes   Links: Blogs about Psychological Safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFforD-part-10-psychological-safety https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2 https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/facing-one-s-own-shadow-discrimination-in-diving-limits-learning-impacts-safety-and-perpetuates-stereotypes A blog about a mistake I made: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/my-biggest-mistake The DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing What is a Just Culture: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture How to build Psychological Safety: 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, Human Error, Incident Reporting, Jenny Lord, Learning, Psychological Safety

This week's podcast episode dives into the lessons learned from a recent holiday focused on diving. Jenny, typically more inclined towards activity than relaxation, decided to undertake a diving course during her vacation. Beyond the initial goal of learning, the experience brought a profound realization about the challenges of being a beginner. This insight connects to a historical event where miscommunication due to "the Curse of Knowledge" led to disastrous consequences in the Crimean War. Drawing parallels, Jenny reflects on how experienced divers often overlook gaps in knowledge when teaching novices, emphasizing the importance of empathy and open communication in such scenarios. The podcast also touches on personal diving experiences that underscored the significance of understanding different conditions and team dynamics in ensuring safety and enjoyment underwater. For more details on the course and further insights, head to the Human Factors in Diving Facebook group! Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-curse-of-knowledge   Links: Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810   Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord, Leadership

In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of being distracted by familiarity, commonly known as autopilot, and its implications for safety, particularly in diving and driving contexts. We discuss how familiar actions operate at a skill-based level, where errors are often slips or lapses, and contrast them with rule-based and knowledge-based decision-making. Drawing from examples in driving and diving, we examine how distractions can lead to critical errors even when operating on autopilot. We delve into the challenges of avoiding slips and lapses and emphasize the importance of safeguards such as buddy checks and checklists to mitigate risks. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of navigating autopilot behavior and becoming more aware to enhance safety in everyday activities.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/familiarity-as-distraction-operating-on-autopilot Links: Example of people on autopilot (video, contains swearing): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1126486911851456 Original paper: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1126486911851456 Tags:  English, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

In this podcast episode, we dive into the subtle balance between efficiency and complacency in dive briefings and procedures. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with fellow divers, we explore how familiarity with diving environments and buddies can lead to abbreviated briefings and overlooked safety protocols. Is it complacency or efficiency when briefings get shorter? The answer often depends on the outcome of the dive. We examine the natural human inclination to streamline processes and the potential risks of assuming familiarity with procedures. Reflecting on the importance of honest communication, regular evaluations, and psychological safety within dive teams, we challenge listeners to reconsider their own diving practices and embrace opportunities for improvement.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency Links: Blog about the Efficiency-Thouroughness Trade Off: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off Tags:  English, Complacency, ETTO, Jenny Lord