Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

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

Dive into the fascinating concept of the illusory truth effect, where repeated falsehoods can shape our beliefs. Discover how social media echo chambers amplify this cognitive bias, making it hard to distinguish fact from fiction. The discussion reveals the troubling impact on diving practices, where outdated 'common knowledge' persists. Learn how questioning information, especially when it aligns with our beliefs, is crucial. Emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives, this conversation challenges us to think critically about what we accept as truth.

In this episode, we dive into the issue of diving standards and safety, particularly how some instructors may not follow proper procedures, putting students at risk. Unlike other outdoor sports, the underwater environment makes it difficult to monitor and ensure that standards are upheld. This episode explores why this might be happening, such as the pressure on instructors to certify students quickly, and how the certification-focused culture in diving often prioritizes collecting cards over gaining real experience. We also discuss the importance of addressing safety concerns constructively, encouraging a culture of learning and improvement rather than punishment, to ensure that divers are truly prepared and safe in the water.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/standards-why-do-we-have-them-and-what-can-we-do-if-someone-breaks-them   Links: Gareth’s Thesis “Story Telling to Learn: What happens underwater, stays underwater” Blogs about Just Culture https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=just+culture   Tags:  English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Learning

In this episode, we explore the importance of experience in diving and how it shapes decision-making and problem-solving. Experience helps divers build mental models that guide them in various situations, but beginners often face challenges because they don't know what they don't know. We discuss the value of curiosity in learning, emphasizing the need to ask questions, seek quality information, and understand the "why" behind rules and skills. By combining curiosity with experience, divers can better recognize gaps in their knowledge and adapt to new situations more effectively.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-do-novices-know-what-questions-to-ask   Links: Who is responsible for learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning David Snowden’s paper https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241660493_Complex_Acts_of_Knowing_Paradox_and_Descriptive_Self-Awareness   Tags:  English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Learning

In this episode, we explore how divers can manage extreme stress in life-threatening situations. While technical skills and knowledge are vital, the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is crucial. We discuss strategies like controlled breathing, tactical thinking, and continuous training to enhance mental resilience. Techniques such as stress inoculation training and mindfulness can help divers maintain composure and make sound decisions when it matters most. This holistic approach to readiness goes beyond survival, ensuring divers can perform effectively even in chaotic conditions.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/survival-instinct-reaction-to-stress Links: Reducing biological stress https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/16/2351 Breathing allowing us to focus https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/psyp.13952 Tactical breathing vs prolonged exhalation https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10484-020-09485-w Other references: Dillard CC, Martaindale H, Hunter SD, McAllister MJ. “Slow Breathing Reduces Biomarkers of Stress in Response to a Virtual Reality Active Shooter Training Drill.” Healthcare. 2023; 11(16):2351. Driskell, J. E., Johnston, J. H., & Salas, E. “Does Stress Training Generalize to Novel Settings?” Human Factors. 1999; 41(1), 99-110. Driskell, J. E., & Salas, E. “Stress and Human Performance.” 1996. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Jha, A.P., Stanley, E.A., & Baime, M.J. “The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation in Improving Performance in High-Stress Situations.” Mindfulness. 2010; 1(2), 95-103. Laborde, S., Allen, M.S., Borges, U., Hosang, T.J., Furley, P., Mosley, E., & Dosseville, F. “The Influence of Slow-Paced Breathing on Executive Function.” Journal of Psychophysiology. 2021; 36(1). Röttger, S., Theobald, D.A., Abendroth, J. et al. “The Effectiveness of Combat Tactical Breathing as Compared with Prolonged Exhalation.” Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2021; 46, 19–28. Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Diving Psychology, Non-Technical Skills, Performance Shaping Factors, Stress