Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this episode, we discuss the concept of experience in diving and how it goes beyond simply logging a certain number of dives. True experience comes from the quality of dives, solving problems, and learning from mistakes in varied environments and conditions. We explore why minimum dive numbers shouldn't be seen as targets and highlight the importance of breadth and depth in diving experiences. Understanding that the same dive repeated 100 times doesn't equate to 100 unique dives is key, and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is essential to becoming a skilled diver or instructor.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-do-we-mean-by-experience   Links: Blog about learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning Building experience https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-need-more-than-mistakes-to-learn The same dives 100 times isn’t the same as 100 dives https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense Why we need experience https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-importance-of-experience   Tags:  English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Learning, Rules, Training

In this episode, we explore Jenny’s journey as a diving instructor who discovered that teaching goes beyond technical skills and dives into the complexities of human behavior and communication. She realized that understanding and applying the concept of "situation awareness" was the missing piece in helping students who seemed competent but lacked a crucial element. This episode highlights how learning the language of human factors can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, enhancing both teaching and learning by bridging gaps in communication and awareness.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language   Tags:  English, Communication, Jenny Lord

In this episode, we explore how human factors and non-technical skills can be applied to diving and diving instruction to enhance safety and performance. We discuss strategies like training senior instructors, fostering psychological safety, and promoting a culture of learning through context-rich storytelling. Practical tools include effective team communication, structured debriefs, and encouraging mutual accountability. The episode emphasizes the importance of a gradual paradigm shift towards incorporating these skills in training, supported by a wealth of resources available to divers and instructors looking to improve their practices and build stronger, safer teams.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/practical-application-of-teamwork-in-diver-training   Links: Video about compliance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc Blog about compliance https://indepthmag.com/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/ The gaps between what should happen and what does happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgIwHrUWVQ How to build a team blogs (series of 4) https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/team-building-psych-safety-1 Checklist design blogs https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-building-an-effective-checklist https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-to-improve-diving-checklist-design-and-use Speaking up https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient Structured briefing (UNITED-C) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTM_Lh7HtmA Constructive dissent https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/challenger-safety-control Debrief model https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief Counterfactuals https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda Don’t look at the outcome, look at the context https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened Continual learning and reflection https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-road-to-excellence-systems-and-structure-form-the-foundation-of-a-culture-of-improvement What should happen compared to what does happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErhRa9i2giA Putting HF into technical diver training programmes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noO1g3JnPRA If Only….documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly Human Diver Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@thehumandiver863/featured Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Teamwork

In this episode, we delve into the responsibilities of diving instructors and students in ensuring divers are competent and prepared for independent diving. Initially, instructors must provide comprehensive training, but as divers gain experience, they must take responsibility for identifying and addressing knowledge gaps. The discussion highlights the importance of continuous learning, as some divers assume they know everything once certified, leading to potentially dangerous situations. The role of social media in learning is debated, with some preferring direct answers over independent research. We emphasize the need for open, constructive discussions about mistakes and learning opportunities to promote safety and growth within the diving community. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-learning Tags:  English, Jenny Lord, Learning

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of understanding diving accidents and human communication. A recent diving fatality in Norway prompts reflection on how quickly we jump to conclusions and how our minds fill gaps with assumptions. Human Factors teach us to slow down, consider multiple perspectives, and understand that our memories and stories evolve over time. Effective communication, especially in high-stress situations, requires recognizing our biases and the importance of context. By focusing on asking questions rather than making judgments, we can better understand and learn from incidents, fostering a more comprehensive and less judgmental approach.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-accidents-the-want-to-know-what-happened-and-why   Links: Cognitive dissonance blogs by Jenny: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance-or-why-we-don-t-always-follow-our-beliefs And Gareth: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cognitive-dissonance Blog about joining the dots: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome Conversations triggering ideas: https://youtu.be/E9TaHfvlyoU?t=986 Learning review guide for diving: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lr-diving Fit to Dive, Dealing with Trauma in Diving: https://blog.fittodive.org/2023/01/18/scuba-diving-ptsd/   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the concept of Human Factors, which, as one insightful 10-year-old put it, is like mind reading. Human Factors involves understanding and improving how we communicate, make decisions, and work together. Humans often struggle with communication, unlike animals that navigate and cooperate effortlessly. By focusing on what’s said, what isn’t, and how it’s conveyed, Human Factors helps us avoid misunderstandings and mistakes. It enhances teamwork and leadership by fostering better awareness of each other’s knowledge, needs, and limits. This makes it easier to do the right thing and harder to do the wrong thing, bringing us closer to being effective “mind readers” in our interactions.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Mind-Reading-for-Beginners   Tags:  English, Communication, Decision Making, Human Factors, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Situation Awareness, Teamwork

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