Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

The allure of SCUBA diving offers unparalleled opportunities for underwater exploration but also comes with inherent risks that demand respect and understanding. This podcast, summarizing a conversation between industry experts, delves into the critical aspects of risk management and incident reporting in diving. Understanding the risks, the role of equipment in safety, learning from experience, psychological preparedness, and the importance of community are all explored in depth. Each dive presents unique challenges, requiring thorough planning, adaptability, and a keen understanding of the underwater environment. By sharing experiences and fostering a culture of safety, divers can collectively enhance their awareness and practices, ensuring safer and more enjoyable experiences beneath the waves. Safety in diving is a continuous journey, requiring a holistic approach that considers people, equipment, processes, culture, and the environment, with each dive serving as an opportunity for learning and growth.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-management-podcast-review Links: Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191453/14228917 2nd Podcast with Gareth: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2191453/14507924-interview-with-gareth-lock DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Just Culture, Psychological Safety, Risk Management

In this podcast episode, we delve into the psychological impact of diving incidents, particularly focusing on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the diving community. While physical injuries from diving accidents are well-documented, psychological trauma often goes unnoticed and untreated. Research suggests that a significant portion of divers experience psychological effects even a year after an incident, affecting their overall well-being and decisions regarding future diving. However, the prevalence of PTSD in diving remains unclear due to limited reporting and awareness. Trauma related to diving accidents can have long-lasting consequences, affecting divers' mental health, social functioning, and their ability to cope with stress during subsequent dives. Despite the lack of formal diagnosis, unresolved trauma can lead to avoidance behaviors, anxiety, and even substance abuse. Addressing psychological well-being in diving is crucial for creating a safer and more supportive diving environment. Divers should be aware of the potential for psychological issues after an incident and know where to seek help. By prioritizing psychological support alongside physical safety measures, we can foster a culture of resilience and empowerment within the diving community.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/psychological-consequences-of-a-diving-accident Links: Fit to dive Reakcje psychologiczne i nurkowanie, opis terapii The psychological impact of accidents on recreational divers: A prospective study RISK OF SLEEP DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS: A NATIONWIDE, POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN TAIWAN - - Psychiatria Danubina, 2019; Vol. 31, No. 2, pp 172-181 https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2019.172 A twelve-year longitudinal study of neuropsychological function in non-saturation professional divers Tags:  English, Andrzej Górnicki, Diving Psychology, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Psychological Safety, PTSD

In this podcast episode, we explore who should be driving change in the diving industry, drawing inspiration from quotes by George Bernard Shaw and Albert Einstein emphasizing the necessity of change for progress. While top-down leadership models are common, with executives setting the culture and direction, it's argued that true change often stems from the middle, where individuals are most affected. With millions of divers worldwide, those employed in diving, including instructors and professionals, hold significant influence and can champion higher standards and improved teaching methodologies. By advocating for better quality instruction and embracing current best practices, the industry can address issues like declining numbers and quality, ultimately fostering a safer and more satisfying experience for all divers. Encouraging discussions, teaching effective communication, and prioritizing skills training in buoyancy control can shape a positive culture shift that permeates through agencies and influences industry-wide change. As individuals in the middle, listeners are encouraged to envision the culture they desire and actively contribute to driving positive change within the diving community.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-change Tags:  English, Jenny Lord, Leadership

In this podcast episode, we delve into the necessity of change, exploring why it's crucial and who should be driving it. Drawing insights from Winston Churchill's quote, "To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often," we examine how change is an inherent part of life and essential for progress. While some resist change due to comfort or reluctance to adapt teaching methods, advancements in knowledge, equipment, and teaching methodologies underscore the importance of evolving practices in diving instruction. From teaching students while neutrally buoyant to embracing new equipment setups like wings and long hoses, the diving community is witnessing transformative shifts aimed at enhancing safety and efficacy. Despite challenges like the reluctance to break from tradition or financial constraints, we explore the imperative of staying abreast of modern best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in diving education.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-we-need-change Tags:  English, Jenny Lord, Safety Culture

In this podcast episode, we explore the pitfalls of using "shoulda, woulda, coulda" in discussions about diving mistakes and accidents, emphasizing the need for constructive language and learning-oriented approaches. Drawing from real-life diving scenarios, we highlight how counterfactual responses hinder progress and fail to address the root causes of incidents. Instead, we advocate for reframing language to focus on actionable solutions and future improvements. By shifting from "would" to "will," "could" to "can," and "should" to proactive suggestions, we empower divers to learn from mistakes and enhance safety practices. Additionally, we stress the importance of understanding the context behind errors and offering supportive guidance for continuous improvement.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda Links: Blog about hindsight bias; https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome Multiple factors leading to an incident: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/one-mistake The Swiss Cheese model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/when-the-holes-line-up Tags:  English, Counterfactuals, Hindsight Bias, Human Error, Jenny Lord

In this podcast episode, we draw parallels between aviation and diving safety, emphasizing the importance of human factors and non-technical skills in preventing accidents. Reflecting on a tragic airplane crash, we explore hazardous attitudes commonly seen in both industries and propose antidotes to mitigate their risks. From anti-authority to resignation, these attitudes can lead to complacency and unsafe practices, impacting instructors and divers alike. Through real-life examples and insights, we underscore the need for awareness and positive attitudes in diving instruction, aiming to foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the diving community.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-five-hazardous-attitudes Links: National Transportation Safety Board, Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report CAA tutorial about Airmanship: https://infringements.caa.co.uk/tutorial/airmanship/ FAA info about Airmanship: https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=723&sID=1448&preview=true EASA info about Aeronautical Decision Making: https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/HE4_Single-Pilot-Decision-Making-v1.pdf More about this from a flight instructors perspective: https://www.aviation101.com/deathbyflightinstructor Tags: English, Communication, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Leadership

In this podcast episode, we delve into the dynamics of mentoring in the diving community, exploring how mentor-mentee relationships contribute to personal and professional growth. While traditionally seen as unequal, effective mentoring fosters mutual development, relying on trust, vulnerability, and constructive feedback from both parties. Mentors guide mentees to find solutions independently, balancing support with respectful critique. Through real-life examples, we witness how mentors facilitate learning by encouraging self-reflection and providing targeted guidance. Feedback plays a pivotal role in this relationship, promoting continuous improvement and mutual learning. Ultimately, mentoring in diving cultivates a culture of collaboration and skill development, benefiting both mentors and mentees alike.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mentoring-both-sides-of-the-story Links: Blog about leadership in a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team Blog about debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing Tags:  English, Followership, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Psychological Safety

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of leadership in diving beyond traditional roles like Divemasters and Instructors. Leadership in diving involves guiding a team towards a common goal, prioritizing communication and maintaining situational awareness. Through real-life scenarios, we see how leadership can shift within a dive group, with experienced divers stepping up to lead even without formal titles. Effective leadership entails understanding each diver's goals, ensuring compatibility, and adapting plans accordingly. Whether navigating, monitoring gas levels, or supporting specialists like photographers, leaders prioritize safety and effective teamwork. Trust and communication are key components, fostering psychological safety within the team. Through briefings and debriefings, divers can enhance their leadership skills and ensure successful and safe dives.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team Links: Part 1: building a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team Blogs about 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, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Teamwork

In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of effective communication and trust in scientific diving. Communication underwater is essential for safety, coordination, and data collection, but it comes with its challenges, including language barriers and equipment limitations like Full Face Masks and helium distortion. Various methods such as hand signals and underwater writing tools facilitate communication but require practice and agreement among divers. Trust is equally vital, involving confidence in team members, equipment, and established procedures. Team cohesion and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for successful diving missions, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and preparation. Ultimately, prioritizing safety and effective communication enhances the efficiency and outcomes of scientific diving projects, ensuring the safety of all involved while gathering valuable research data.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/scientific-diving-trust-and-communication-in-the-depths Tags: English, Beatrice Rivoira, Communication, Trust

In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of Human Factors training in the diving industry, drawing parallels with its significance in aviation. A firsthand account reveals how insurance premiums reflect the recognition of this training's value, emphasizing the shift from blaming individuals to fostering a culture of learning for safety improvement. While insurance companies incentivize instructors to undergo such training, diving agencies have yet to mandate it, potentially impacting the industry's sustainability. The discussion underscores the necessity of viewing the issue holistically and integrating Human Factors training into all aspects of diving, beyond just formal instruction. Ultimately, change may only occur when instructors recognize the direct benefits, potentially through increased premiums, prompting a broader industry shift. The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential for a politically relevant event to drive change, echoing insights from Gareth Lock's presentation on the subject.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-liability-insurance-enabler-or-barrier-to-diving-safety Links: Compliance to avoid litigation: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/ Gareth’s presentation at Rebreather Forum 4: https://gue.tv/programs/5-gareth-lock-human-factors-in-diving Relevant slide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/rf4-resources Tags:  English, Decision Making, Guy Shockey, Risk Management