Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this episode, we explore strategies for individuals to navigate authority gradients and foster open communication within teams, focusing on the PACE model for graded assertiveness communication. Drawing parallels from medical and diving contexts, we highlight the importance of gentle escalation when addressing concerns with higher-ranking individuals. Through probing, alerting, challenging, and, if necessary, declaring emergencies, team members can effectively communicate issues while maintaining respect and professionalism. We discuss real-life scenarios and acknowledge cultural biases that may hinder effective communication, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive efforts to mitigate these challenges. While there's no quick fix, fostering psychological safety and utilizing communication tools like PACE can facilitate constructive dialogue and enhance team dynamics. Join the conversation in our Facebook group to share your insights and experiences on this topic. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient-pt2 Links: Part One: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/184882365201810 Tags:  English, Authority Gradient, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of authority gradient, illustrated by a personal anecdote highlighting the challenges of challenging authority in diving contexts. Despite efforts to foster psychological safety, the innate hierarchical structure often inhibits individuals from voicing concerns. We explore strategies to mitigate this gradient, emphasizing the importance of building psychological safety through genuine acceptance of mistakes and open communication. Additionally, we discuss practical approaches such as leaders actively engaging in tasks alongside their team and promoting continuous skill development to empower individuals to question norms. While these methods may not be foolproof, they offer avenues to cultivate a culture of mutual respect and accountability within dive teams. For further insights, we recommend exploring the provided series of articles on building psychological safety in teams. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/navigating-the-authority-gradient Links: DEBrIEF model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing How to build psychological safety in a team: 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, Authority Gradient, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the cognitive effects of cold water on divers, balancing our understanding of temperature's impact with last week's discussion on heat. While physiological effects of cold water, like decompression sickness, are well-documented, the cognitive implications are less known but equally important, particularly for divers in cold conditions. Studies reveal that besides feeling colder with repeat dives, divers experience symptoms like de-personalization, reduced concentration, and memory lapses, impacting their ability to execute essential tasks underwater. Despite potential improvements with acclimatization, divers must consider these cognitive effects, especially during task-loaded dives or repetitive immersions. Mitigation strategies include wearing appropriate insulation, limiting dive times, and actively warming up between dives, emphasizing the importance of planning and preparation for cold-water diving excursions.   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/brrrr-cold-water-and-the-effects-on-our-brain Links: 1968 study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872086801000501 2019 study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899319302331?via%3Dihub Tags:  English, Decision Making, Fatigue, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors, Situation Awareness

In this podcast episode, we explore the often-overlooked impact of weather, particularly heat, on divers' cognitive and physical abilities. Despite the common perception that warm temperatures are ideal for vacations, studies reveal significant cognitive impairment in individuals exposed to heat, especially without air conditioning. From decreased reaction times to impaired decision-making and mental flexibility, the effects of heat on divers, particularly those new to hot climates, pose considerable risks. Additionally, physical conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly, underscoring the importance of staying hydrated and seeking shade. With many divers visiting hot destinations for short holidays, acclimatization becomes crucial for safe diving, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to temperature regulation and self-care to mitigate the cumulative effects of heat on diving performance. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/hot-hot-hot-challenges-of-diving-in-the-heat Links: Harvard study: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002605 Study by Cheema and Patrick: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1509/jmr.08.0205 Tags:  English, Decision Making, Jenny Lord, Performance Shaping Factors

In this podcast episode, we delve into the contentious debates within the diving community, focusing on the half turn back of tank valves as a prime example. Exploring a recent Facebook group discussion with diverse opinions, ranging from staunch supporters to strong opponents, the episode delves into the broader issue of anchoring bias in scuba diving practices. Drawing parallels with anchoring bias in various domains, from shopping decisions to legal judgments, the episode emphasizes the impact of initial teachings on long-term practices. Anchoring bias, deeply rooted in psychology, influences how divers learn and instruct others, creating a tradition that may persist even when no longer necessary. The podcast encourages listeners to question established practices, employing the "consider-the-opposite" technique to overcome anchoring bias and think logically about alternative approaches. The episode extends this mindset to examining incidents and accidents, advocating for understanding the context and reasons behind actions rather than focusing solely on mistakes. Ultimately, the episode urges divers to embrace exploration of new ideas, challenging traditional practices to foster continuous learning and improvement. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/change-is-difficult-consider-the-opposite Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of mistakes in the learning process, drawing parallels between human learning and artificial intelligence. Reflecting on the challenges of learning to dive, the narrative emphasizes the importance of trial and error, highlighting that making mistakes is an inherent part of improvement. The episode introduces the concept of debriefs as a powerful tool for learning, not just to identify mistakes but also to recognize what went well. A practical model, DEBrIEF, is discussed, emphasizing the significance of balanced feedback that includes both positive and negative aspects. The podcast encourages a learning mindset when approaching accidents and incidents, shifting the focus from assigning blame to preventing future occurrences. The episode underscores the value of a structured approach to debriefs, providing references to support the discussion. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and underscores the importance of fostering a learning-oriented mindset in both individual and team contexts. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly   Links: Robots learning to play football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZjQwZNw2po “Ugly”- Two other relevant blogs: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counter-factuals https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened The positivity effect: a negativity bias in youth fades with age. Laura L Carstensen and Marguerite DeLiema: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6186441/   Tags: English, Debrief, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord

In this podcast episode, we explore the challenge of bringing about change, emphasizing the importance of recognizing value in stories. Three compelling examples are discussed: a near-fatal diving incident due to an oxygen mix-up, a media company's critical review of a faulty rebreather incident, and a rural Indian village adopting latrines after witnessing the consequences of unhygienic practices. The central theme revolves around the need for reflection to identify similarities and conditions leading to outcomes, rather than focusing solely on differences. The episode poses questions about trust in established practices, the depth of evidence required for change, and the factors hindering it. The diving industry's reliance on compliance and resistance to a Just Culture are highlighted, emphasizing the necessity of investing in continuous learning and applying human factors for lasting improvement. The podcast encourages listeners to move beyond identifying lessons to implementing meaningful changes for genuine learning. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-from-stories-isn-t-easy-here-s-why   Links: Look at the conditions, not the outcomes: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/don-t-just-focus-on-the-errors Article by Dan Heath on LinkedIn about trying to bring latrines to rural Indian villages: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-can-change-anyones-mindif-help-them-trip-over-truth-dan-heath/ The status quo is good enough blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/status-quo Compliance provides an illusion of safety blog: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/ Compliance provides an illusion of safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNhmxz2_adc Were you lucky or were you good blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/were-you-lucky-or-were-you-good-2   Tags: English, Debrief, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Learning, LFUO

Dive into the world of diving safety with insights from Gareth's blog on counterfactuals in this podcast episode. Jenny tackles common but unhelpful statements following accidents, such as "They should have paid more attention" and "They lacked situation awareness." The episode explores practical strategies for divers, focusing on increasing capacity and directing attention effectively. She emphasizes the importance of making diving processes automatic and shares tips on self-assessment for skill readiness. The episode also covers the nuances of prioritizing attention to elements like mindset, buoyancy, and gas supply, offering a comprehensive guide for safer and more enjoyable diving experiences. The summary highlights the significance of practice, experience, and slowing down to build expertise in underwater environments. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense   Links: Gareths blog about counterfactuals: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals   Tags:  English, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness

In this podcast episode, Jenny shares a humorous yet insightful experience from assessing an instructor course, highlighting the common issue of miscommunication. The example involves a diver misinterpreting hand signals during a training exercise, leading to an unexpected outcome. She explores the challenge of ensuring clear communication, emphasizing the responsibility of the communicator to provide sufficient information. The episode introduces the concept of closed loop communications as a way to check assumptions and ensure understanding, especially in underwater scenarios where verbal communication is limited. Cultural behavior and the importance of avoiding condescension in communication are also discussed. Jenny acknowledges the inevitability of miscommunication due to our natural inclination to be efficient and make assumptions, concluding with a humorous reference to the challenges of explaining every detail, especially for those with young children. The show notes include a link to a video that further explains the efficiency aspect of communication. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/lost-in-translation   Links: Video about explaining every step of a process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDA3_5982h8   Tags:  English, Communication, Jenny Lord

In this podcast episode, we explore a diving incident where two divers entered a wreck without laying a line, resulting in a challenging situation inside a room. We reflect on common responses that often follow such incidents, emphasizing the limitations of retrospective counterfactuals, where people tend to say what the divers "should have," "could have," or "would have" done differently. The episode discusses biases and the importance of understanding the local rationality of those involved, urging listeners to consider the perspectives of the divers at the time. Gareth provides insights into various factors affecting decisions, such as training availability, financial constraints, and the emotional significance of past experiences. The episode concludes by highlighting the prevalence of counterfactuals in discussions about incidents and encourages listeners to approach learning from adverse events with an open mind, understanding the complexity and challenges involved in change. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/counterfactuals   Links: The power of hindsight blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome Hindsight bias blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened We can’t pay more attention blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/cant_pay_MORE_attention Balasore train crash news report 1: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/odisha-accident-wrong-labelling-of-location-box-wires-led-to-mix-up-crs-report-8699655/ Balasore train crash news report 2: https://thewire.in/law/cbi-arrests-three-railway-employees-for-balasore-train-tragedy   Tags: English, Cognitive Biases, Counterfactuals, Decision Making, Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Just Culture