Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this episode, we explore the critical role of leadership and decision-making in diving safety, using a real-life story about a young instructor, “Jack,” who made a risky dive on a rebreather he wasn’t certified to use. Despite his confidence, Jack’s actions reflect dangerous cognitive biases like overconfidence, outcome bias, and normalization of deviance, shaped by a culture of cutting corners in his early training. Through this cautionary tale, we highlight the importance of setting the right example as dive leaders, understanding the consequences of our actions, and promoting a safety-first mindset. Tune in to learn why responsible leadership and listening to feedback are vital for creating a safer diving community. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/lead-a-horse-to-water   Tags:  English, Bart Den Ouden, Decision Making, Situation Awareness

In this episode, we explore how listening to your inner voice can be a lifesaver, both in diving and everyday life. Bart Den Ouden shares his personal journey of uncovering severe heart issues despite passing regular diving medicals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs and overcoming cognitive biases like denial and confirmation bias. We also discuss a diver’s near-fatal experience with immersion pulmonary edema (IPO) and how quick action and a well-equipped facility saved their life. These stories highlight the critical role of self-awareness, preventative measures, and teamwork in planning to fail safely—whether under water or on land. Listen in to learn why trusting that “little voice” could be the key to staying alive. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/plan-to-fail-safely-part-2-passing-the-test-doesn-t-say-it-all   Links: Angioplasty and Stent: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-angioplasty/what-happens/ HSE Medical requirements: https://www.hse.gov.uk/diving/medical-requirements.htm IPO (IPE): http://www.ukdmc.org/medical-conditions/immersion-pulmonary-oedema/ BMJ article: https://heart.bmj.com/content/80/6/537 DAN article: https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/health/heart/cardiac-health   Tags:  English, Bart Den Ouden, Cognitive Biases, Decision Making, Medical

In this episode, we delve into risk management and decision-making in diving, exploring the difference between personal and professional responsibilities. Using a case of a divemaster tasked with guiding divers on a challenging wreck dive, we examine the complexities of managing hazards, understanding acceptable risks, and the impact of assumptions and biases. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to safety, while acknowledging the challenges of balancing rules with real-world scenarios. Ultimately, we discuss how diving professionals can navigate these grey areas, fostering safer practices while maintaining the adventurous spirit of diving. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/who-owns-the-risk-in-diving   Links: HSE Terms: https://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/theory/alarpglance.htm Normalisation of Deviance video: https://vimeo.com/174875861 Work as Imagined vs Work as Done: https://humanisticsystems.com/2016/12/05/the-varieties-of-human-work/   Tags:  English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management

In this episode, we explore the importance of preparing for failure in diving education, inspired by Hal Watts' quote: “The most dangerous thing about diving is divers themselves.” Using a real-life example from a scuba Instructor Examination, we highlight how training focused solely on passing exams can lead to complacency and poor decision-making in real-life scenarios. Diving instructors and trainers must teach students to plan for and respond to unexpected challenges safely. This involves reflecting on training methods, addressing blind spots, and fostering a mindset where failure becomes a learning opportunity, not a life-threatening event. Part 2 will delve deeper into personal strategies for planning to fail safely. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/plan-to-fail-safely   Tags:  English, Dart Den Ouden, Instruction, Leadership

Dive into the intricate world of diving safety and discover the dangers of 'normalization of deviance.' This conversation uncovers how small shortcuts can lead to disastrous outcomes in high-risk scenarios. Learn about human factors and cognitive biases that contribute to accidents, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond just outcomes. With insights drawn from aviation, they discuss the Swiss Cheese Model and systems thinking as essential tools for preventing incidents. Implementing practical strategies like checklists and effective debriefs is key to maintaining safety.

This episode dives into the critical role of human factors in safety, using a tragic aviation incident and its parallels in diving to illustrate how distractions, pressures, and systemic issues contribute to accidents. We explore how a Royal Air Force training film, "Distractions," highlighted the cumulative factors behind a hypothetical crash, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in preventing errors. Similarly, the story of Brian Bugge's 2018 diving accident reveals the dangers of focusing solely on individual mistakes while overlooking the broader contributing factors. Accidents rarely result from a single error but emerge from a combination of conditions. By understanding these dynamics, we can better mitigate risks and improve safety in both aviation and diving. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/outcomes-are-so-sexy   Links: “If Only” Documentary: https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly   Tags:  English, CCR, Checklists, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, If Only, Investigations, Rebreather

In this episode, a newly qualified Human Factors in Diving Instructor shares their journey of grappling with impostor syndrome and the challenges of teaching human factors to divers. Despite over a decade of diving instruction experience, they recount feeling inadequate compared to peers and doubting their knowledge, especially when students might view human factors as "common sense." Reflecting on the Dunning-Kruger effect, they explore how experts often underestimate their abilities because they understand the vastness of their field. Through conversations with peers and self-reflection, they learn to embrace the value they bring to the classroom and the importance of fostering curiosity in their students. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-best-is-the-enemy-of-the-good   Tags:  English, Communications, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Teamwork

This episode dives into the critical importance of recognizing deviations from the norm in diving, a concept rooted in situational awareness. Inspired by the 1972 attack at Lod Airport, Bart den Ouden draws parallels between how assumptions can blind us and the role of training and experience in diving. By understanding what “normal” looks like, divers can detect and respond to unexpected changes. We explore mental models, decision-making under pressure, and the value of learning skills the right way to build a strong foundation. Tune in to learn why paying attention to the small details can make all the difference underwater! Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/predicitive-profiling   Links: Situational Awareness and Decision Making in Diving: https://gue.com/blog/situational-awareness-and-decision-making-in-diving/?fbclid=IwAR1Pq5eqIxWxcc0s1S2CoYefJgkWeXy_pUi8AsjQ8BoKSx-xKKXrLTPqleQ   Tags:  English, Bart Den Ouden, Decision Making

In this episode, we explore the pitfalls of blindly trusting technology through two cautionary tales—one about a GPS mishap in snowy Quebec and another about divers relying solely on their computers. Automation offers precision and convenience, but over-reliance can dull our awareness and problem-solving skills. We discuss how this applies to diving, where dive computers are invaluable but prone to errors if misconfigured or when they fail. Listeners will learn why it’s essential to combine technology with old-school skills, planning, and situational awareness to ensure safety. Embrace technology, but always have a backup plan!   Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-good-the-bad-the-ugly   Tags:  English, Decision Making, Helene Pellerin, Situational Awareness

In this episode, we explore how safety in diving is not just about avoiding accidents but about building systems that can fail safely. Drawing on a real-life incident shared by Phil Short, we examine how a small technical issue—debris in a rebreather valve—could have escalated into a life-threatening situation during a cave dive. We highlight the critical role of technical preparation, situational awareness, and non-technical skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication in managing and recovering from unexpected challenges. By sharing these stories, we aim to help divers understand how to plan for failures and enhance safety through learning, reflection, and a chronic unease about what could go wrong. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/failing-safely-400m-back-in-a-cave   Links: How Safe is Your Diving blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-diving   Tags:  English, CCR, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Non-Technical Skills, Teamwork