Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

Safety in diving is not a standalone priority but one of many factors, including time, money, resources, and productivity, that individuals and organizations must balance in a dynamic environment. Safety is best understood as reducing risk to an "acceptable level," but defining what is acceptable can be complex and context-dependent. Using principles like ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable), risk is mitigated until further reduction becomes disproportionately expensive or impractical. Both training organizations and divers face trade-offs between safety and competing priorities, which can shift depending on circumstances. Divers must critically assess their own safety standards and weigh the effort, time, and money required to mitigate risks, understanding that "safety" is a shared responsibility within the larger system of diving. Ultimately, improving safety requires self-awareness, courage, and a commitment to learning from near-misses and incidents. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/safetyisnot_the_priority   Links: ICAO Safety Management Manual: https://www.icao.int/safety/SafetyManagement/Documents/Doc.9859.3rd%20Edition.alltext.en.pdf Royal Sociecty Risk Assessment report: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Risk_Assessment.html?id=LRcmQwAACAAJ&redir_esc=y John Adams book ‘Risk’: http://www.john-adams.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/RISK-BOOK.pdf Efficiency-Throughouness Trade Off: http://erikhollnagel.com/ideas/etto-principle/index.html] Work as Imagined/Work as Done: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-human-factors-in-diving-mean Cognitive biases: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/17-cognitive-biases   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Safety

Human factors in diving encompass everything from individual behavior to the interaction between divers, technology, and organizational systems. This podcast dives into the complexities of human factors, exploring how they influence safety, performance, and decision-making. Topics include cognitive biases, stress, and fatigue, as well as the gap between "Work as Imagined" and "Work as Done." We also discuss the importance of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Non-Technical Skills (NTS) in improving team dynamics and situational awareness, even in solo diving. Additionally, we touch on the lack of formal human factors standards in diving and the need for better incident reporting systems. Finally, we highlight practical approaches to training, such as effective pre-dive briefs, debriefs, and feedback mechanisms, to help divers and instructors foster safer, more adaptive practices. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-does-human-factors-in-diving-mean   Links: Steven Shorrocks blogs about the four parts of Human Factors:  ​​ Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

This podcast explores the limitations of attributing diving accidents to "human error," a reductionist explanation that fails to address the complexities of real-world decision-making and system failures. By examining a case study involving oxygen toxicity during a rebreather dive, the episode delves into how biases, situational awareness, and flawed mental models contribute to adverse events. It highlights the importance of understanding the context behind decisions, recognizing that divers rarely intend to put themselves or others at risk. Drawing parallels with aviation and other industries, the podcast advocates for systemic changes, better training, and a culture of learning to enhance safety, rather than placing blame. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-human-error-is-a-poor-term Links: Animated Swiss cheese model: https://vimeo.com/249087556 References:1.        Bierens, J. Handbook on drowning: Prevention, rescue, treatment. 50, (2006). 2.        Denoble, P. J. Medical Examination of Diving Fatalities Symposium: Investigation of Diving Fatalities for Medical Examiners and Diving. (2014). 3.        Denoble,  PJ, Caruso,  JL, de Dear,  GL, Pieper,  CF & Vann,  RD. Common causes of open-circuit recreational diving fatalities. Undersea Hyperb Med 35, 393–406 (2008). 4.        Parry, G. W. Human reliability analysis—context and control By Erik Hollnagel, Academic Press, 1993, ISBN 0-12-352658-2. Reliability Engineering & System Safety 99–101 (1996). doi:10.1016/0951-8320(96)00023-3 5.        Reason, J. T. Human Error. (Cambridge University Press, 1990). 6.        Phipps, D. L. et al. Identifying violation-provoking conditions in a healthcare setting. Ergonomics 51, 1625–1642 (2008). 7.        Dekker, S. The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error. 205–214 (2013). doi:10.1201/9781315239675-20 8.        Endsley,  MR. Toward a theory of situation awareness in dynamic systems. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 37, 32–64 (1995). 9.        Klein,  GA. Streetlights and shadows: Searching for the keys to adaptive decision making. (2011). 10.      Amalberti,  R, Vincent,  C, Auroy,  Y & de Maurice, S. G. Violations and migrations in health care: a framework for understanding and management. Quality & safety in health care 15 Suppl 1, i66–71 (2006). 11.      Cook,  R & Rasmussen,  J. ‘Going solid’: a model of system dynamics and consequences for patient safety. Quality & safety in health care 14, 130–134 (2005). 12.      Woods,  DD & Cook,  RI. Mistaking Error. Patient Safety Handbook 1–14 (2003). Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Error

In this episode, we explore a diving incident that highlights the critical importance of understanding human factors in high-risk activities like technical diving. A diver survived an oxygen toxicity seizure thanks to her buddy's quick thinking, but the investigation revealed a web of human errors, from outdated equipment to flawed decision-making. We discuss the lessons learned, the role of human variability in performance, and how other industries like aviation and healthcare have transformed safety through Crew Resource Management (CRM). Diving’s focus on technical skills often overlooks the human element—decision-making, communication, and teamwork—that can make or break a dive. Tune in to learn how adopting these skills can enhance safety, performance, and the culture of diving. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/stop-making-stupid-mistakes   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors

Effective communication is critical for safety and performance in diving, yet many divers struggle to speak up due to fear of judgment, peer pressure, or an adversarial culture. This silence can lead to mistakes, unreported incidents, and missed opportunities for improvement. Leaders at all levels play a vital role in fostering open dialogue by responding to mistakes constructively, avoiding blame, and creating trust. Self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to learn are key traits for maintaining open communication. By embracing these principles and shifting focus from blame to learning, divers and teams can enhance safety, build stronger relationships, and achieve high performance. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/nine-ways   Links: Blog about peer pressure: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-thumb-a-dive-or-end-something-that-you-have-committed-to Blog about leadership: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadershipindiving   Tags:  English, Communications, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Teamwork

Cognitive biases and mental shortcuts significantly impact decision-making, especially in high-risk environments like diving, where errors can have critical or fatal consequences. Factors such as narcosis, reduced visibility, and altered sound perception exacerbate these biases, distorting reality and affecting safety. Common biases include anchoring, overconfidence, and confirmation bias, each influencing risk perception and decision-making in unique ways. Awareness and mitigation of these biases are vital, achieved through strategies like education, training, crew resource management, and system changes to reduce reliance on human behavior alone. Understanding these factors is essential to improving safety and preventing incidents often attributed to "human error." Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/17-cognitive-biases   Links: Types of cognitive bias: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/i-am-biased-you-are-biased-we-are-all-biased Normalisation of deviance blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-a-deviant-is-normal Dunning-Kruger effect blog:  ​​https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know   Tags: English, Gareth Lock ​​

This episode explores the complexities of human error in diving incidents, challenging the oversimplified blame often placed on individuals. Drawing on James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model, we examine how both active failures (individual actions) and latent conditions (systemic weaknesses) contribute to accidents. We also discuss cognitive biases, such as hindsight and outcome bias, that hinder objective learning from incidents. By shifting focus from blame to systemic improvement, fostering accountability without shame, and continuously reforming processes, we can better manage errors and enhance safety. Tune in to rethink “human error” and embrace a systems approach to diving performance. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/human-error-in-diving-is-it-really-that-simple   Links: Shappell and Weigmann’s HFACS model: https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Human_Factors_Analysis_and_Classification_System_(HFACS) Animated Swiss cheese model: https://vimeo.com/249087556 James Reason, Managing Maintainence Error: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=sr_adv_b/?field-title=Managing%20Maintenance%20Error&search-alias=stripbooks&unfiltered=1   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Human Error, Human Factors

This episode dives into the importance of investing in skills and experience to prepare for unexpected challenges in diving and life. Using an analogy of red and white blood cells, we explore the balance between productivity and response readiness, emphasizing why both are essential. Drawing lessons from Captain Sullenberger’s emergency landing on the Hudson River, we highlight the value of deliberate practice, teamwork, and situational awareness. By learning from our own experiences and others’ stories, we can improve decision-making and be better equipped to handle ambiguity, uncertainty, and complexity. Are you ready to invest in your “bank of experience”? Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blood-banks-diving   Tags:  English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk

This episode explores the critical role of leadership in diving, drawing on a challenging night dive on the Abu Nuhas reef and lessons from military aviation. The dive highlighted the importance of accountability, planning, and adapting leadership styles to the situation. Diving lacks formal leadership training, yet all divers—from instructors to dive center managers—play leadership roles. Drawing inspiration from a Marine Corps officer’s letter, we discuss core leadership values such as professional hunger, focus, attitude, moral courage, and dedication. These values, combined with structured debriefs and continuous learning, are essential for fostering safety, excellence, and teamwork in diving. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadershipindiving   Links: Blog about deviation:  ​​”Leaders in learning mode develop stronger skills than their peers”: https://hbr.org/2017/08/good-leaders-are-good-learners   Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Leadership, Teamwork

This episode dives into the lessons the diving community can learn from aviation safety practices, using the near-disaster of Air Canada Flight AC759 at San Francisco Airport as a starting point. In aviation, near-misses are thoroughly investigated to uncover systemic issues rather than just individual mistakes, fostering a culture of learning and improvement. By contrast, the diving industry often discourages open discussions about close calls due to fear of criticism or legal consequences, hindering collective growth. We explore how a shift toward non-judgmental analysis and systemic thinking could enhance safety in diving, encouraging shared learning from mistakes and near-misses to prevent future incidents. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/aviation-diving-errors   Links: Mercury News report: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/02/ntsb-finds-blind-spot-in-sfo-radar-following-air-canada-near-disaster/   Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Human Factors