Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this episode, we explore the parallels between decision-making in diving and the concepts from Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow." The discussion focuses on how divers often face tough choices when equipment malfunctions, similar to the mixed gambles described in the book. While staying on the boat may seem like the safe choice, the fear of missing a dive can lead to riskier decisions, driven by loss aversion and regret. We emphasize the importance of using logical, System 2 thinking in these situations and considering the potential consequences of your choices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/how-much-are-you-willing-to-risk

Tags:  English, Diving, Gareth Lock, Human Factors, Risk Safety

In this episode, we discuss the importance of human factors in rebreather diving, highlighting key themes from the Rebreather Forum 4 conference. Rebreather diving, while offering unique opportunities, is far more complex than traditional scuba due to its intricate systems and hidden failure modes. The talk covers the role of systems thinking in improving safety, the need for a just culture, the value of psychological safety, and the importance of non-technical skills like teamwork and communication. We also explore the challenges of implementing human factors and why they are essential for the future of safe rebreather diving.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/summary-of-rf4-paper-human-factors-in-rebreather-diving

Links: Workshop proceedings: https://indepthmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rebreather-Forum-4-Proceedings-2024.pdf

HSE report RR871: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr871.pdf

HFiD Essentials program: https://www.thehumandiver.com/HFiD-Essentials

Gareth’s thesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0

Video’s from the presentations: https://rebreatherforum.tech/program/

Gareth’s presentation: https://gue.tv/programs/rebreather-forum-4-ccr-diving-advancements?cid=3312565&permalink=human-factors-rebreather-diving-ccr-systems-safety

Tags:  English, Gareth Lock, Rebreather, Research, Safety

In this podcast episode, we discuss a recent accident analysis published by RAID, which was framed as a hypothetical event but turned out to be based on a real-life diving incident without full consultation with those involved. The focus is on how we frame learning opportunities in diving and the importance of understanding the decisions made in the moment rather than placing blame after the fact. Effective accident analysis must explore the conditions and pressures present, fostering empathy and a learning culture within the diving community. A PDF review of this case is available in the show notes.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/language-matters-an-HF-approach-to-reviewing-an-accident-analysis

Links: PDF copy of the analysis text: https://bit.ly/THD_Incident_Analysis_Review

Learning from Unintended Outcomes training: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo

Danish Maritime Investigation board report: https://dmaib.com/reports/2021/beaumaiden-grounding-on-18-october-2021

US Air Force report: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3850845/b-1b-accident-investigation-report-released/

Other reports and blogs: Roaring River Fatality

Links:  English, Gareth Lock, Incident Analysis, Incident Investigation, Incident Reporting, Just Culture

In this episode, we discuss why mistakes are a valuable part of the learning process, especially in scuba diving training. While most instructors aim for their students to perform perfectly, making mistakes actually helps students learn more effectively. Mistakes provide opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking, which can lead to deeper learning. We explore how immediate or delayed correction of errors, depending on the student's experience, enhances this learning process. The episode also highlights the importance of conducting effective debriefs to create a psychologically safe environment, where students can openly discuss their mistakes and learn from them.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-are-good-learning-from-mistakes-is-sometimes-better-than-getting-it-right

Links: What is a mistake? https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mistakes-errors-words-have-meaning

Make sure everyone knows it’s ok to make mistakes https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-admit-to-our-mistakes

The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Tags:  English, Debrief, Human Error, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the challenges of effective communication and the barriers that often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. We discuss how stress, language differences, and personal insecurities like the Imposter Syndrome can prevent clear communication, both underwater and on land. We also highlight the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. Ultimately, good communication requires effort from both parties to ensure that the message is understood, not just transmitted. Tune in to learn how to improve your communication skills and build better connections.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/communication-what-stops-people-speaking-up

Links: Blog about language use https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/speaking-the-right-language

Blog about the Dunning Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware

Building a safe psychological environment series

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, Cognitive Biases, Communication, Jenny Lord, Psychological Safety

In this episode, we explore the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias where people with limited skills or knowledge in a particular area tend to overestimate their abilities, while those with more expertise may underestimate their competence. This effect explains why some new divers might think they’re better than they are, while more experienced divers might not realize how skilled they’ve become. We discuss how continuous learning and staying humble can help us accurately assess our abilities, leading to safer and more effective diving practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-dunning-kruger-effect-incompetent-or-competent-and-unaware

Links: Kruger and Dunning- Unskilled and Unaware https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12688660_Unskilled_and_Unaware_of_It_How_Difficulties_in_Recognizing_One%2527s_Own_Incompetence_Lead_to_Inflated_Self-Assessments&ved=2ahUKEwi-8Z2f2p6HAxUmV6QEHYb0CUEQFnoECBEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2M00VJJpL1TSHlK-6bZ-Pl

The four stages of learning https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-four-stages-of-learning

Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord

In this episode, we explore the challenges of explaining decisions to others, especially when they don’t share the same knowledge or experience. Jenny recounts a personal story about deciding not to dive a local canyon system again due to safety concerns, despite it seeming straightforward to others. The incident highlights the importance of situational awareness, good communication, and building a shared mental model within a dive team to ensure everyone understands the reasons behind decisions. This helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes safer diving practices.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/decision-making-how-do-we-explain-our-decisions-to-others

Links: The Dunnig Kruger effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/incompetent-and-unaware-you-don-t-know-what-you-don-t-know

Briefing and Debriefing video https://youtu.be/JTM_Lh7HtmA?si=H4ZSo4AiIQlpZn_e&t=585

The DEBrIEF model https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing

Tags:  English, Brief, Debrief, Decision Making, Decision-Making, Jenny Lord, Teamwork

In this episode, we discuss a personal diving incident where I ran out of gas underwater—a situation that could have been fatal but wasn't due to quick thinking and luck. The experience highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining situational awareness, even during routine dives. We explore how easily small oversights can lead to critical mistakes and the value of debriefing and sharing experiences to learn from them. This incident serves as a reminder that staying vigilant, especially when things seem routine, is crucial to safety in diving and beyond.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/running-out-of-gas-why-does-this-happen-and-how-can-we-prevent-it

Links: Outcome bias blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened

Counterfactuals blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda

Complacency and Efficiency blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/complacency-and-efficiency

Blame vs Learning blog https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/blame-vs-learning

Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Complacency, Counterfactuals. Hindsight Bias, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Situational Awareness

In this episode, we explore the illusory truth effect, where repeated information, even if false, can become ingrained in our beliefs. This cognitive bias can be reinforced by social media echo chambers, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. The effect is particularly strong when the information aligns with what we already believe, making us more likely to accept it without question. We discuss how this phenomenon affects not just everyday life but also diving practices, where long-held "common knowledge" can be hard to change. The key to overcoming this bias is to question information, especially when it supports our existing beliefs, and to seek out diverse perspectives to challenge our assumptions.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/illusory-truth-effect

Links: Blog about the backfire effect https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-backfire-effect-why-our-brains-make-it-difficult-to-change-our-mind

1977 study https://web.archive.org/web/20160515062305/http://www.psych.utoronto.ca/users/hasher/PDF/Frequency%20and%20the%20conference%20Hasher%20et%20al%201977.pdf

Repeated studies inducing false memories https://web.archive.org/web/20161231091706/http://ejop.psychopen.eu/article/viewFile/456/pdf

Tags:  English, Cognitive Biases, Jenny Lord

In this episode, we dive into the issue of diving standards and safety, particularly how some instructors may not follow proper procedures, putting students at risk. Unlike other outdoor sports, the underwater environment makes it difficult to monitor and ensure that standards are upheld. This episode explores why this might be happening, such as the pressure on instructors to certify students quickly, and how the certification-focused culture in diving often prioritizes collecting cards over gaining real experience. We also discuss the importance of addressing safety concerns constructively, encouraging a culture of learning and improvement rather than punishment, to ensure that divers are truly prepared and safe in the water.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/standards-why-do-we-have-them-and-what-can-we-do-if-someone-breaks-them

Links: Gareth’s Thesis “Story Telling to Learn: What happens underwater, stays underwater”

Blogs about Just Culture https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=just+culture

Tags:  English, Instruction, Jenny Lord, Just Culture, Learning