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