In this podcast episode, we explore the challenges of diver training and the limitations of a formulaic approach in preparing divers for real-world uncertainties. The discussion revolves around the difficulties of transferring tacit knowledge from experienced divers and instructors to students within the constraints of short course durations. The evolution of competence through stages—novices, advanced beginners, competent performers, proficient performers, and experts—is explored, emphasizing the importance of contextual understanding and decision-making. The episode scrutinizes the current training culture in diving, highlighting the need for frequent, reflective experiences and contextual situations for effective learning. The role of case studies, near misses, and incident reports in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application is emphasized, with a call for a just culture and psychologically safe environments for meaningful discussions and learning. The episode concludes with insights into the challenges of knowledge transfer and the significance of contextual understanding in improving diving competency.

Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-diving-incident-stories-are-good-and-bad

Links: Five stages of competancy by Dreyfus https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0270467604264992

Flyvberg’s book on social science https://amzn.to/3ZvuXiG

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

If Only documentary https://www.thehumandiver.com/ifonly

Oatmeal comic about the backfire effect https://theoatmeal.com/comics/believe

The problem with transferring knowledge, Dave Snowdon https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241660493_Complex_Acts_of_Knowing_Paradox_and_Descriptive_Self-Awareness

Tags: English, Decision Making, Gareth Lock, Incident, Reporting, Just Culture, Psychological Safety