Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

In this podcast episode, Gareth reflects on the challenges of learning from near-misses, particularly in the context of recent tragic events involving the loss of the Titan submersible. The episode explores the biases that hinder our ability to analyze and learn from incidents, emphasizing the complexities of socio-technical systems and the difficulties in replicating conditions for learning. Draw...

In this podcast episode, Gareth delves into the concept of near-misses in diving, exploring the two categories: those that "could happen" and those that "almost happened." The distinction lies in background risks versus perceived risks influenced by cognitive biases. The episode draws parallels with real-world examples, such as the normalization of risks in the space shuttle Columbia tragedy. Thre...

In this podcast episode, Gareth recounts the experience of an experienced cave diver during what was intended to be a routine sidemount dive. Despite their expertise and previous successful dives, this particular excursion took an unexpected turn, prompting reflection on why certain factors may not be apparent in the moment but become evident in hindsight. The episode explores the physiological an...

In this podcast episode, Gareth shares insights gained from conversations with survivors of the recent Carlton Queen liveaboard incident off the coast of Egypt. The survivors recounted harrowing experiences during the ship's sinking and discussed conditions that seemed "odd" in hindsight. The episode delves into the challenge of recognizing latent factors contributing to accidents before they occu...

In this podcast episode, Gareth reflects on the power of assumptions in everyday life, using examples ranging from a humorous cycling sign to more serious incidents in diving. The discussion explores how assumptions, while essential for navigating the complexity of daily activities, can sometimes lead to oversights and mistakes. Drawing parallels with diving scenarios, the episode emphasizes the c...

In this podcast episode, the focus is on how we interpret and learn from incidents in diving. Using the analogy of a vase breaking, the episode explores how the language we use to describe events can influence our understanding. It presents two diver scenarios, emphasizing the importance of context in shaping behavior and decision-making. The podcast delves into research showing biases in incident...

In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around risk management in diving, sparked by an incident in a remote location. The episode explores fundamental principles applicable to all diving scenarios. It begins by emphasizing the inherent hazards in diving and the potential fatal outcomes associated with various risks. The "bow-tie model" is introduced to illustrate preventive measures, con...

This podcast episode explores the critical importance of designing checklists for rebreather and general diving operations, drawing parallels with aviation practices. The episode delves into the 'Challenge and Response' checklist method widely used in aviation, emphasizing its role in enhancing safety, systematic verification, and crew coordination. The discussion addresses reasons for deviations...

This podcast episode explores the crucial role of checklists in enhancing safety and standardizing procedures in various fields, with a focus on diving. Delving into the complexities of checklist design and execution, the discussion emphasizes the importance of considering human factors, operational conditions, and the social environment. While checklists play a vital role in promoting mutual moni...

In this podcast episode, Gareth delves into the nuanced concept of safety in diving, challenging the perception of what constitutes a "safe" dive. Examining different dive scenarios, from reef dives to wreck penetrations and cave dives, the episode explores the subjective nature of acceptable risk levels based on individual training, skills, and experience. Drawing on a healthcare safety framework...

In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the complexities of risk management in diving, emphasizing the hazards involved, including drowning, hypoxia, hyperoxia, entanglement, and decompression illness. The discussion challenges the traditional concept of risk, highlighting that in diving, uncertainties are managed, not risks, due to the unknown probabilities associated with events. Drawing from a...

In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the nuanced meanings of terms like success, failure, good, bad, and safe within the context of a two-week workshop for developing Human Diver instructors. The workshop incorporates realistic simulations with live students from diverse backgrounds, posing challenges in team formation. The episode delves into discussions around defining success in simulations...

In this podcast episode, the host reflects on the crucial role of human factors in diving, particularly in the context of scientific diving, where diverse skills are essential for conducting underwater research. The episode details the experience of implementing human factors training in the first Occupational Scientific Diving Training class at the Tvärminne Zoological Station in Finland. The sci...

In this podcast episode, Gareth explores the safety practices of aviation and nuclear industries, and their relevance to diving. Rather than focusing on regulations, the discussion centers on five key principles derived from Human and Organisational Performance (H&OP). The principles delve into understanding human error as normal, avoiding blame in favor of learning, recognizing that context d...

In this podcast episode, Jenny delves into the concept of trust, drawing a historical connection to the origin of the term "confidence man" in the late 1940s. The story of William Thompson, a small-time thief, serves as an analogy to highlight the importance of integrity in building trust, especially in teamwork. The discussion emphasizes that while skills and integrity are foundational components...

In this podcast episode, Gareth shares his insights from a presentation given to young CEOs and presidents during a diving trip, focusing on applying lessons from diving to non-diving environments. The discussion encompasses topics like organizational drift, competing goals, creating a shared mental model using non-technical skills, and fostering an environment supporting psychological safety and...

In this podcast episode, the focus is on a scenario involving three teams of divers tasked with finding a wreck in challenging underwater conditions. The problem requires a mix of decision-making and situation awareness, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current situation, recognizing patterns, and projecting ideas into the future. The teams face challenges such as maintaining a cons...

In this podcast episode, the focus is on the importance of taking action and addressing issues in various environments, drawing parallels to a scenario in fire safety training. The speaker reflects on the quote, "The standard you walk past is the lowest standard you accept," emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to initiate change by not overlooking problems. The Bystander effect is explored,...

In this podcast episode, Mike Mason, an instructor for The Human Diver in Australia, shares insights from his recent week-long dive training course focused on MOD 2 CCR. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, he discusses key takeaways applicable to all divers, regardless of their specific diving interests. Mike delves into the significance of team pre-jump checks, highlighting how performing the...

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, adv...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the tragic details surrounding a fatal diving accident between friends, investigating a series of factors leading to the unfortunate outcome. The incident took place outside formal dive center procedures, raising questions about the supply of compressed air by unlicensed operators and the lax recertification requirements for divers. Numerous issues emerged, s...

In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of human error in diving and how it relates to different types of errors, including slips, lapses, mistakes, and violations. The episode highlights that errors alone aren't the primary issue; they need to occur in a specific context where hazards and control/mitigation measures are present to impact safety. Using a real-life example from the "If Only...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the four stages of learning, offering insights into the learning journey of a diver, from novice to expert. We begin with the first stage, unconscious incompetence, where beginners are unaware of their lack of knowledge and often rely on step-by-step instructions. The journey continues to the second stage, conscious incompetence, where novices start to realiz...

In this podcast episode, the focus is on the significance of learning from diving incidents, accidents, and near-misses, as these provide valuable lessons for safety improvement. While media attention tends to center on fatalities, the episode argues that a "Just Culture," emphasizing a psychologically-safe environment for open conversation, can promote better learning from incidents and near-miss...

This podcast episode delves into the concept of a "Just Culture" in the context of diving, addressing potential confusion within the diving community. A 'Just Culture' revolves around fostering an environment of trust where individuals are encouraged to share safety-related information without fear of retribution, while also defining the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. How...