Stay ConnectedHuman factors is a critical topic within the world of SCUBA diving, scientific diving, military diving, and commercial diving. This podcast is a mixture of interviews and ‘shorts’ which are audio versions of the weekly blog from The Human Diver.
Each month we will look to have at least one interview and one case study discussion where we look at an event in detail and how human factors and non-technical skills contributed (or prevented) it from happening in the manner it did.
Copyright: © 2023 (c) The Human Diver 2023
In this episode, we dive into the impact of human factors on decision-making in diving, focusing on how environmental elements like fatigue and cold temperatures can shape performance. We explore how jet lag from travel affects cognitive ability and the strategies to mitigate its effects, as well as how cold water impacts dexterity, buoyancy, and mental processing. With insights into the physiological and mental challenges these conditions create, we discuss practical steps to reduce their impact and emphasize the importance of awareness in making better, safer decisions underwater.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-effect-of-your-environment-on-your-decision-making-performance-shaping-factors-in-diving
Links: Diver performance and the effects of cold: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872086801000501
Tags: English, Guy Shockey, Performance Shaping Factors
In this episode, we explore the critical role of understanding hazards in diving and the importance of effective risk management. From the everyday threat of drowning to the more abstract risks like decompression sickness, we discuss how divers rely on equipment, training, and planning to mitigate dangers. The conversation highlights overlooked hazards like differential pressure (DeltaP), which can be deadly when misunderstood, as illustrated by tragic real-world examples. We also examine the psychology of risk normalization, emphasizing that ignorance of hazards can lead to complacency and tragedy. By raising awareness and promoting informed decision-making, this episode underscores the necessity of knowledge, preparation, and humility in diving safety.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/you-can-t-risk-assess-a-hazard-you-don-t-know-about-deltap
Links: Risk or Uncertainty blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/risk-or-uncertainty
Ignaz Semmelweis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis
Video of a toy diver experiencing Delta P: https://youtu.be/uI0WOdX7cfU?t=350
Video of diver clearing lock gate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWGFEZ1tpsg
Incompetent and Unaware presentation: https://youtu.be/pGBYj1BNhvI?si=fioKreIdIS_5nX1F
Follow up video to lock gate clearance: https://youtu.be/nKp8duCNvyQ?si=-8jAyHQVGWTP8Ov7
Normalisation of risk blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking
Differential pressure hazards in diving - Diving Information Sheet No. 13
Delta P ADCI Checklist
Tags: English, Decision-Making, Gareth Lock, Risk, Risk Management
In this episode, we explore how a liveaboard trip in Indonesia integrated Human Factors training to transform the diving experience. Jenny Lord from The Human Diver, Brent Webb from Scuba Adventures in Texas and Mark from Master Liveaboards collaborated to create a unique environment focused on psychological safety, teamwork, and debriefing. Over a week, 19 divers, with varying levels of Human Factors training, participated in engaging talks on topics like decision-making, situation awareness, and leadership, alongside dive debriefs that fostered shared understanding and growth. The trip highlighted the power of open communication, self-reflection, and learning from mistakes, leaving participants inspired to bring these skills to their own diving practices and beyond.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-first-human-factors-in-diving-liveaboard
Tags: English, Communication, Debrief, Jenny Lord, Learning, Psychological Safety
Speaking up when something feels off—whether on the dive boat, in a briefing, or underwater—is key to building a safe and inclusive dive culture. In this episode, we explore how small interventions, from a simple pause to a well-placed question, can shift group dynamics and reinforce psychological safety. Using real-world diving scenarios, research-backed strategies, and insights from human factors, we discuss how to challenge problematic comments without escalating conflict. Tune in to learn how small moments can shape dive team culture and why speaking up, even subtly, can make a big difference.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/wtf-did-you-just-say-i-said-nothing
Links: Reel from Kenny Dyal and Sweetwater Scuba: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1385836736105494
Blog from Nic Emery: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-are-we-pretending-not-to-know
Psychological safety blogs from THD: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety
“How to say when it’s not ok” paper: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/media/media/campaigns/iwd/how-to-say-when-its-not-okay.pdf
THD wetnotes: https://the-human-diver.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/thd-wetnotes-divers-notebook
Asch conformity experiments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEhABrJ4T2Y
Tags: English, Communications, Gareth Lock, Leadership, Psychological Safety, Teamwork
Effective dive briefings are key to safe and successful dives, yet many divers overlook their importance. In this episode, we explore how structured briefings help build a shared mental model, reducing misunderstandings and improving team coordination. Using the UNITED-C framework—covering goals, roles, risks, contingencies, and more—we break down how to deliver clear, effective dive briefings that set your team up for success. Tune in to learn how small changes in briefing style can enhance safety, teamwork, and overall dive experience.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/Why%20are%20dive%20briefings%20important%3F%20How%20to%20deliver%20them%20effectively
Links: Get The Human Diver wetnotes here: https://the-human-diver.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/thd-wetnotes-divers-notebook
Tags: English, Brief, Mike Mason, Team, Teamwork
Show Notes Summary:
In this episode, we dive into the challenges of effective communication, especially in multicultural and high-stakes environments like diving. Using a real-life example from a Human Factors in Diving class, we discuss how cultural misunderstandings and non-verbal cues can lead to confusion and unintended consequences. We explore the importance of tailoring messages to your audience, breaking communication into manageable chunks, and using techniques like pauses, closed-loop communication, and clear written formatting to ensure understanding. Whether on land or underwater, making your message "land well" is key to building shared understanding and effective teamwork.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/being-understood-not-just-transmitting
Links: Another blog about Situation Awareness: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/unleashing-your-sixth-sense
Tags: English, Communication, Communications, Debrief, Jenny Lord, Situation Awareness, Team
Show Notes Summary:
In this episode, we explore the concept of normalization of deviance and how it applies to diving. Inspired by a Divemaster's comment about surfacing gas reserves, we discuss how divers can unknowingly drift from safety standards over time, often influenced by social norms or perceived authority. Normalization of deviance, coined by Diane Vaughan, describes how repeated deviations from acceptable standards become normalized when no immediate consequences occur. We contrast this with constructive deviation—deliberate, researched changes to improve safety—and share practical steps to guard against normalization of deviance in diving: establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conduct thorough pre-dive briefs, and hold regular debriefs. Building a culture of psychological safety is essential for divers to feel empowered to question and challenge unsafe practices.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalization-of-deviance-risk-how-socially-accepted-drift-can-impact-your-diving
Links: NOD isn’t about rule breaking blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/normalisation-of-deviance-not-about-rule-breaking
Debrief model” https://www.thehumandiver.com/debrief
Tags: English, Decision-Making, John Strobridge, Normalisation of Deviance, Normalization of Deviance, Risk
Diving is often seen as a safe and relaxing sport, but true safety goes beyond avoiding accidents—it requires building resilience and learning from mistakes. In this episode, we explore how incidents often stem from systemic pressures and "practical drift," not just individual errors. Through real-world examples from diving and other high-risk industries, we highlight the importance of open debriefs, a just culture, and robust training to prepare divers for real-world challenges. By embracing transparency and focusing on system-level improvements, we can create a safer, more adaptive diving community that prioritizes learning and continuous improvement.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/linnea-mills-death-hf-systems-lens
Links: “Bad Apples”: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/from_blaming_to_learning
Just a Routine Operation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzlvgtPIof4
Court submission for Linnea Mills death: https://www.scribd.com/document/555406095/Mills-v-Gull-Dive-Center-PADI-2nd-Amended-Complaint
History as a cause: https://www.montana.edu/rmaher/engr125/CAIB-History%20as%20a%20cause.pdf
Restorative Just Culture checklist: https://safetydifferently.com/restorative-just-culture-checklist/
Laura Walton’s Fit to Dive: https://www.fittodive.org/
Diving incidents often remain hidden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0
Sidney Dekker’s tunnel: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/its-obvious-why-it-happened
Research about sharing stories in diving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRXqeQvRFK0
Blogs on THD about psychological safety: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog?tag=psychological+safety
Blogs on THD about why context matters: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/search?q=context+matters
Asking questions about local rationality: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/learning-reviews-in-diving
Tags: English, Gareth Lock, Healthcare, Incident Analysis, Just Culture, Normalisation of Deviance, Psychological Safety
In this episode, we explore why situational awareness (SA) is the most critical skill for divers, even more so than technical abilities like buoyancy control or propulsion. SA isn’t just about noticing and processing information—it’s about projecting it into the future to anticipate outcomes. Through real-world examples, we highlight how building mental models—scripts based on experience and “what if” thinking—helps divers make quicker, better decisions in complex scenarios. We also discuss the vital role of structured debriefs in turning experiences into actionable insights, ultimately creating divers who can handle challenges with confidence and skill.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/situation-awareness-and-mental-models-making-it-easier-to-the-do-the-right-thing
Links: Further reading from The Human Diver blog: Selective Attention Exists! 5 Tips to Increase Situational Awareness in Diving
Unleashing Your Sixth Sense: Building capacity and directing attention
Running out of gas- Why does this happen and how can we prevent it?
How do I improve my Situation Awareness?
You can't pay MORE attention: the myth of 'loss of situation awareness'
Tags: English, Debrief, Guy Shockey, Situation Awareness
In this episode, we explore the challenges and lessons from diving in the Baltic Sea, where high-pressure conditions tested both skill and decision-making. We delve into the concepts of just culture and psychological safety, emphasizing their importance in fostering open communication, learning from mistakes, and creating safer systems. Drawing parallels to regulated industries like aviation, we discuss how divers can benefit from sharing experiences without fear of judgment and how understanding the "why" behind errors leads to meaningful improvements. Through real-world examples, we highlight the value of trust, reflection, and teamwork in making diving safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/what-if-just-culture-and-psychological-safety-is-not-enough
Links: Discussing dives when things go wrong: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-talk-about-failure
Sensitive System Syndrome: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11700375/
Tags: English, Andrzej Górnicki, Just Culture, Psychological Safety
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