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 podcast episode, we delve into the necessity of change, exploring why it's crucial and who should be driving it. Drawing insights from Winston Churchill's quote, "To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often," we examine how change is an inherent part of life and essential for progress. While some resist change due to comfort or reluctance to adapt teaching methods, advancements in knowledge, equipment, and teaching methodologies underscore the importance of evolving practices in diving instruction. From teaching students while neutrally buoyant to embracing new equipment setups like wings and long hoses, the diving community is witnessing transformative shifts aimed at enhancing safety and efficacy. Despite challenges like the reluctance to break from tradition or financial constraints, we explore the imperative of staying abreast of modern best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in diving education.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/why-we-need-change
Tags: English, Jenny Lord, Safety Culture
In this podcast episode, we explore the pitfalls of using "shoulda, woulda, coulda" in discussions about diving mistakes and accidents, emphasizing the need for constructive language and learning-oriented approaches. Drawing from real-life diving scenarios, we highlight how counterfactual responses hinder progress and fail to address the root causes of incidents. Instead, we advocate for reframing language to focus on actionable solutions and future improvements. By shifting from "would" to "will," "could" to "can," and "should" to proactive suggestions, we empower divers to learn from mistakes and enhance safety practices. Additionally, we stress the importance of understanding the context behind errors and offering supportive guidance for continuous improvement.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/shoulda-woulda-coulda
Links:
Blog about hindsight bias; https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/joining-dots-is-easy-if-you-know-the-outcome
Multiple factors leading to an incident: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/one-mistake
The Swiss Cheese model: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/when-the-holes-line-up
Tags:
English, Counterfactuals, Hindsight Bias, Human Error, Jenny Lord
In this podcast episode, we draw parallels between aviation and diving safety, emphasizing the importance of human factors and non-technical skills in preventing accidents. Reflecting on a tragic airplane crash, we explore hazardous attitudes commonly seen in both industries and propose antidotes to mitigate their risks. From anti-authority to resignation, these attitudes can lead to complacency and unsafe practices, impacting instructors and divers alike. Through real-life examples and insights, we underscore the need for awareness and positive attitudes in diving instruction, aiming to foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-five-hazardous-attitudes
Links:
National Transportation Safety Board, Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report
CAA tutorial about Airmanship: https://infringements.caa.co.uk/tutorial/airmanship/
FAA info about Airmanship: https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=723&sID=1448&preview=true
EASA info about Aeronautical Decision Making: https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/HE4_Single-Pilot-Decision-Making-v1.pdf
More about this from a flight instructors perspective: https://www.aviation101.com/deathbyflightinstructor
Tags:
English, Communication, Human Performance, Incident Analysis, Jenny Lord, Leadership
In this podcast episode, we delve into the dynamics of mentoring in the diving community, exploring how mentor-mentee relationships contribute to personal and professional growth. While traditionally seen as unequal, effective mentoring fosters mutual development, relying on trust, vulnerability, and constructive feedback from both parties. Mentors guide mentees to find solutions independently, balancing support with respectful critique. Through real-life examples, we witness how mentors facilitate learning by encouraging self-reflection and providing targeted guidance. Feedback plays a pivotal role in this relationship, promoting continuous improvement and mutual learning. Ultimately, mentoring in diving cultivates a culture of collaboration and skill development, benefiting both mentors and mentees alike.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/mentoring-both-sides-of-the-story
Links:
Blog about leadership in a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team
Blog about debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Tags:
English, Followership, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Psychological Safety
In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of leadership in diving beyond traditional roles like Divemasters and Instructors. Leadership in diving involves guiding a team towards a common goal, prioritizing communication and maintaining situational awareness. Through real-life scenarios, we see how leadership can shift within a dive group, with experienced divers stepping up to lead even without formal titles. Effective leadership entails understanding each diver's goals, ensuring compatibility, and adapting plans accordingly. Whether navigating, monitoring gas levels, or supporting specialists like photographers, leaders prioritize safety and effective teamwork. Trust and communication are key components, fostering psychological safety within the team. Through briefings and debriefings, divers can enhance their leadership skills and ensure successful and safe dives.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/leadership-in-a-short-term-team
Links:
Part 1: building a short term team: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team
Blogs about how to build psychological safety: 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, Jenny Lord, Leadership, Teamwork
In this podcast episode, we delve into the crucial role of effective communication and trust in scientific diving. Communication underwater is essential for safety, coordination, and data collection, but it comes with its challenges, including language barriers and equipment limitations like Full Face Masks and helium distortion. Various methods such as hand signals and underwater writing tools facilitate communication but require practice and agreement among divers. Trust is equally vital, involving confidence in team members, equipment, and established procedures. Team cohesion and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for successful diving missions, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and preparation. Ultimately, prioritizing safety and effective communication enhances the efficiency and outcomes of scientific diving projects, ensuring the safety of all involved while gathering valuable research data.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/scientific-diving-trust-and-communication-in-the-depths
Tags:
English, Beatrice Rivoira, Communication, Trust
In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of Human Factors training in the diving industry, drawing parallels with its significance in aviation. A firsthand account reveals how insurance premiums reflect the recognition of this training's value, emphasizing the shift from blaming individuals to fostering a culture of learning for safety improvement. While insurance companies incentivize instructors to undergo such training, diving agencies have yet to mandate it, potentially impacting the industry's sustainability. The discussion underscores the necessity of viewing the issue holistically and integrating Human Factors training into all aspects of diving, beyond just formal instruction. Ultimately, change may only occur when instructors recognize the direct benefits, potentially through increased premiums, prompting a broader industry shift. The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential for a politically relevant event to drive change, echoing insights from Gareth Lock's presentation on the subject.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/diving-liability-insurance-enabler-or-barrier-to-diving-safety
Links:
Compliance to avoid litigation: https://gue.com/blog/compliance-provides-an-illusion-of-safety-in-diving/
Gareth’s presentation at Rebreather Forum 4: https://gue.tv/programs/5-gareth-lock-human-factors-in-diving
Relevant slide: https://www.thehumandiver.com/rf4-resources
Tags:
English, Decision Making, Guy Shockey, Risk Management
In this episode, we delve into the concept of learning loops in scuba diving, inspired by the works of Chris Argyris and Donald Schön. We explore single-loop learning, focusing on immediate problem-solving like fixing a malfunctioning buoyancy control device (BCD), and double-loop learning, which involves analyzing underlying issues such as calibration errors in a rebreather. Then, we introduce triple-loop learning, which considers broader contexts like team dynamics and learning culture within the dive community. Practical examples illustrate each loop's application, from troubleshooting equipment issues to enhancing training programs. Drawing parallels with other high-risk domains like wildland firefighting, we emphasize the importance of fostering a learning culture and embracing continuous improvement at every level of diving. Whether troubleshooting a BCD or revising safety protocols, remember that each dive offers opportunities for growth and deeper understanding, contributing to a safer and more knowledgeable diving community.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/the-value-of-loops-for-learning-don-t-just-fix-the-diver
Links:
Learning in Loops doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WOy5v81N5zkAAgwVOZD53G6LIVPMnZr5/view?usp=sharing
Standards changes: https://fifthpointdiving.com/the-dive-pro-hub-teaching/changes-to-padi-dry-suit-standards/
Blog about moving too quickly through the system: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/racing-through-courses-how-fast-is-too-fast
Human and Organisational Performance: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/five-key-principles-how-to-improve-individually-and-organisationally
Brad Mayhew’s blog: https://bradmayhew.substack.com/p/38-the-first-law-of-learning
What is a Just Culture?: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/a-just-culture-is-not-a-just-do-it-culture
Tags:
English, Gareth Lock, HOP, Human Performance, Leadership, Learning
In this episode, we explore the dynamics of teamwork in diving, emphasizing that although diving may not be a traditional team sport, divers typically operate in teams to ensure safety underwater. Key factors in team development include communication, shared goals, and role clarity. Whether diving with familiar partners or strangers, effective communication through pre-dive briefings and debriefings is crucial. Trust is built on competency, honesty, and consideration for others, while role clarity ensures everyone understands their responsibilities. These principles apply to both short-term dive teams and longer-term collaborations, fostering a culture of safety and cooperation in the diving community. For more insights, check out the links in the show notes.
Original link: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/building-a-short-term-team
Links:
Debriefing: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/debriefing
Dummies blog about teamwork: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-teamwork
Dummies blog about communication: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/HFiD-for-dummies-comms
How to build psychological safety in teams: 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, Communication, Jenny Lord, Team, Teamwork, Trust
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of dive training agency standards and the challenges faced by instructors in evaluating student performance. While standards outline specific skills, determining their mastery isn't always straightforward. New instructors, lacking experience and nuanced judgment, often prioritize efficiency over thoroughness due to external pressures like time constraints and financial considerations. This efficiency-thoroughness trade-off (ETTO) can compromise the quality of instruction, leading to pass grades for students who may not be fully prepared. The root issue lies in instructors' limited exposure to diverse student experiences and the reluctance of dive centers to invest in extensive observation opportunities. As an industry, we must reconsider this trade-off, where financial concerns often outweigh safety and quality. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on individual divers to evaluate their skills, raising questions about the integrity of certification processes and the adequacy of diver preparedness.
Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/price-vs-quality-the-efficiency-thoroughness-trade-off
Links:
Erik Holnagel’s paper: https://erikhollnagel.com/onewebmedia/ETTO.pdf
Another blog about ETTO: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/ETTO
Tags:
English, Decision Making, ETTO, Jenny Lord
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
