MEET OUR TEAM
Instructors from around the globe who can deliver the Human Diver programmes.
For divers who want enhanced performance by being more knowledgeable and aware.
At The Human Diver, you’re not just learning from experienced instructors - you’re training with elite professionals.
Our human factors in diving instructors come from high-performance team backgrounds including military aircrew, submariners, commercial risk management, special forces, medical specialists and extreme adventure teams, where decision-making, situation awareness, and safety are paramount. They are all experienced team divers and many are also technical, cave and rebreather diving instructors.
Their expertise ensures that you learn from individuals who have thrived in high-stakes environments, where human factors and non-technical skills can mean the difference between success and failure…life and death.
Unlike traditional diver training, which often emphasises only technical skills, The Human Diver delves deeper, teaching critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that high-performing teams rely on.
With a strong emphasis on instructor and leadership development, The Human Diver not only enhances your skills but also empowers you to share your knowledge with others.
Led by our founder, Gareth Lock and a team of selectively sourced and recognised experts around the globe, The Human Diver instructors provide access to their wealth of knowledge, case studies, and interactive learning tools.
Our instructors empower you to make better decisions and operate with heightened awareness in order to become a better diver than yesterday.
THE FOUNDER
Gareth Lock, MSc, MCIEHF
Gareth founded The Human Diver in January 2016 when he recognised that there was a gap in knowledge within the diving community when it came to human factors and non-technical skills. He decided to do something about it and has made waves ever since.
Base:
South West of England, United Kingdom.
Background:
Spent 25 years in the Royal Air Force as a flight instructor, navigator on C-130 Hercules, systems engineer and a requirements manager. Left the RAF in 2015 and started work in high-risk industries teaching Human Factors and Crew Resource Management (CRM).
Diving Experience:
GUE Tech 2 certified and TDI JJ-CCR Mod 1 with around 800 dives. Looking forward to getting cave certified too.
Human Factors Commitment:
Using his own course/s developed and based on his lived diving experience, has to date taught more than 350 divers face-to-face, presented at nearly 20 conferences around the world and published his first book 'Under Pressure: Diving Deeper with Human Factors' in 2019 which has sold 1000s of copies globally already.
And Finally:
He loves his underwater photography and has been published in numerous magazines. If you want to find out how to work with Gareth directly or how to book him as a speaker click here
Guy Shockey, MA, BA
Guy is one of the first graduates from the Human Diver’s HF instructors’ academy. A man who loves extreme sports, he is also committed to improving outcomes by understanding how human factors impact on those sports including diving. Guy recognized the value of Human Factors training in the diving world immediately because of his past careers, and has been an advocate of The Human Diver from the beginning.
Base:
Vancouver Island, Canada
Background:
He’s an ex-military officer and former professional guide with a graduate degree in political science. He is an entrepreneur including building up a successful manufacturing business with wholesale and retail components. He is also a nationally accredited Skydiving coach and instructor.
Diving Experience:
He first learned to dive in 1982 in the mountain lakes of Alberta, Canada and has been involved with Global Underwater Explorers for the past 12 years. He is currently a full time Instructor Evaluator for GUE and travels the globe and teaching technical diving (OC and CCR) for GUE. He is also very active working with GUE’s instructor candidates and incorporates Human Factors training in all his classes.
Human Factors Commitment:
Guy was one of the first cohort of trainers, completing his training in 2019. He now runs courses in human factors in Canada and the US. He was one of the first instructors to require his technical diving students to take the Human Factors online micro-class as preparation for technical and instructor dive training.
And Finally:
He loves to share his passion for exploration in the mountains or under the sea.
EMAIL GUY
Helene Pellerin, MD, FRCPC
Helene is passionate about understanding human performance and how it can be improved to decrease error and increase safety in diving. Her goal is to promote the development of a ‘Just Culture’ by sharing this knowledge to divers of all levels.
Base:
Quebec City, Canada.
Background:
She is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Universite Laval in Quebec City, and an instructor at the simulation centre of the Faculty of Medicine of Universite Laval, where she teaches Crisis Resources Management and Teamwork.
Diving Experience:
Helene is a GUE TEC 1 diver, a PADI Divemaster and an Emergency First Response (EFR) instructor with more than 300 dives in the past five years. She is mostly a cold-water diver although she enjoys warm water very much as well. She enjoys ocean dives and wreck dives.
Human Factors Commitment:
Helene was part of the first cohort of graduates from the Human Diver’s HF instructors’ academy. Becoming an instructor in human factors was a natural step for her given her background in Crisis Resources Management & Teamwork in healthcare. The Human Diver programme was a fantastic opportunity to move her interest in human factors from her professional life to diving.
And Finally:
Helene loves teaching and she is always keen on sharing her interests on the application of non-technical skills and human factors in diving and beyond!
EMAIL HELENEJenny Lord
Jenny has always had a love of the outdoors and extreme sports. When she first heard about The Human Diver and considering human factors in diving, she embraced it. She knew it was critical to creating a positive culture in diving. Her interest in team development started with outdoor education, using it as a tool to help people learn more about communication, planning and teamwork.
Base:
Egypt
Background:
Prior to diving, she worked in outdoor education for ten years teaching rock climbing, white water kayaking, canoeing, sailing, skiing, caving and cycling, amongst other sports.
Diving Experience:
Jenny is a full-time technical diving instructor. Since 2009 she has lived in Dahab, Egypt teaching SCUBA diving. She is a technical instructor trainer for TDI, advanced Trimix instructor, advanced mixed gas CCR diver and helitrox CCR instructor.
Human Factors Commitment:
Now accredited as an instructor in human factors with The Human Diver, Jenny has delivered numerous courses in Egypt and in the UK as well as integrating human factors into the technical and recreational courses she delivers. She is also a prolific writer for the blog, and soon to have a wider reach too.
And Finally:
Jenny has supported a number of deep dives as part of H2O divers’ dive team and works as a safety diver in the stunt industry.
EMAIL JENNY
Mike Mason
Base:
New South Wales, Australia
Background:
Mike spent 20 years in the Royal Air Force, most of it flying on frontline squadrons. He now works as a flying instructor in the Royal Australian Air Force teaching young pilots to fly fighters. As well as being an accomplished instructor, he is an experienced flying supervisor and holder of a commercial pilot’s licence.
Diving Experience:
He has been an active diver since 2015 and has around 300 dives in his logbook from as far north as Iceland and as far south as New Zealand. He works part-time as a Dive Master and is also an active CCR diver. Wrecks interest him the most but he gets just as much satisfaction taking groups to see Grey Nurse Sharks at his local dive sites.
Human Factors Commitment:
Due to his career in military aviation, Mike has lived and breathed Human Factors for his entire professional life. As he became involved with diving expeditions and supervision, he realised how much the diving world could learn from aviation. He is a great believer in Human Factors and how an awareness of them can make time spent underwater safer and more rewarding.
And Finally:
Diving is often a family past-time and Mike’s family is no exception. His partner and step-daughter have also taken a keen interest in the sport and they regularly dive together.
EMAIL MIKEAndrzej Gornicki
Base:
Poland - Croatia
Background:
Andrzej is a Polish dive industry consultant with a Master’s Degree in Social and Safety Psychology. His main interests in these fields are related to human performance in extreme environments, and high-performance team building. Team management, leadership and learning from daily operations in dynamic environments. Andrzej holds a post-graduate diploma in Underwater Archaeology and has gained dive safety officer experience in scientific projects.
Diving Experience:
Andrzej started diving in 2003 and soon realized that, from that moment, it became an important part of his life. He worked as a CCR & OC instructor and dive centre manager in countries like Poland, Norway, Egypt and Croatia. He participated in archaeological underwater projects, underwater maintenance/recovery works, and deep-water technical diving projects.
Human Factors Commitment:
Andrzej discovered Human Factors in Diving in 2018 after participating in Essentials of Human Factors in Diving. He quickly understood that knowledge and idea of Human Factors of Diving covers a lot of what he was missing in dive training. It filled the empty void of Non-Technical skills in diving. Having a psychology background he understood the importance of bringing Human Factors and Non-Technical skills to his team and diving community. Andrzej wrote several articles based on knowledge he gained from Essentials, Face to Face class, 10-Week webinar, and his own research. He also translated several blogs to Polish. Andrzej presented Human Factor concepts in several dive centres and conferences in Poland including Baltictech 2022. In 202,1 he was one of the speakers at Human Factors in Diving Conference.
And Finally:
In 2022, he translated and published "Pod Ciśnieniem” - Polish edition of Gareth’s Look book - „Under Pressure”. In 2023, Andrzej became Human Factors In Diving Instructor. He can deliver training in Polish and English. He also continues to promote Human Factors in Diving in Poland.
EMAIL ANDRZEJ
Pedro Paulo 'PP' Cunha
Base
São Paulo, Brazil / Zurich, Switzerland
Background
Pedro graduated in Naval Engineering and holds two MBAs in Business Management and Banking. He worked for 25 years as an IT executive in the financial industry as a CIO/CTO and since 2017 has moved to the consulting business, helping banks and other companies develop technologies, processes, and teams to run mission-critical IT operations.
Diving Experience
Pedro started diving in 1983 and became an instructor in 1986. He is a GUE Tech 1, an IANTD CCR diver, and an SDI/TDI and NAUI technical diving instructor. He has a passion for complex, technical environments such as deep wrecks and caves but also dives a lot in clam, warm waters. He is also a published underwater photographer and author.
Human Factors Commitment:
PP started learning about human factors and non-technical skills in diving just before the pandemic, becoming fascinated with the subject and the impact it could have in the industry. In the following years he dived into the literature and went through all the classes offered by The Human Diver, becoming an instructor in 2023. Since then, he has delivered seminars and classes in Brazil and is translating all the THD materials to Portuguese. He has also included human factors in all his recreational and technical diving classes.
And Finally:
Understanding the human factors impact on the performance of teams and how to apply this knowledge in high-risk industries has become a passion for Pedro, who is also loves teaching and sharing knowledge and experiences. His goal is to help teams and the diving industry to evolve by actively implementing human factors practices in their day-to-day operations and then transfer this approach to other industries in his professional area, such as Information Technology. He can deliver training in Portuguese and English.
John Strobridge
Base
Reston, VA
Background
Hailing from Florida, John served in the Marine Corps as a Force Reconnaissance Marine and completed numerous overseas deployments. John holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and M.A. from King’s College London. Beyond diving, John is an avid rock and ice climber, skydiver, and golfer. In addition to being an instructor for The Human Diver, John works as a program manager.
Diving Experience
John first learned to dive growing up in Florida and elected to pursue advanced courses beginning in 2018. He is currently a GUE Tech 1 and Cave 1 diver, and Cave CCR certified with IANTD. John enjoys cave diving in North Florida and wreck diving in the Pacific Northwest.
Human Factors Commitment:
John discovered Human Factors in Diving in 2021 when the Level 0: Essentials course was mandated as part of a technical dive course. Though he was generally familiar with human factors from his military career, The Human Diver opened his eyes to the interdependent nature of these skills and their application across many industries. John went on to complete The Human Diver’s other courses and received his instructor accreditation in January 2024. Since becoming an instructor, John has taught courses in the U.S. and Canada.
And Finally:
Having always been part of a team both professionally and in sports, John is interested in human performance and high-functioning teams, particularly in high-risk industries.
Lanny Vogel
Lanny has worked with diverse teams in diving, submarines, mountaineering, rugby, military operations and strategic headquarters. Realising that earlier exposure to Human Factors principles would have been very useful in all these situations has made him an enthusiastic Human Diver advocate.
Base
Tulum, Mexico
Background
Before diving full time, Lanny was a Naval Officer, with service in submarines and surface ships, and in officer selection and training. He had numerous joint and strategic planning roles in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Ministry of Defence and holds postgraduate qualifications in Defence Studies, Strategic Management and Leadership. Outside of work, he played rugby for many years and has an interest in live comedy, politics and military history.
Diving Experience
Lanny has been a technical instructor for more than 2 decades and teaches cave, rebreather and trimix for multiple agencies. He is the founder of Cave Camp, a member of the cave line and safety committee in Mexico and speaks regularly at dive shows. He is also a former expeditions officer for Navy and Marines sub aqua and is the chair of a BSAC branch.
Human Factors Commitment:
Lanny has been supportive of Gareth’s Human Diver work from the beginning and was delighted to contribute to the book “Under Pressure”. His previous career had some interesting Human Factors components, including compilation of multi billion pound risk registers for the Defence Board and running the risk management infrastructure for support to operations in Afghanistan. All cave, technical and CCR classes at his dive centre, Underworld Tulum, have human factors principles at their heart. He is passionate about introducing the “cheat codes” to leadership, followership and improving performance to the wider diving community and in other industries.
And Finally:
Lanny and his wife Claire do a lot of work with dog rescue in Mexico. Our menagerie rarely numbers fewer than a dozen, and we have rescued and fostered over 200 animals.
Mark James (MB ChB, FRCPC)
Mark remains a student of human performance, first engaging in some of these principles while engaged within the high resolution medical simulation environment. The evident need for expanding this curriculum, and its application to diving, became more relevant as he embraced the facets of technical diving. One of his goals is to make this apparent to our diving friends and associates and introducing this curriculum to the medical fraternity.
Base:
Nanaimo (Vancouver Island), BC, Canada.
Background:
He is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at University of British Columbia, practising Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine in Nanaimo. He is a regular contributor to the quarterly interdisciplinary simulation CME/CPD that is hosted by the Anesthesiology Department.
Diving Experience:
Mark is a GUE TEC 2 and GUE CCR 1 diver. Although he first experienced the underwater realm as an adolescent, medical school and subsequent immigration to Canada interrupted the journey. However, in 2014, when one of his sons showed a desire, Mark’s interest was rekindled. He progressed through the PADI system and was subsequently introduced to Guy Shockey and GUE. He is predominantly a cold water PNW diver, managing close to 100 dives per year in the company of awesome teammates.
Human Factors Commitment:
Mark believes that education, and generational growth, is imperative to all communities who indulge in high risk, high consequence activities. He is an avid contributor to medical student and post graduate medical education and, with these new insights, will shift some of this commitment to the diving community.
And Finally:
Teaching is both demanding and rewarding. Human Factors, and the application to the real world, allows Mark to engage others in their understanding of the systems within which they live and work.
Jonathan Langham
Base:
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Background:
Jonathan graduated at the top of his class from the University of South Alabama’s Paramedicine program, earning his National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians–Paramedic certification. Seeking a high-volume EMS environment, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he also learned about the soon-to-be-built Georgia Aquarium. After gaining valuable 911 experience, Jonathan joined Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Critical Care Transport team—one of the busiest pediatric transport operations in the country. A year later, he was offered a position on their flight team, further enhancing his knowledge of Pediatric Critical Care. During this time, he discovered Crew Resource Management, sparking a keen interest in Human Factors.
Diving Experience:
In 2011, Jonathan landed his dream job as a Maintenance Diver at Georgia Aquarium. He now serves as Dive Safety Officer and Manager of Dive Safety and Training, overseeing nearly 300 staff and volunteer divers who perform about 15,000 dives annually. Jonathan is an Instructor Trainer with Divers Alert Network (DAN) and RAID, and he’s also an Instructor for NAUI. His certifications include Cave, Technical Decompression, Mixed Gas Blender, Hollis Prism 2 CCR 60m Trimix, and Poseidon Se7en CCR instruction. Having logged over 1,500 dives, he remains active in professional organizations, including the Association of Dive Program Administrators, the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (where he served as an appointed), and he is a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Human Factors Commitment:
Jonathan first encountered Human Factors in Diving after meeting Gareth at the 2016 AAUS Symposium. He took a two-day class the following year and became passionate about creating a Just Culture and Psychological Safety within dive operations. This led to improved team collaboration and safety at the aquarium. Now serving as an instructor for The Human Diver, Jonathan is dedicated to spreading these concepts across the industry, including to his former colleagues in EMS. He believes in calling off a dive when necessary, emphasizing that safety ensures the opportunity to dive again tomorrow.
And Finally:
When not diving, Jonathan is an avid rock climber and a student of leadership at Echelon Front’s Leadership Academy. His favorite spot is Yosemite National Park, but he also enjoys climbing local crags in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Looking ahead, Jonathan plans to pursue an Executive MBA focused on Leadership, merging his passions for safety, education, and high-performing teams.
EMAIL JONATHANErik Payeur
Base:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Background:
Joined the US Air Force as a Tech Controller maintaining secure communications with ICBM’s. After leaving the service, Erik moved into IT Security and currently serves as the Enterprise Architect System Security for a technology manufacturing company.
Diving Experience:
Erik was first certified in 2001 and quickly fell in love with diving. Currently, he works as a Course Director and Technical Instructor in Minnesota, USA. Erik and his wife Melanie lead the Backroll Adventures team -- focused on safe dive travel and training around the world. He especially loves diving the cave systems of Mexico.
Human Factors Commitment:
Erik believes that change can happen and is needed in the dive industry. He works to share the why and get others to understand the things they do not know that they do not know. Sharing the ‘If Only’ with all divers from a very young age is imperative.
And Finally:
Erik is part of a big family and enjoys spending time with them. Lots of outdoors.
EMAIL ERIK
