Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving

Hosted by: Gareth Lock at The Human Diver

Human 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...

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Episodes

SH129: We judge based on outcomes, not on process

In this episode, we dive into the role of social conformity, biases, and decision-making in diving safety. Humans naturally seek group belonging, but this can lead to harsh judgments when incidents occur, particularly...
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SH128: I am biased...you are biased...we are all biased...!

In this episode, we explore how cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that influence our decisions—affect our actions in complex and dynamic situations. Whether things go right or wrong, biases like overconfidence,...
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SH127: Can divers learn from the US Forest Service?

This podcast episode explores how the U.S. Forest Service uses structured Learning Reviews to improve safety in high-risk environments by focusing on understanding the context, mindset, and systemic factors behind...
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SH126: Why did he make such an obvious mistake...?

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of decision-making in high-risk environments, focusing on why some choices that lead to accidents might seem baffling but are understandable in context. We discuss Todd...
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SH125: "Known Unknowns" - Are they considered enough in diving...?

In this episode, we explore Donald Rumsfeld's "known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns" concept and how it applies to risk management in diving. Using the Johari window model of self-reflection, we discuss...
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SH124: Congratulations on surviving. Dude, you’re one lucky f***er

In this episode, we delve into the story of Eric, a wingsuit base jumper who nearly died during a jump, to explore the risks, attitudes, and decision-making in extreme sports. Eric’s candid interview highlights how...
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SH123: Why is it so hard to thumb a dive, or end something that you have committed to?

One of the key lessons in diving is that anyone can end a dive at any time for any reason, no questions asked, yet making that call can be tough due to unspoken pressures. This episode explores how inferred peer...
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SH122: "Human Error" or "Diver Error": Are they just an easy way of blaming the individual?

In this episode, we dive into the concept of human error, examining why labeling it as the sole cause of accidents often oversimplifies the issue and prevents meaningful improvement. Human error is natural,...
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SH121: We all make errors. Let’s not judge those involved without understanding the ‘how’ it made sense.

In this episode, we explore the concept of a Just Culture in diving, where learning from mistakes and sharing incidents openly helps improve safety without fear of unfair criticism or blame. Inspired by Human Factors...
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SH120: Why is it so hard to talk about failure?

In this episode, we discuss how openly sharing failures can lead to safer, more effective diving practices and team connections. Inspired by a diving forum thread called “I Learned About Diving From That,” we explore...
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SH119: Local Rationality: Why an old lady vandalised art and how to improve diving safety!

In this episode, we explore how understanding "local rationality"—the idea that people make decisions that make sense to them in the moment—can improve diving safety and team performance. Using the story of a...
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SH118: Being a deviant is normal...

In this episode, we delve into "normalization of deviance"—how divers, like workers in many fields, can gradually drift from safe practices due to pressures to be more efficient or productive. Often starting with...
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