Episode

SH299: When we ask 'What conditions made this more likely?' perspectives (should) change

Podcast
Counter-Errorism in Diving: Applying Human Factors to Diving
Published
Jul 25, 2026
Duration seconds
523
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://www.thehumandiver.com/
Audio
https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/83a57dc4-6d84-4a02-a23d-c8496ce070f6.mp3
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Markdown
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Summary

This episode challenges the instinct to explain diving accidents by focusing only on individual mistakes or broken rules. Instead, it explores how social, cultural, organisational, and environmental conditions shape the decisions divers make, even when those decisions seem irrational in hindsight. Using recent diving incidents as examples, the discussion highlights how behaviour that appears risky often made sense to those involved at the time, influenced by pressures such as authority, identity, time, and the expectation to “get the job done.” The episode introduces the PETTEOT framework—Person(s), Environment, Tasks, Tools and Technology, External Influences, Organisation, and Time—as a way to better understand how different parts of the diving system interact to create both success and failure. By moving beyond blame and examining the wider system, divers, instructors, and leaders can uncover the hidden conditions that shape performance and learn where meaningful improvements can be made, helping the community become better than yesterday. Original blog: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/what-conditions Links: Blog about LEODSI and PETTEOT: https://www.thehumandiver.com/post/what-is-leodsi-petteot Tags: THD-English | THD-Learning, Incidents & Just Culture