News
Diving Incidents: Have you found what you are looking for?
Diver and human factors expert, Gareth Lock, has announced the release of a new course from The Human Diver, ‘Learning from Unintended Outcomes’ which focuses on learning, not blaming, when it comes to incidents, accidents and near-misses in the diving domain.
The first ever of its kind, this course focuses on location rationality and context, ultimately determining ‘how it made sense for those involved to do that they did’. Despite what some might think, no diver plans to end up with an injury, death, or damaged materiel during a dive, and therefore understanding more than what just happened in the previous few hours or day is key to ensuring continued safety in diving.
Most incident investigations focus on non-compliance, rule-breaking and proximal causes, and yet modern safety research shows that there are always multiple, latent factors which precede these adverse events and that by understanding these conditions, we are more likely to reduce the likelihood of a future adverse event. We need to look at what ‘normal’ looks like, not just the non-compliant aspects of the dive. Accidents happen as deviations from ‘normal’, not just deviations from rules. Adverse events occur when the capacity to remain safe has been exceeded and then apply the learning to future diving operations.
Gareth Lock, Human Diver
The course is run in either a virtual format or face-to-face and provides 3 hours of pre-learning to ensure the core concepts are known before 16+ hours of engaging sessions bring the theory to life with case studies and critical thinking and reflection. The virtual class runs over 5 days of 3.5 hr sessions and the face-to-face class is run over two 8-hr days. The first virtual course is scheduled to start on May 16th 2022, 17:00-20:30 UK with the first face-to-face happening 21-22 May in Cirencester, UK. Both courses are limited to 6 people attending.
The course is written for those in supervisory positions or positions of leadership in diving agencies or training organisations, in dive centres, in scientific diving establishments, on expedition/projects, or those who want to take their learning further. The cost is extremely competitive given the depth of knowledge provided and the ability to transfer this knowledge to the non-diving space.
Gareth has written a book ‘Under Pressure: Diving Deeper with Human Factors’ which is consider THE textbook when it comes to applying human factors in diving and comes highly recommended. Working with Ashley Bugge and her late husband’s dive team, he also went to Hawaii in November 2019 to film a documentary about Brian’s accident which was called ‘If Only…’ and was released in May 2020. In September 2021, he organised and ran the first ever Human Factors in Diving Conference which had nearly 30 speakers and delivered high-quality materials over two-days via a virtual platform. His is currently undertaking a MSc in Human Factors and System Safety at Lund University, with a view to developing greater knowledge of how safety and performance can be improved in diving.
Gareth lives with his family in Malmesbury, Wiltshire and travels the world sharing his knowledge of how human behaviour can affect diving, facilitating ‘counter-errorism in diving’. Through his company, The Human Diver, Gareth trains high performance teams and speaks at conferences focused on diving, extreme sports and supporting teams in high-risk sectors.
You can see what course contains, the learning objectives, and how to book on here: https://www.thehumandiver.com/lfuo
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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