News
The Human Diver publishes first book
A former RAF Squadron Leader and high-risk diver has published his first book to help fellow divers act safely.
Gareth Lock, the man behind the well-respected brand The Human Diver, has launched Under Pressure. While aimed at divers, it is applicable to anyone in high-risk sports.
He said: “Most accidents and incidents are believed to be down to ‘human error’. Every one of us makes mistakes every day, even the experts. But categorising as ‘human error’ does a disservice to people who create safety in what they do.”
“Attributing ‘human error’ as the cause means we often focus on the outcomes rather than the failures in decision-making, situational awareness, communication, team work or the impact of stress and fatigue. In diving, errors which are not trapped or mitigated can ultimately mean the difference between life and death.”
“Getting this right means developing an understanding of individual and team behaviours, sometimes when operating under extreme stress, and then being able to collect important and/or relevant information, make effective decisions and lead the team to the benefit of all.”
Gareth’s first book uses his experience and knowledge gained through his 25-year career with the RAF and as an experienced diver to demonstrate a new way of thinking and planning to avoid errors which can cost lives.
The book contains more than 30 detailed stories from globally-known divers such as Jill Heinerth, Richard Lundgren, Steve Bogaerts and Roger Williams. The case studies and analysis show how experts can make mistakes and how they survived to tell the tale.
“The aim of the book is to improve the safety and performance of divers and it’s an opportunity to learn how divers really make decisions, how they should communicate and how we should all lead others,” Gareth said.
Under Pressure has already been endorsed by well-known names in the world of diving and underwater sports like explorer and Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society Phil Short and diver-health expert and rebreather instructor Dr Douglas Ebersole.
Phil said: “I feel this book is an essential teaching tool for all instructors and instructor trainers in diver education, to all members of a diving or other expedition and in addition an essential addition to every diver’s library. The layout is logical and makes learning simple.”
Doug said: “As long as we only look at the diver and not the system as a whole, we are unlikely to make diving safer. Gareth presents this systematic approach to diving safety with chapters on subjects including mindset, human error, risk management, the ‘just’ culture, situational awareness and communication in a very concise, yet thorough approach with anecdotes by leading members of the diving community.”
For more information about the book and Gareth himself visit www.thehumandiver.com.
Check back for our review of Under Pressure coming soon on Scubaverse.com.
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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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