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.
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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