Human factors in diving

• Main Author: Blumenberg, Michael A.
• Other Authors: Civil Engineering
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/24309

CIVINS === Dive safety is primarily a function of four factors: the environment, equipment, individual diver performance and dive team performance. The water is a harsh and alien environment which can impose severe physical and psychological stress on a diver. The remaining factors must be controlled and coordinated so the diver can overcome the stresses imposed by the underwater environment and work safely. Diving equipment is crucial because it provides life support to the diver, but the majority of dive accidents are caused by individual diver panic and an associated degradation of the individual diverts performance. This paper investigates the factors which influence human performance and behavior, and focuses on divers working underwater. Recommendations are offered on how to improve dive safety through knowledge and awareness of human factors.