SAFETY continued
am uncomfortable about and needs to be addressed? Should I continue or consider aborting the dive altogether? This reflective review may lead to simple adjustments, such as re- organizing your equipment, seeking help, or taking a break. In some cases, it may mean abandoning the dive entirely for safety’s sake.
reinforce the value of reflective practice. The “Rule of Three” is more than a safety protocol; it is a philosophy of humility and mindfulness. By making errors visible, pausing deliberately, and rethinking our approach, we transform mistakes from sources of potential danger into op- portunities for learning and improvement.
For example, a diver preparing for a deep dive forgets to check their breathing gas supply (mis- take one), has made an error in assembling their equipment (mis-
In scuba diving, where there are often a variety of pre-dive pressures on diving professionals and divers as well, the wisdom to stop after three errors warns
The “Rule of Three” reminds us to slow down, refocus, and avoid compounding mistakes out of frustration or haste.
take two), and realizes they added the wrong amount of weight to their BCD or weight system (mistake three). According to the “Rule of Three,” now is the time to stop, and take a deep breath. Instead of pushing ahead and risking an emergency underwater, the diver should reassess, determine why the mistakes are being made, correct the mistakes, or po- tentially choose to postpone the dive. Even in daily routines, pausing after a series of mishaps, such as a forgotten wallet, a missed turn, a dropped phone, can be wise. The “Rule of Three” reminds us to slow down, refocus, and avoid compounding mistakes out of frustration or haste. Why not stop after one error, or wait for five? Three is a psychologically significant number. One mistake may be an anomaly; two can be a coincidence; three forms a pattern. At three, it becomes difficult to dismiss the situation as mere bad luck. The number three is also easy to remember, making the rule practical and effective. Like any rule, the “Rule of Three” is not infallible. Not all errors are equal – some may demand immediate cessation re- gardless of count, while others may be minor. The rule depends on honest and realistic self-assessment; ignoring or rationalizing errors defeats its purpose. In dynamic environments, stopping may not always be feasible, and rigidly applying the rule without regard for context can itself become a hazard. Nevertheless, the “Rule of Three” is a powerful tool that en- courages mindfulness and caution. It is a reminder that some- times, the best action is inaction: to pause, step back, take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture. For dive groups, making the “Rule of Three” an explicit part of diving safety culture may improve the diving experiences. Encourage diving companions to speak up when mistakes ac- cumulate and ensure that pauses for reassessment are supported rather than penalized or regarded as personal weakness. Use debriefings and post-dive reviews to identify error chains and
us: safety and sound judgment always come first. Whether we are diving in some exotic diving destination or trying to manage the challenges of daily living, the “Rule of Three” is a simple, memorable, and potentially life-saving guide. When we make mistakes, even minor ones, stop, take a deep breath and rethink before moving forward. Those in our care, will be much safer for it.
Additional Reading: Orr, D. & Orr, B. 101 Tips for Recreational Scuba Diving. 2023. Best Publishing Company (www.bestpub.com). Orr, D. & Douglas, E. Scuba Diving Safety. 2007. Best Publishing Company (www.bestpub.com).
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