Task loading
A task load describes the degree of difficulty experienced when performing a task, and task loading describes the accumulation of tasks that are necessary to perform an operation. A light task loading can be managed by the operator with capacity to spare in case of contingencies. Heavy task loading may overwhelm the diver if something does not go according to plan.[1]
In underwater diving, task loading is the accumulation of responsibilities leading to an increased risk of failure on the part of the diver to undertake some key basic function which would normally be routine for safety underwater.[2][3]
Common examples
Common examples of activities which can contribute to high task loading are:
- underwater photography or videography[4]
- underwater search and recovery
- underwater mapping
- diving in environments requiring use lights or guide reels (such as night diving, wreck diving and cave diving) or other additional equipment
- use of drysuits
- driving a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV)
- diving in cold water[5]
- breathing narcotic gas mixture[6]
Task loading represents an elevated risk when a new activity is undertaken by an inexperienced diver. A diver learning how to use a dry suit, or starting underwater photography, will need to dedicate considerably more attention to the proper functioning of the new and unfamiliar piece of equipment which leads to the elevated risk of neglect of other responsibilities. Those risks will normally diminish with experience.
Common examples of routine functions that can be overlooked as a result of task loading are:
- monitoring air supply properly
- maintaining buddy contact
- maintaining proper buoyancy[nb 1]
- monitoring depth and time (no-decompression limits)
- monitoring oxygen partial pressure in a rebreather
Task loading is often identified as a key component in diving accidents, although statistically it is difficult to monitor because divers with more experience can cope with a more complex array of tasks and equipment.[7] Simply controlling buoyancy while using a drysuit can call for great levels of attention in an inexperienced diver, but would be routine for an experienced cold water diver, and could be done safely while carrying a camera during a cave penetration or using a DPV.
See also
Footnotes
- ^ This is identified in most training courses as a common failing amongst new underwater photographers and underwater videographers
References
- ^ Zimmerman, M.E. (2011). Kreutzer, J.S.; DeLuca, J.; Caplan, B. (eds.). "Task Load". Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. New York, NY: Springer.
{{cite web}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Missing or empty|url=(help) - ^ Blumenberg, MA (1996). "Human Factors in Diving". CALIFORNIA UNIV BERKELEY (ADA322423). Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ Lorenz J, Lorenz B, Heineke M (July 1992). "Effect of mental task load on fronto-central theta activity in a deep saturation dive to 450 msw". Undersea Biomedical Research. 19 (4): 243–62. PMID 1353926. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ Kagan, Becky (2009-05-16). "Task Loading Tips For Underwater Photographers & Videographers". DivePhotoGuide.com. Retrieved 2009-05-16.
- ^ Vaughan WS (June 1977). "Distraction effect of cold water on performance of higher-order tasks". Undersea Biomedical Research. 4 (2): 103–16. PMID 878066. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ Biersner, RJ; Cameron, BJ (1970). "Cognitive Performance during a 1000-Foot Helium Dive". United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit Technical Report (NEDU-RR-10-70). Retrieved 2008-07-05.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|last-author-amp=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ O'Connor PE (2007). "The nontechnical causes of diving accidents: can U.S. Navy divers learn from other industries?". Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. 34 (1): 51–9. PMID 17393939. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
