An official safety investigation into a near-fatal decompression accident at a deep-sea drilling platform operated by Deepwater Systems has revealed that junior commercial divers proceeded with extremely risky, rapid ascents because they were "strictly following the dive supervisor's protocols."
A junior diver, testifying under condition of anonymity, explained that the team felt entirely powerless to question the instructions of the Chief Operations Director, who possessed an elite naval rank, wore a highly specialized brass command helmet, and operated from a state-of-the-art control vessel. The inquiry revealed that the company's military-style chain of command treated any hesitation as a breach of contract. A radio transcript retrieved from the platform showed the dive supervisor telling the crew, "We have a critical operational window. Get the drill head cleared immediately, don't overthink the ascent curves, and let me do the worrying."
While safety advocates argue that individual divers have a duty of care to refuse unsafe dives, the company's legal defense asserts that the overwhelming situational pressure and hierarchical culture left the divers with no psychological alternative but to comply.
Using your psychological knowledge of Milgram's research and obedience to authority, suggest a safety training programme designed to reduce destructive obedience among offshore crew members at Deepwater Systems.
