Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau devoted the rest of his life to ocean research after World War II. He purchased the Calypso a minesweeper to sail around the globe, including the Antarctic Circle. He collected data and conducted experiments that led to the Calypso-Phot underwater camera and SP-350 deep-sea submarine for two.
Cousteau began his research with the creation of an apparatus for breathing called the aqualung. Although this apparatus was able to allow Cousteau to breathe in controlled air, it was only suited for shallow diving. In order to discover the depths of the oceans, Cousteau knew that he needed a better way to regulate the flow of air. Through his experimentation, he developed the demand regulator which allows air to flow only on demand. This invention would allow divers to increase their air supply and prevent decompression sickness.
Yves le Prieur
Yves le Prieur is a pioneer in scuba diving, dating back to the early 1900s. In 1946, he designed a fullface helmet with a removable front plate. This mask was a type of diaphragm that could be used to regulate the demand. His next invention was the diving regulator.
1933 was the year that the first scuba diver apparatus was invented. The Fernez-Le-Prieur air supply system was combined with the Denayrouze-Rouquayrol demand regulator. It revolutionized the world of scuba diving, making it affordable and easy to use underwater breathing devices. This was the birthplace of recreational scuba diving.
Guy Gilpatric
Guy Gilpatric made many contributions to the history of scuba dive during his lifetime. He was the author of the first sport diving guide, and his Saturday Evening Post articles were amongst those that covered scuba dive. His fascination with the sea and nature led him to explore the Mediterranean and write about it. The book is credited for inspiring Jacques Cousteau, the man who would go on to invent modern scuba diving.
In the early 20th Century, the inventions of modern scuba diving gear were made. Guy Gilpatric, an American marine biologist, invented a system that allowed divers air to be breathed in without the need for surface air. Later, Yves Le Prier designed an underwater breathing system. Owen Churchill purchased the system. The scuba diving rig was soon popular. Guy Gilpatric designed rubber goggles with lenses made from glass, swim fins, masks, snorkels, and face masks.
Yves Gagnan
The first century saw scuba divers relying on the use of diving bells, helmets, and air hoses. Yves Gagnan a Parisian engineer helped them develop a demand system. This new device provided compressed air on demand and was capable of adjusting to the pressure of the surrounding water. This invention made it possible to explore the oceans with people at all levels.
Gagnan, a Frenchman, was born in Burgundy in 1900. After graduating college, he started working at Air Liquide. There he learned high-pressure pneumatic designing. This helped to develop the scuba equipment we now use.