When was scuba invented? Many people will tell you that it was in 1860s. But when did scuba become a reality? Let's take a look at the early scuba equipment. Emile Gagnan (Jacques Cousteau), and many other pioneers have played important roles in the evolution scuba diving. These pioneers helped open the door to freedom of navigation. But who is responsible? And who was the first to regulate scuba diving in the world?
Jacques Cousteau
In the early 1960s, Jacques Cousteau was part of a program called the Conshelf Saturation Dive, which aimed to determine the feasibility of living underwater for extended periods. The five divers involved in the experiment were documented in a film called World Without Sun. Since the emergence of scuba equipment, the goal of ocean exploration has been greatly enhanced. Today, robot undersea robotics do this work. Cousteau's documentary won a third Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Emile Gagnan
Scuba was discovered by Emile Gagnan, an engineer from France who was developing valve designs for a Paris-based company that produced compressed gas. He saw that divers could be at risk of suffering from nitrogen narcosis. This is a condition in which people can become insane and experience extreme pain. Gagnan and Cousteau collaborated to design a machine that would enable people to survive underwater. They knew that air-pressure regulation of oxygen would be the keys to survival.
1860s
Henry A. Fleuss (a London-based dive engineer) invented Scuba in the 1960s. Fleuss' design included a diving snorkel with a spout to hold compressed air. The bag could also be filled with caustic potash. This sealed circuit allowed divers to inhale air for up three hours.
1860s scuba regulator
The 1960s scuba regulators are a far cry away from today's technology. They were designed by Auguste Denayrouze (Benoit Rouquayrol). Benoit Rouquayrol invented the demand valve. It was originally used in poisonous mines and smoky rooms. But it was later made suitable for diving. In 1865, the Rouquayrol-Denayrouze apparatus became a mass-produced product and was adopted as a French Navy standard. The French diving community didn't accept the invention of this regulator.
Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus
R. H. Davis invented the Davis Submerged Rescue Apparatus (or Davis scuba) in 1914. It contained a rubber breathing and buoyancy pack, a canister with barium hydroxide, and an iron pressure cylinder that contained 56 litres at 120 bar. This cylinder was connected directly to the breathing bags and was powered by the pressure in the surrounding water. The Davis scuba rig was the first commercially-available rebreather, and it was used for submarine escapes in the First World War. It was also used industrially.
1860s Scuba Goggles
In the 1860s diving gear wasn't as sophisticated as it is today. Divers used to use wooden or glass helmets for protection against water pressure before the invention of scuba goggles. Otis Barton is one of two wealthy families who had explored underwater exploration when they were young. Barton had used a makeshift diving helmet to explore the Massachusetts waters, and was supported by rocks.
Deane brothers' scuba diving system
The Deane brothers first began testing their underwater apparatus in 1829. The scuba apparatus consisted of a helmet as well as a breathing apparatus. The Deane brothers' system was a successful invention and soon the two brothers had a booming business. Their invention lead to The Method of Using Deane Brothers Patent Diving Apparatus. It was the first diving manual.
1860s scuba reservoir
Benoit Rouquayrol invented compressed air to create a reservoir for scuba diving in the 1860s. Rouquayrol had already invented the "demand regulator" for underground mines and smoke-filled rooms. Auguste Denayrouze applied Rouquayrol’s design to underwater diving in 1864. The principle behind the device remains the same today. A similar system is used by modern scuba regulators.