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Draeger of Germany releases an oxygen rebreather.
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Mar-Vel Underwater Equipment was founded and would become an early source for skin and scuba diving equipment as well as the commercial equipment that they specialize in.
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Rene's Sporting Goods in Westwood, CA imports some of the new Aqua-Lungs to the U.S. Rene Bussoz, a relative of Cousteau, sold these first Aqua-Lungs and word began to spread within the diving community. While it is certain that some very influential early divers owned and used this first few Aqua-Lungs imported it is a sad fact that more individuals claim to have bought them from Rene than he had stock to fulfill.
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Many stores specifically dedicated to the sport of diving were opened nationally.
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Skin Diver Magazine was formed by Chuck Blakeslee and Jim Auxier. The magazine became the central source for information on the industry. Chuck and Jim were both avid divers and put much of the magazine's profits toward improving the sport. Among the projects they funded or created over the years were the first sport diving museum, The National Diving Patrol, NAUI, The International Underwater Film Festivals, the Hannes Keller dive, and many other early projects and events.
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The Reserve Valve (later designated "J" valve by U.S. Divers according to its placement in their 1953 catalog) was released.
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Hans Hass publishes Diving to Adventure and inspires many newcomers to the underwater world.
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Silent World was released by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Frédéric Dumas, and James Dugan. Silent World tells the story of the invention and underwater adventures of the early Aqua-Lung and becomes one of the most influential books in bringing new people to the sport of SCUBA diving. Many skin divers decide to buy an Aqua-Lung based on this book.
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Popular Science gives directions on how to make your own scuba equipment using surplus military parts.
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The Science of Skin and Scuba Diving is published by the Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics. This becomes the cornerstone textbook for diver education.
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The first wetsuit was introduced by researchers at the University of California. Edco produces the first suits.
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Ted Nixon introduces the red and white "Divers Down" flag.
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Al Tillman and Zale Parry organize the first International Underwater Film Festival. Subsequent festivals were held in various cities around the world.
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The YMCA develops the first national diver certification program
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Ed Link spends 24 hours at 200 feet in the "Man in the Sea" project.
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Scubapro introduces the Stabilization Jacket.
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I was officially certified under PADI as a scuba diver
