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First underwater breathing unit
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Period: to
History of Scuba Diving
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Oxygen rebreather
Draeger of Germany releases an oxygen rebreather. -
First underwater colour photographs
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Self-contained underwater breathing unit
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Mar-Vel Underwater Equipment was founded.
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. -
Aqua-Lungs imported to US
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. -
Many diving stores open
Many stores specifically dedicated to the sport of diving were opened nationally. -
Skin Diver Magazine is published
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. -
Reserve Valve released
The Reserve Valve (later designated "J" valve by U.S. Divers according to its placement in their 1953 catalog) was released. -
Diving to Adventure is published
Hans Hass publishes Diving to Adventure and inspires many newcomers to the underwater world. -
Silent World is published
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. -
Make your own scuba equipment
Popular Science gives directions on how to make your own scuba equipment using surplus military parts. -
First public skin and scuba diver education program in the US
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The Science of Skin and Scuba Diving is published
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. -
Zale Parry becomes a hero to women around the world
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First wetsuit produced
The first wetsuit was introduced by researchers at the University of California. Edco produces the first suits. -
"Divers Down" flag introduced
Ted Nixon introduces the red and white "Divers Down" flag. -
First International Underwater Film Festival
Al Tillman and Zale Parry organize the first International Underwater Film Festival. Subsequent festivals were held in various cities around the world. -
First national diver certification program
The YMCA develops the first national diver certification program -
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"Man in the Sea" project
Ed Link spends 24 hours at 200 feet in the "Man in the Sea" project. -
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Stabilization jacket introduced
Scubapro introduces the Stabilization Jacket. -
Miss Odiyar becomes an official scuba diver
I was officially certified under PADI as a scuba diver
