When was scuba developed? Many people will argue that it was the 1960s. But when was actually scuba first invented? Let's look at the earliest scuba equipment. Emile Gagnan Jacques Cousteau, and others have played important parts in the development of scuba divers. They were instrumental in paving the way to freedom of navigation. But, who is responsible and why? And who is responsible for the earliest scuba regulator?
Jacques Cousteau
In the 1960s, Jacques Cousteau took part in a program called Conshelf Saturation Dive. It was intended to test the feasibility of living underwater for prolonged periods. The experiments, which involved five divers, were documented in a film called World Without Sun. The ocean exploration goal has greatly improved since the invention of scuba equipment. Robotic undersea robots now perform this work. Cousteau's documentary won third Academy Award.
Emile Gagnan
Scuba was first invented by Emile Gagnan, a French engineer who was designing valves for a Paris-based compressed gas company. He realized that divers in the water were at risk for developing nitrogen narcosis. This can lead to extreme pain and a bizarre behavior. Gagnan was joined by Cousteau in the design of a machine that would allow people to survive under water. They knew that oxygen-pressure regulation would be the key to survival.
1860s
Henry A. Fleuss, an engineer and diver from London, invented the sport of scuba in 1860s. Fleuss' design included a diving snorkel with a spout to hold compressed air. It also included a bag that could be filled with a caustic potash solution. This sealed circuit system allowed divers air to be able to breathe for up to three hours.
1860s scuba regulator
1860s scuba regulators were a far cry from the current technology. They were created by Auguste Denayrouze and Benoit Rouquayrol. Benoit Rouquayrol's demand valve was first used in smoky rooms and poisonous mines, but was later adapted for use in 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 Mechatronus
R. H. Davis was the inventor of Davis Submerged rescue apparatus, or Davis scuba. It was composed of a rubber breathing and buoyancy device, a canister containing barium hydroxide and a steel pressure tube containing 56 litres oxygen 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.
Scuba goggles from the 1860s
The 1860s was a time when diving gear was not as sophisticated as today's. 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 worn a makeshift dive helmet and weighed his body with rocks as he swam around Massachusetts waters.
Deane brothers' Scuba System
The Deane brothers first began testing their underwater apparatus in 1829. The scuba system consisted primarily of a helmet and breathing apparatus. The Deane brothers' system was a successful invention and soon the two brothers had a booming business. Their invention resulted in the first diving manual, The Method of Using Deane Brothers Patent Diving Apparatus. This detailed the functions of their apparatus and also provided safety instructions.
1860s scuba reservoir
Using compressed air as a scuba reservoir was first invented in the 1860s by Benoit Rouquayrol. Rouquayrol already had the 'demand regulator', which he used in underground mines or smoke-filled rooms. Auguste Denayrouze adapt Rouquayrol’s designs to underwater diving in 1864. The principle behind the device remains the same today. The modern regulator for scuba diving uses a similar system.