Scuba is a type of diving where divers use equipment to remain underwater independently from a surface air supply. This allows them to explore the depths of the ocean, lakes and rivers and gives a unique perspective to anyone who is fortunate enough to experience it.

Diving has a long history with many legendary inventions, discoveries and achievements that have made it possible for people to safely enter the water and enjoy its beauty. While scuba is often associated with recreational diving it has also been used for military and scientific applications as well as wreck hunting.

Throughout history people have developed ever better ways to stay underwater for longer periods of time and at increasing depths. Ancient manuscripts contain illustrations of early divers and century old artifacts imply that people dove for pearls, sponges, coral and other treasures.

1715 (surface air) Englishman John Lethbridge builds a “diving engine,” an underwater oak cylinder that is surface-supplied with compressed air. This enables him to work for 30 minutes at 60 ft and protrude his arms into the water for salvage work.

1942 (scuba) Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan develop the first workable demand valve system for scuba diving. They are known as the fathers of scuba because they made it safe and affordable to explore the seas.

During the 1950s and 1960s many important advances relating to scuba safety are made. Scuba equipment becomes lighter and more compact, certification programs are established, standards for diver training and equipment become more defined and the first episode of the TV series Sea Hunt stars Lloyd Bridges as the intrepid underwater adventurer Mike Nelson.