Scuba stands for self contained underwater breathing apparatus. According to Mirriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of scuba is “an apparatus utilizing a portable supply of compressed gas (as air) supplied at a regulated pressure and used for breathing while swimming underwater“. What was once an acronym has since evolved to common case in the English language. There is no longer a need for abbreviation (S.C.U.B.A)
Who created the word SCUBA?
The term scuba was created in 1954 by Dr. Christian Lambertsen. Dr. Lambertsen was building rebreather prototypes for the United States Military. He invented the Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit. This was a closed circuit breathing device. He code named the project SCUBA.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School Dr. Lambertsen was hired by the U.S Military Office of Strategic Services. During his tenure he worked on equipment for the frogmen and amphibious military units. His work on breathing gases and decompression theory earned him the nickname “The Father of U.S Combat Swimming”.
Who invented Scuba Diving?
While Dr. Christian Lambertsen created the word scuba, Jacques Cousteau created the first functional underwater breathing apparatus. Cousteau and his partner Emily Gagnan invented a demand valve system that enabled scuba divers to breathe compressed air underwater. They called their invention the aqualung. This regulator system paved the way for anyone interested to explore the underworld. While using an underwater camera Cousteau showed the world life under the sea. These accomplishments earned him the nickname “The Father of Scuba Diving”.
