Origins of Underwater Breathing Technology

By Ed Martinez

Published in the Fall 2009 issue of MyTekLife Magazine

Ancient artifacts have yielded evidence that underwater breathing technology could have been used as far back as 800 B.C.

There is a stone carving currently on exhibit at the British Museum, which portrays an Assyrian warrior crossing over the Euphrates River to reach the enemy capital of Suru in the land of Suhi. The warrior is using what appears to be an inflated skin device of some sort, possibly from a goat. It is unclear if this device was used to help soldiers stay afloat, or for breathing underwater. If indeed it was used for breathing, as some historians suspect, as simple as it is, it is a remarkable technological idea of the Assyrian civilization.

Breathing technology was also in use by the ancient Greeks around 500 B.C. Divers used hollow reeds as snorkels, which helped mask their presence when approaching enemy ships. It provided the perfect element of surprise during battles. It was not until the early 1500s that divers in Europe began to explore depths of 60 feet using diving suits made of leather that were full of air. A metal helmet was also used to withstand greater water pressure as divers went deeper. Later, in 1942, Jacques Cousteau, the great explorer, developed the Aqua-Lung, which was the first self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. The device was made up of a high-pressure cylinder and a regulator, which supplied breathable air at ambient pressure.

The technology continues to improve and has become even more sophisticated. Rebreathers have become popular among recreational and professional divers around the world. This innovation enables divers to recycle the air they breathe out and also clean out the carbon dioxide that can become toxic and can be fatal. Rebreathers were used since the Second World War, mostly by the military. Since they do not release bubbles like traditional open-circuit scuba systems, marines could swim silently without being detected.