The National Association of Underwater Instructors or NAUI has been founded in 1959 by Albert Tillman and Neal Hess. In the year after they held their very first instructor training which was at that time of 72 candidates.
The first modern on demand regulator
Jean-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan patent the first modern on demand regulator valve. After Gagnan was working at Air Liquide on a small demand valve and has been introduced to Cousteau which was looking for a way to regulate the flow from a high pressure cylinder.
Beuchat open its door
Beuchat, the first equipment manufacturing company for underwater activities opened its door in 1834 in Marseille, France. It was founded by Georges Beuchat a 24 years old young man and spearfishing enthusiast. Some of his concepts and invention are still in use and adopted by all manufacturers of equipment.