The history of the scuba diving mask dates back to the early 20th century, around the time that flippers, snorkels and other diving gear were also being developed. The quality and design of diving masks have improved through the years. Though many masks are essentially one-size-fits-all models, custom-made masks to better fit a diver's face and head have long been available for divers willing to pay extra for the individualized construction
Early Versions
Early diving masks were designed to essentially be watertight goggles, and went around the eyes only. One of the first people to develop usable diving masks was American Guy Gilpatric, while living in the south of France in the 1930s. Later, masks that also covered the nose were introduced and became popular, just as the sport of diving was taking hold around the world. Individuals associated with improved mask design were Alec Kramarenko, of Russia, and Yves Le Prieur and Maxime Forjot, of France.
The Post-War Years
After World War II ended, the sport of diving began to grow in popularity in the U.S., Australia and many other countries with ocean shores. For a while skin diving, which required only a mask and flippers, was the preferred way to dive. As the 1950s continued, scuba diving took hold, dive shops opened and diving masks were soon being purchased by serious scuba divers as well as recreational skin divers.
The Cousteau Influence
The aqualung diving system, which has a mix of oxygen and other gases pumped to the diver's regulator at his mouth with the exhaled gas entering the water, was developed by Jacques Cousteau, an internationally known undersea explorer largely made famous through his popular television specials. In the 1970s, safety precautions began to be implemented, such as the need for certification to show at least a minimum of training. During this time, masks were also being tinkered with, using new materials and designs to provide divers greater comfort and peripheral vision.
Masks Get Bigger and More High Tech
By the 1990s, full-faced scuba masks were becoming standard and scuba equipment was becoming significantly more advanced. Underwater communication systems that included earphones and microphones in the masks were joined by other scuba developments, such as better gas mixtures and even suits with small propulsion systems.
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