ABSTRACT
Although compressed-air diving has been possible for most of the 20th century, it only became popular following the development of scuba equipment during the late 1940s. At that time, only those who sought excitement and had a genuine love of the sea would embrace the sport of diving. Natural selection dictated that these would be aquatic people - with skills and personality suited to this and other water activities - the 'waterman' concept. Diving was merely an extension of this overall interest and ability.
