Jacques Cousteau: Images of a Tech Pioneer

Jacques Cousteau, who died in 1997, is likely remembered for his award-winning television documentaries and films of his ocean explorations aboard his ship, Calypso. Indeed, he won three Oscars, starting with the 1956 film, "The Silent World.")

Jacques Cousteau

/ Cousteau Society

Cousteau, would would have been 100 this year, is being honored in a year-long celebration of his accomplishments - which are many.

For all his renown as a mass media fixture, Cousteau was also an important figure in advancing the technology of deep sea exploration. He invented or participated in the invention of many of the devices that have since turned diving into a global recreational sport. Perhaps Cousteau's most important invention, the aqualung, which he pioneered in 1943, was the precursor of the scuba equipment that millions of people use today.

The official festivities, which kicked off earlier this month on the anniversary of his birthday, will wrap up with the relaunch of the Calypso. The ship was severely damaged in 1996 when it was involved in an accident with a barge in Singapore. The Calypso was since rescued and towed to France, where rehabilitation work is underway in Brittany.

11 Photos

The Technology of Jacques Cousteau

For more, check out this video featuring clips from his other inventions, courtesy of the Cousteau Society.