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The First Oceanographic Research Vessel
The U.S. Fisheries Commission steamer Albatross begins operations as the first ship built to serve as an oceanographic research vessel.(scientific research) -
first acoustic exploration of the seas
Reginald Fessenden uses an oscillator to bounce a signal simultaneously off an iceberg and the seafloor. (scientific research) -
aqua lung
Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan modify a demand breathing regulator to engineer the Aqua-Lung.(recreation) -
Development of deep tow system
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography begins development of the Deep Tow System -
submersible deep dive
Alvin was the first U.S.-based deep-diving submersible, and has now made over 4,400 descents and led to numerous ocean floor discoveries.(scientific research) -
an underwater lab
Sealab II, an underwater habitat, is lowered off the coast of California. -
Sylvia Earle Leads Women Aquanauts
Sylvia Earle led the first team of women aquanats during the tekite project and sets the record for solo diving with 1000 meters. (recreation) -
discovery of sunken titanic
A research team led by Robert Ballard discovers the Titanic more than 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) down, the most famous shipwreck in modern history. (Recreation) -
creating sea surface maps
TOPEX/Poseidon satellite begins mapping the surface of the sea. (scientific research) -
creating seaflor maps
Declassification of GEOSAT radar altimetry data from a U.S. Navy Earth observation satellite leads to the worldwide mapping of the seafloor. (scientific research)
