A French naval officer who helped develop the AquaLung The host of a beloved television documentary series A pioneer of ocean exploration, research, and conservation Jacques Cousteau is the most famous and beloved name in the world of deepsea exploration. Cousteau discovered his passion in 1938, when he first used a pair of goggles to dive off the coast of France. During his time as a French naval officer, he carried out many deepsea experiments and improved upon early diving equipment. Soon, Cousteau began filming his underwater excursions and offering the world a glimpse below the surface. The documentary television series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau made the man, his work, and his red cap famous throughout the world.