Deep Dive - The Story Behind Brass Hat

The Brass Hat name and logo are inspired by the iconic standard diving helmet, once used by commercial and military divers around the world. In years gone by, these helmets were beautifully engineered from copper, brass, and bronze — materials that defined both craftsmanship and courage beneath the waves.

Among the many manufacturers, none were more renowned than Siebe Gorman, the pioneering company that invented the closed deep-sea diving helmet in the 1830s. It’s one of Siebe Gorman’s classic designs that we proudly chose to represent our brand — a true symbol of exploration, endurance, and respect for the ocean.

The Original Brass Hats

In their early years, these helmets were both stunning and cumbersome — weighing around 22 kilograms. Air was supplied through a simple hose setup attached directly to the hat, pumped manually from the surface. The rest of the standard diving dress included a waterproof canvas suit sealed to the helmet, heavy lead-soled boots, and chest or back weights to keep the diver on the seabed.

It may have caught a few admirers, but let’s be honest — this wasn’t exactly your Saturday night rig!

The heavy design was intentional; it made divers negatively buoyant, allowing them to walk along the ocean floor. They were lowered into the depths by rope lifelines or on a wooden diving stage, relying on teamwork and trust to complete their tasks safely.

From Brass to Modern Innovation

As knowledge and technology advanced, diving equipment began to evolve. Communication systems were added to helmets, manual air pumps gave way to low-pressure compressors, and materials became lighter, safer, and more efficient.

Today, modern diving helmets are made from fiberglass, featuring large, clear polycarbonate faceplates for visibility. Neoprene suits not only keep water out but, in some cases, circulate hot water to keep divers warm during long shifts. The days of walking on the seabed are mostly gone — divers now work freely in the water column, aided by enclosed habitats and mixed breathing gases that allow for extended time at depth.

The Legacy Lives On

Though we no longer look quite as “movie ready” as the original standard dress divers (and yellow may never be everyone’s colour), modern commercial divers have it a little easier — our helmets weigh about 13 kilograms, and we no longer need necks like bulldogs or worry about Ted on the manual air pump taking a tea break mid-dive!

Still, we hold a deep respect and affection for those early pioneers — the true Brass Hats — whose gear now rests in museums, collections, and occasionally in the homes of divers who understand their legacy.

They were the originals who inspired not just a name, but a mindset — craft, courage, and connection to the sea — the same spirit that flows through every bottle of Brass Hat Rum.

The Brass Hat name and spirit now inspire not only our small-batch rums, but also a curated collection of divers’ gifts and apparel for ocean enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship, adventure, and the legacy of the deep.