The Scaphandriers Red Beanie

Jacques-Yves Cousteau constantly wore this red beanie as a sign of recognition and in homage to the bagnards of Toulon, France who were designated to test the very first diving suits/helmets (scaphandre). Because the risks were really really high, the scaphandres were initially tested by prisoners. In order to differentiate them from the other men on the ports and boats, they were made to wear red caps. Thus, Cousteau, who owes a lot to these human guinea pigs, paid homage to them.

You can buy a semaphore beanie from Le Minor, a manufacture founded in 1922 by Madame Berthe Etui, which continues to create quality seafaring clothing, entirely made in Brittany in Guidel, in Morbihan.