Underwater vehicle

An underwater vehicle is any member of the class of vehicles (machines that transports people or cargo) that is intended to operate in the underwater environment. This article lists the types of underwater vehicle, with a brief description of each type. An underwater vehicle can be crewed, remotely operated or autonomous, and will generally, but not necessarily, have some form of onboard propulsion system.

Types:

• Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) – Unmanned underwater vehicle with autonomous guidance system
• Benthic lander – Observational platforms that sit on the seabed
• Diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) – Powered device for diver mobility and range extension
• Diver sled (towed underwater vehicle)
• Diving bell – Chamber for transporting divers vertically through the water
• Diving stage – A platform on which one or two divers stand which transports them vertically through the water
• Remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROUV) – A tethered underwater mobile device operated by a remote crew
• Submarine – Watercraft capable of independent operation underwater
• Submersible – Small watercraft able to navigate under water
• Underwater glider – Type of autonomous underwater vehicle
• Submersible barge (towed underwater vehicle)