Metal detectors aren’t just used on land. Underwater metal detectors can help us locate all the treasures that have been lost at sea. Shipwrecks have happened since humans set sail on the seven seas. The treasures that can be brought back to life when an old shipwreck is recovered with the help of underwater search and recovery metal detectors is nothing short of amazing!

There are many metal detectors and locating devices that assist in underwater search and recovery operations. Pictured above is one such unit, the JW Fishers Pulse 12 Boat Towed Metal Detector.
There are so many different types of underwater search and recovery metal detectors they’re used for many other types of tasks as well including finding buried cables, and repairing underwater infrastructure. The types of underwater search and recovery metal detectors currently available include:
Handheld Underwater Metal Detectors
Handheld underwater metal detectors are used by divers to find treasure as well as a variety of other types of search and recovery tasks including finding the actual target located by one of the other types of machines listed here like the boat towed metal detectors for example, or the underwater sonar systems.
Cable Tracking Metal Detectors
These metal detectors can be used on land or underwater to locate and track buried cable and pipelines. They’re used in “Dig Safe” operations, to find lines in need of repair, as well as to locate sunken anchors, chains and dredge heads.
Boat Towed Metal Detectors
Boat towed metal detectors are just what they sound like – metal detectors and magnetometers that are towed behind your boat. They’re able to search a wide expanse of ocean quickly and they’re the first step to finding a shipwreck!
Underwater Sonar Systems
Side scan sonar devices can send back an image of the ocean floor and are frequently used to check the status of underwater cable and pipelines. In addition to these tasks, this type of detector is also used in dredging operations, by fisheries, and for environmental studies.
Pingers and Receivers
Underwater pingers and receivers are invaluable in search and recovery operations because they can mark the location of a target so you can come back to it for closer inspection later. The pinger is placed underwater to mark the location and the receiver is kept on board the vessel and will “receive” the signal from the pinger once you’re close enough again.
For more information on underwater search and recovery metal detectors, please enjoy these related articles from our learning library:
What are the Best Metal Detectors for Underwater Search & Recovery?
Underwater Treasure Hunting Using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
Unrecovered Shipwrecks and the Equipment for Locating Them
Scuba Diving With a Metal Detector