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Underwater Communication

Underwater Communication career profile

Members of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) detachment with U.S. Navy Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1 guide a UUV as it is lowered into the water during a training exercise June 11, 2013, in Bahrain. CTG 56.1 provided mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, salvage diving and force protection and promoted theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Lewis/Released)

Underwater Communication

Studying communication and data transfer between underwater drones

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Impact
  • This field allows underwater drones to communicate, operate remotely, and relay information
  • Map the deep ocean
  • Monitor marine life
  • Detect mines and submarines
  • Real-time monitoring of underwater structures
  • Enables continuous monitoring of the ocean conditions to track changes in water quality
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Designing and testing underwater communication devices
  • Developing software for acoustic signal processing
  • Conducting field tests with underwater vehicles and sensors
  • Collaborating with marine scientists and engineering
  • Writing reports and presenting research findings
  • Troubleshooting signal interference and improving transmission reliability
SKILLS DEVELOPED
  • Signal processing
  • Underwater acoustics
  • Sonar technology
  • Wireless network protocols
  • Programming 
  • Data analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
Work Environment
  • Fast-paced tech companies
  • Teamwork focused 
  • Interacting  with people from different fields
  • Supporting programmers
  • Providing feedback
  • Providing subject matter expertise
Potential Employers
  • Navy research laboratories
  • Oceanographic research institutions
  • Companies that design underwater robotic systems and marine technology
  • Energy and telecommunication companies
College PATHWAYS
  • Select a major in electrical, mechanical or marine engineering, computer science, physics, or applied math
  • Take courses in acoustics, programming, and signal processing
  • Apply for internships at navy labs, oceanographic centers, NOAA, and the marine industry
  • Work in university labs focused on underwater acoustics
  • Participate in projects using underwater communication systems
EXPLORE
  • Focus on key subjects: physics, computer science, math, and statistics
  • Seek opportunities for hands-on experience with technology
  • Start learning programming
  • Explore online resources to learn about sonar operation, robotics, and wireless communication
  • Try out summer camps and internships on robotics, programming, and acoustics

Learn more

See also:

Acoustical Oceanography, Animal Bioacoustics

Professional societies:

Check out the ASA Underwater Acoustics Technical Committee
The Technical Committee on Underwater Acoustics is concerned with both natural and anthropogenic sound and its generation underwater; and the propagation, reflection and scattering of sound in the underwater environment including the seabed and the sea surface.

Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS)

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