Marine Link
Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Sonar

Sonar is a technique that uses sound to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels, and to observe the distance and velocity of underwater objects. The acoustic frequencies used vary from extremely low (infrasonic) to very high (ultrasonic). The word “sonar” also describes the equipment used to gather and analyze acoustic information. Sonar is used in depth sounding, fish finding, seafloor mapping, Doppler navigation, and acoustic location systems for divers. The term for the scientific study of underwater sound is hydroacoustics.

Three types of technology are categorized as "sonar":

  1. Passive sonar uses receiving sensors to listen for and analyze the sound made by vessels
  2. Active sonar uses an acoustic projector to emit pulses of sounds and a receiver which detects the echoes to find the range, bearing and relative motion
  3. Acoustic communication systems use a projector and receiver at both ends of the acoustic path

Sonar was first proposed as a means of detecting icebergs, but government interest in and funding of sonar systems did not take off until World War I highlighted the threat posed by submarine warfare. Modern technological innovations have included rapid-scanning and side-scan sonar, the echo sounder (or depth detector,) and within-pulse electronic sector scanning sonar (or WPESS). Military uses of sonar include systems used in acoustic homing torpedoes, in acoustic mines and mine detection.

Tags: Sonar

© Anschuetz

Anschuetz Adds Generic Overlay for SYNAPSIS ECDIS NX

Anschuetz has added the Generic Overlay feature, which extends SYNAPSIS (W)ECDIS…

Corsair, Saronic's 24-foot ASV, supports a wide range of applications including maritime domain awareness, port, harbor, and offshore facility security monitoring, logistics shuttle operations and environmental monitoring.
Image courtesy Saronic

Autonomous Vehicles Solve (and Create) Problems for Ports

Autonomous vehicles are increasingly sophisticated defensive tools for ports wanting…

© Phoenix International

Phoenix International Expands into Rocket Booster Recovery Sector

Phoenix International has announced their expansion into the rocket booster recovery sector…

Source: Saildrone

Saildrone Introduces High-Endurance Anti-Submarine and Strike USV

Saildrone has announced its newest platform, Spectre. At 52 meters (170 feet) long…

© Adobe Stock/MdWasim

US Sets Out to Clear Mines from Strait of Hormuz

As the United States embarks on clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, it could…

Source: Oi26

Breakthrough Technology Unveiled at Oceanology International

Major industry announcements and new product launches continued to drive significant…

The USS Monitor crew rests on deck. This photo is one of eight photos taken on July 9, 1862, by photographer James F. Gibson. (Image credit: Library of Congress photograph)

NOAA, Northrop Grumman to Release Sonar Images of the USS Monitor Shipwreck Site

NOAA and Northrop Grumman will release the first-ever high definition sonar images…

© Phoenix

Phoenix Assists US Navy with Aircraft Recovery in the South China Sea

Phoenix's International (Phoenix) recently assisted the Naval Sea System Command…

FarSounder Argos 3D Sonar Integrated with Anschütz SYNAPSIS (W)ECDIS NX

FarSounder, an innovator in 3D forward looking navigation sonar technology, has announced…

© FarSounder

FarSounder Announces SEA.AI Integration in Web Application

FarSounder announced an integration with SEA.AI, a leader in AI-powered vision systems…

© HII

Thales, HII Partner to Develop Autonomous Undersea Mine Countermeasure Capabilities

HII and Thales announced the successful integration and field exercise of the Thales…

© FarSounder

FarSounder Introduces 3D Sonar Web Application

FarSounder, a leader in 3D Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) technology, has released its…

Related Articles

Maritime Security

Maritime Security is a term which applies to a large variety of technology, devices, and operations both on deck and on shore. It can mean the simple measures used by boat owners and operators to protect individuals, vessels, and cargo from theft, sabotage, or piracy.

Ship Repair

All ships need maintenance and repairs. Many repair and maintanance operations can be performed at sea or by the crew in port. Complicated or large-scale repairs might require the ship to be removed from commercial operation. Classification…

Winch

A winch is a mechanism used to reel in, to let out, or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope, wire, or cable. Boats and ships make use of multiple winches to handle halyards, sheets, as well as anchor or mooring lines. The basic mechanism consists…

Armed Robbery at Sea: Navigating The High Seas of Crime

The vast, open oceans have long served as conduits for commerce, adventure, and exploration. However, along with the grandeur of maritime activities comes inherent risks, one of which is the specter of armed robbery at sea. Also known broadly as maritime piracy, this menacing threat envelops not just the economic marine highway but also the lives and safety of those who navigate it.

Pipelines

Modern pipelines are installed with and other control devices (pumps and valves) to efficiently move liquids, gases, slurries (solid particulates in liquid suspension) and even solids. Pipelines usually consist of welded sections of metal pipe…