Underwater metal detectors are widely used by underwater search and recovery teams. Treasure hunters, archaeologists, sport divers, military and law enforcement people use underwater metal detectors for different purposes. Underwater construction companies use underwater metal detectors for pipeline or cable locating functions.

The common features of underwater metal detectors are depth, alerts, ground balance, detection mode and sensitivity. Some of the underwater metal detectors can adjust the search depth. Better quality detectors give distinctive alerts, depending on the type of metal sensed. Underwater metal detectors have different detection modes for searching and prospecting. Most underwater metal detectors can be used on both fresh and salt water.

Underwater metal detectors are based on digital technology. They have different operating modes. The normal mode works with a single tone. Normal mode is used for beachcombing and other prolonged searches. The standard discrimination mode is for conventional pulse detection. Slight audio signals indicate small or deep targets, while strong signals indicate large targets. A discreet discrimination mode provides more enhanced and precise targets discrimination. The metal detecting unit consists of pulse width control. This feature helps to adjust depth, sensitivity and battery life of detectors. Underwater metal detectors have deep searching circuitry. Other features include operating frequency, search coil and headphones.

Some underwater metal detectors use advanced pulse induction technology. This provides more detection depth and stability in mineralized environments. The audio threshold adjustment control shows individual detecting styles. Automatic ground feature allows the user to set ground track for optimum performance. Underwater metal detectors have different control housing configurations. The adjustable operating frequency helps to minimize the electrical interference.

Advanced underwater metal detectors have electronics built into the headphones. They reduce the weight of the detector. They consist of heavy duty negative buoyancy search coil, and have crystal controlled operating search frequency. Advanced underwater metal detectors consist of permanently encapsulated high output head phone transducers. The headphone ear cups have heavy duty polymer ear surround and noise blocking features. They can also operate in beach, rain or storm. Other features of advanced underwater metal detectors are silent search, hand grip, armrest and isolator.