Profiling Floats

Find manufacturers of Profiling Floats and autonomous profiling drifters for independent sampling, oceanographic research and marine data collection.
Overview Profiling Floats
By Technology Editor Last updated: October 20th, 2023
Deepwater Profiling Float by Teledyne Marine

Deepwater Profiling Float by Teledyne Marine

Profiling Floats

Profiling floats are autonomous underwater platforms that collect measurements in a vertical water column, such as temperature, salinity, and current movements. They use a pump to change their buoyancy in order to move up and down the column, and can be pre-programmed with depth profiles.

Many profiling floats use GPS to establish their position when at the surface, and transmit their data via satellite communications such as Iridium or Argos. They can usually make a few hundred dives to depths of several thousand metres, and are often treated as disposable.

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Platinum Partners
Teledyne Marine

Autonomous and Unmanned Marine Vehicles: USV, AUV, Marine ROV; Profiling Floats & Towed Systems

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Teledyne Valeport

High-Precision Oceanographic & Hydrographic Instruments for Uncrewed Marine Vehicles (USVs, AUVs & ROVs)