Unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) is a collective term used to describe autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, semi-submersibles, and unmanned surface craft. Considerable interest has been shown in UMVs by the military, civilian and scientific communities due to their ability to undertake designated missions whilst either operating autonomously and/or on co-operation with other types of vehicle. Increasing importance is also being placed on the design and development of such vehicles as they are capable of providing cost effective solutions to a number of littoral, coastal and offshore problems. This book draws attention to the advanced technology which is evolving to meet the challenges being posed in this exciting and growing field of study.

The previous volume Advances in Unmanned Marine Vehicles brought together eighteen chapters describing research and developments in unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs). It was observed that almost without exception research groups worldwide were developing and working on real UMVs which means that they are able to test, evaluate and re-evaluate their designs in relatively quick succession, thereby rapidly reporting new approaches, techniques, designs and successes. This rapid design-evaluation cycle is the prime mover for progress, not only for consolidating designs but also leading to new design ideas and innovation. Since its publication in 2006, Advances in Unmanned Marine Vehicles has proven to be a useful and popular source of reference. However, the rapid design-evaluation cycle means further advances have been made which need to be reported. Thus, the seventeen chapters contained in this volume cover further advances in autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, semi-submersibles, unmanned surface vessels whilst operating autonomously and/or in co-operation with other types of UMV. This book will be of interest to undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and industrialists who are involved in the design and development of UMVs.