FIELD: electromagnetic studies, applicable mainly for search, detection, identification and tracking of routes of underwater extended metal-containing objects, silt-covered on the ground inclusive, for example, underwater pipe lines, power cables, etc. SUBSTANCE: in the method for detection and tracking of electrical conducting extended underwater object from board the underwater search mount use is made of an independent uninhabited underwater apparatus; the points of radiation and measurement of electromagnetic field are located on boards along the apparatus directly on its external shaping surface. Electromagnetic field is excited by a dipole source in succession at least in three direction, originally along the longitudinal axis of the underwater apparatus in the direction of its motion, and then with a shift to either side from the center line of the underwater apparatus in the plane parallel to its base plane with simultaneous variation of current frequency during excitation in each direction of radiation. Secondary electromagnetic field is measured at least in four points of the underwater apparatus, and the availability of an extended underwater object is judged by the presences of voltages at them, and its orientation is fixed relative to the radiating and pick-up dipoles, and according to the measured angular and lateral misalignments of the underwater apparatus relative to the route of laying of the extended underwater object tracking of the latter is accomplished. EFFECT: high-accuracy detection of extended metal- containing underwater object directly during motion of the underwater apparatus an any relative bearing relative to the route of the underwater object and determination of its orientation; continuous tracking of the route of laying of the under- water object in the process of motion of the underwater apparatus along the route. 4 cl, 6 dwg
