Abstract: With the developments of electronics, laser and signal processing, electro-optical systems for underwater targets detection is becoming an extensively investigated subject. The technical scheme, status, typical systems for underwater target detection with electro-optical technology were summarized，especially for range-gated imaging, laser line scanning and streak tube imaging technologies. The recent developments and trends in underwater targets detection were introduced. It is proved that the electro-optical detection technology has great potential in underwater target detection.