Abstract: Considering the engineering requirements for the buried depth detection of underwater pipeline in China, the composition and performance of underwater pipeline detection systems based on the principle of electromagnetic method are introduced. These systems include river crossing pipeline detection system (BPS), magnetic versatile positioning and tracking system (InnovatumInc), One-Pass detection system (Startrak), FieldSens pipe telemetry system and GPS-RTK underwater pipeline inspection system developed by the Southwest Oil and Gas Field. The advantages and disadvantages of the performance of various sets of equipment are analyzed, noting that the current detection technology of underwater pipeline and deficiencies in the application process and the development direction in China.