Promoting the creation of functional underwater observation information systems is an urgent priority for China’s national maritime defense, its ability to preserve its maritime rights, and marine disaster prevention and management. It is also an requirement of civil-military integration development to fulfill the overlapping missions of the Chinese military and civil government agencies. This paper reviews the current state of affairs and the ongoing trends in the field of underwater observation information systems in China and abroad. This study analyzes the problems faced by researchers and users in the development of underwater observation information system. The paper concludes by proposing a strategic goal, identifying the key projects and making policy recommendations for underwater observation information systems for stakeholders to consider.