Thank you all for the replies, I realize my question was not very clear and that shows my lack of knowledge on the topic. I initially assumed an AUV would be able to remain neutral on the surface, but as others have pointed out, it needs to be buoyant from the start to become buoyant again if...
Assuming the AUV only relies on a ballast system to ascend and descend, and that the ballast is completely empty of water at the surface and completely full of water at the seafloor, will they ascend and descend at the same rate? Assume the AUV is neutrally buoyant at the surface for...