A nonlinear control algorithm for the depth control of underwater vehicles is presented. In order to consider the deadzone effect of the flow control valve, a nonlinear fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is synthesized and combined with a linear proportional-derivative-acceleration (PDA) controller, which is called the PDA/FLC controller. And to show the effectiveness of the PDA/FLC control system, it is compared with the linear PDA control system through computer simulation. It is found that the PDA/FLC control system is suitable one to maintain the desirable depth of underwater vehicles with deadzone.