The goal for each level is to destroy a certain number of submarines before a timer runs out, while avoiding incoming fire from planes and submarines. Destroying a plane will cause its pilot to bail out into the water, and you can collect them for extra points. However, your warship has limited ammunition and a maximum number of bombs/shots in the air at any given time.
When ammo supply runs low, a resupply ship appears on the side of the screen allowing you to restock. As levels progress, the rate of fire from all enemies increases, and the game continues with increasing difficulty until you eventually lose all your lives.