The wave-driven ocean profile observation platform has the comprehensive advantages of independent lifting, fast profile, high temporal-spatial resolution and long-term continuity. It is of great significance to the study for the fast changing processes of smallsubmesoscale dynamic process, phytoplankton physiological diurnal change and biogechemical cycle in the ocean. In this article, a wave powered profiler prototype is independently designed and developed. The test is implemented in Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao for 23 days from August 8 to August 31, 2021. A total number of 2 367 profiles are obtained, which are probably 102 profiles per day with an average profile cycle of 8. 19 minutes. The results further show that the system is greatly affected by tidal current under the calm sea state at about level 1. However, in the relatively high sea condition above level 2, the prototype could nearly work continuously throughout the day. The sea test has preliminarily proved that the prototype of the developed wave powered profiler has a good working sensitivity, state stability and mechanical endurance. The cost is only about 20% of the price of similar foreign products. The success of the prototype is a key step to achieve the goal of localization of the new profile platform.