Marine soils at the shallow depth present formidable challenges for geotechnical engineers due to their low shear strength, high pore pressure and susceptibility to substantial deformations. Conventional methods for assessing shear strength are often depends on the soil and depth-specific, posing limitations on reliability and efficiency. This study addresses these challenges by investigating alternative testing methods, emphasizing the significance of soil-specific characteristics and depth-dependent variations in shear strength. Two distinct sites on the east and west coasts of India were examined, reaching a depth of 120 m. Various testing devices, including Miniature Vane, Pocket Penetrometer, Torvane, Fall Cone, UU Triaxial, CPT and Field Vane Shear, were employed to assess shear strength. The results highlight the impact of soil type and depth on shear strength, revealing consistent trends and challenges. Statistical analyses, including standard deviation and coefficient of variation, were conducted to evaluate the reliability of different testing methods. The findings underscore the importance of tailored testing approaches for specific soil types and depths to enhance the accuracy and reliability of geotechnical assessments in marine environments.