Designing an efficient, reliable, and stable algorithm for underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks (UA-WSNs) needs immense attention. It is due to their notable and distinctive challenges. To address the difficulties and challenges, the article introduces two algorithms: the multilayer sink (MuLSi) algorithm and its reliable version MuLSi-Co using the cooperation technique. The first algorithm proposes a multilayered network structure instead of a solid single structure and sinks placement at the optimal position, which reduces multiple hops communication. Moreover, the best forwarder selection amongst the nodes based on nodes’ closeness to the sink is a good choice. As a result, it makes the network perform better. Unlike the traditional algorithms, the proposed scheme does not need location information about nodes. However, the MuLSi algorithm does not fulfill the requirement of reliable operation due to a single link. Therefore, the MuLSi-Co algorithm utilizes nodes’collaborative behavior for reliable information. In cooperation, the receiver has multiple copies of the same data. Then, it combines these packets for the purpose of correct data reception. The data forwarding by the relay without any latency eliminates the synchronization problem. Moreover, the overhearing of the data gets rid of duplicate transmissions. The proposed schemes are superior in energy cost and reliable exchanging of data and have more alive and less dead nodes.