The application of a coupled finite element–boundary integral approach to the analysis of vibrating elastic, arbitrary‐shaped, three‐dimensional structures in an infinite media is presented. A feature of the methodologies implemented is the utilization of the isoparametric concept from finite element theory. The same shape functions are used both to model the surface of the structure and to interpolate the acoustic variables over the radiating surface. The boundary integral formulation used for the exterior acoustic field is a formulation that ensures uniqueness and existence of solutions for the entire frequency range. An assessment of the accuracy was made after comparing the solutions attained for a vibrating submerged sphere for various excitation loads and frequencies with the exact solution.