The use of deep water moorings in commercial oceanography

Moored oceanographic instrumentation has been used over the last 10 to 20 years to support the offshore oil and gas, and cable communications industries. The measured data have been used to compute ambient and extreme design statistics to support operations, such as anchoring, drilling, ROV deployment, and pipe-lay, and for vessel selection and design. This paper considers the methods for oceanographic data collection that have developed and the lessons that have been learned over the years as exploration has moved into deeper waters in excess of 1000 m, with their associated severe environmental conditions. Mooring design is discussed, particularly in view of the likelihood of knockdown in the strongest currents. Instruments in common use are indicated, which have been selected for their suitability, robustness and reliability for use in harsh environments. Common pitfalls are identified in the choice of components and during operations, as are the steps taken to safeguard the return of instrumentation and valid data