The Deployment and Operational Performance of the DBI Data Buoy System in the South West Approaches to the British Isles

The DB1 data buoy project was started in 1974, and during the test phase from 1975-77 the buoy spent 1^1/2 years in the North Sea. This present paper describes the operational phase which followed, from 1978 onwards, during which time the buoy has been moored in the South West Approaches to the British Isles, and has gathered environmental data for the UK Offshore Operators Association and the Meteorological Office. The modifications necessary to the system for this new task are discussed, as well as the model trials made to determine the type of mooring to be used. A brief description is included of the site survey made and a radio transmission trial to the shore station in Cornwall. Deployment is then described followed by a discussion of service and operational experience over the past two years.