A novel shallow-water retractable autonomous buoy platform

A novel yet simple underwater retractable autonomous buoy platform is proposed, whereby a shallow-water buoyancy adjusted platform is able to repetitively transport data from the seafloor to the sea surface. This generic platform design significantly negates much of the environmental and human interference risk factors that often hinder similar technologies. When fitted with suitable payload sensors, limited water column profile measurements can also be undertaken. After above-water communications to a satellite or shore-base has been completed, the buoy mechanically retracts or spools itself back to its seafloor docking station to repeat the cycle, without the need for a permanent sea surface tether or surface buoy. This simple concept shows promise for a wide range of sub surface monitoring, research and surveillance applications.