The Quasi‐stationary Buoy — A Neglected Concept

Abstract

H E oceanographer appreciates the free drifting buoy. If drogued at depth and of T small wind resistance, it gives him useful information on the ocean currents at that depth. The meteorologist is not so keen. He would like the buoy to stay in one spot, namely that where there is a paucity of other information. However, while it is technically possible to moor buoys in very deep water, the costs and difficulties attendant on deployment and maintenance of such a system are enormous and a cheaper alternative would be invaluable. One such alternative is the quasi-stationary buoy. The concept is not a new one; Schlieben (1969) described an instrument platform, known as SKAMP (Fig. l), which was self locating within a fraction of a mile. The position of the buoy was detected by using the United States Navy satellite navigation system and the platform derived its propulsion from a rather complex skeined aerofoil sail system. Control of sail and rudder was handled by a small computer. Schlieben's early work clearly demonstated the potential of the self navigating buoy. He foresaw that buoys of this type could be programmed to sail to their required position, remain on station for a predetermined time and then return to a collecting area for servicing.