A compact wave and ocean data buoy system

A compact wave and ocean data buoy system, called the COLOS buoy system, was recently designed and tested by the NOAA's National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) to support its expanding networks and ocean measurement capabilities. The buoy system (including buoy hull, bridle, mast, frame structure, data acquisition system, power, communications, and measurements) are described and discussed in this paper. Some results from the first field test are also presented.