Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) (ODAS)

A buoy, platform or other installation that gathers and often transmits oceanographic or meteorological observations.

ODAS installations may measure waves, currents, water temperature, salinity, atmospheric pressure, wind and other environmental variables. They may be moored, drifting or fixed, and can relay observations ashore by radio or satellite for forecasting, research and operational monitoring. On charts and at sea, an ODAS buoy should be treated as a navigational object rather than a mooring point. Its colour, light and topmark are governed by the applicable buoyage arrangements, and mariners should keep clear where required.