The
NTAS buoy moored in 2001 in the tropical Atlantic east of Venezuela. The long titanium sensor housings contained an independent battery supply for each sensor. Current ASIMET systems keep all batteries in the buoy well, allowing for shorter sensor housings.
The wind vane at left keeps the instruments mounted on the "front" of the buoy pointed into the wind. The black rectangle on the vane is a satellite transmitter. The white oval is a radar reflector to warn away ships. (photo courtesy Robert Weller, WHOI)