A solution to optimize the operation and maintenance of oceanographic buoys
MSM Ocean’s oceanographic buoys integrate a wide range of sensors for meteorological, oceanographic, and environmental monitoring in demanding marine environments.
These systems include high-precision underwater instrumentation such as CTD profilers (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth), multiparameter probes (dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, temperature, pH, among others), current profilers, and more.
The management, maintenance, and calibration of these sensors have traditionally required complex offshore operations, with significant logistical, economic, and environmental impact.
To address this operational challenge, MSM Ocean has developed the SAS System (Sensor Access from Surface).
What is the SAS System?
The SAS System is a solution integrated into the buoy hull that enables direct access to underwater sensors from the surface, without the need to recover the buoy or deploy dedicated marine operations.
This modular system consists of internal compartments integrated within the buoy structure, housing removable cylindrical modules where underwater sensors are installed.
Depending on the buoy configuration, the system can include:
- Dual SAS
- Triple SAS
These units can be easily extracted from the buoy surface, providing direct access to the instrumentation.
Integrated design for safer and more efficient operations
The SAS System is designed as a fully integrated solution within the buoy structure, optimized for operation in harsh marine environments.
Its design incorporates a robust structure made of materials suitable for highly corrosive marine conditions, ensuring long-term protection of the instrumentation.
Key features include:
- Robust structure fully integrated into the buoy
- Locking systems to prevent unauthorized access
- Protection of sensors against external impacts
- Fully integrated and protected internal cabling
- Design optimized to minimize sensor exposure to the environment
- Sensor modules weighing less than 25 kg, enabling easy handling and retrieval from the surface
This design ensures safer, more controlled, and more efficient operations, reducing potential wear points under real marine conditions.
An operational approach focused on field efficiency
The SAS System is designed to optimize maintenance operations in marine environments by enabling access to sensors without recovering the buoy.
- This configuration allows:
- Surface access to sensors
- In situ maintenance and calibration
- Replacement of sensor modules without removing the buoy from the water
- Avoidance of specialized vessel operations
As a result, the operational complexity associated with maintaining oceanographic monitoring systems is significantly reduced.
Operational advantages of the SAS System
The implementation of the SAS System provides direct benefits for daily buoy operations:
- Reduced operational costs: Eliminates the need to recover the buoy or deploy dedicated marine resources for maintenance tasks.
- Shorter intervention time: Direct surface access enables faster and more efficient maintenance operations.
- Increased system availability: Reduced downtime improves data acquisition continuity.
- Enhanced instrumentation protection: Sensors remain housed in protected compartments within the buoy, reducing exposure to external risks.
- Lower environmental impact: Field operations are minimized, particularly in sensitive or protected marine areas.
MSM Ocean’s Oceanographic buoy with dual SAS System – Photo courtesy of ICATMAR
Conclusion
MSM Ocean’s SAS System transforms the way underwater sensors are managed in oceanographic buoys.
By enabling direct surface access, it reduces costs, simplifies maintenance, and improves the operational availability of environmental monitoring systems.
A solution designed to enhance efficiency at sea while ensuring the protection, reliability, and continuity of instrumentation in demanding ocean environments.
