An acoustic release is a device used to deploy and recover underwater equipment. It is deployed tethered to your equipment and remains submerged for the duration of the deployment. Upon receipt of a remote acoustic command (typically sent from a Deck Control Unit), the device releases a mechanical arm or jaw, or in the Fiobuoy's case a pin, which causes the device to release to the surface and allow retrieval of your equipment.
Fiobuoy
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Assembling your own acoustic release system
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Components needed:
- Fiobuoy, and
- Your payload.
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Components needed:
- Acoustic Release;
- Weight & tether line;
- Buoyancy / flotation;
- Retrieval line;
- Line storage, and
- Your payload.
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| A complete system ready to deploy. |
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Necessary to source, fit and trial separate components. |
| Light and compact. |
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Often large, heavy and cumbersome, especially if deploying from smaller vessels. |
Fiobuoy
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Manufactured acoustic release + rope canister
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| Spool design of the Fiobuoy is the most efficient way of storing and releasing rope, (the same way as supplied by rope manufacturers). |
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Rope canisters are subject to:
- Premature rope release;
- Rope entanglement upon or following release, and
- Difficult re-loading / redeployment.
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| Supports varied rope lengths and types. |
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Limited in their rope capacity. |
| Remaining tethered to the seafloor ensures you know where your equipment is - where you left it. |
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In a traditional configuration the anchor is often left behind on the seabed. The released payload then becomes a free floating package and is easily lost in currents and tides. |
| Unique design of the Fiobuoy allows users to integrate equipment inside the hollow casing, making it an underwater platform. |
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No free space to integrate equipment. |
Fiobuoy
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Traditional acoustic release
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| Patented 'mechanical 'jaw' ensures release. |
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Most acoustic releases have a mechanical 'arm' which can be inhibited by marine debris and seaweed. |
| Acoustic Command models are backed up by a programmed time and date of release for increased reliability. |
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No back up provided. |
| Sophisticated acoustic communications utilises a Broad Band Spread Spectrum technology for increased reliability. |
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Simple signalling with limited unique addressing which can be affected by water salinity & temperature, and marine life etc. |
Fiobuoy Total Cost of Ownership
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Total Cost of Ownership for all other acoustic release systems
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| Very low. |
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Very high. |
The Fiobuoy is an all-in-one system that is ready for deployment on delivery. Rope and its storage is integral to its design and functionality. Find out more.
