Fiobuoy...
Benefits


1. Improved security for underwater assets.
(a)
Prevention of theft:

Since the Fiobuoy is deployed underwater for the majority of its service life, there is no visual indication at surface level of the presence of any submerged equipment or other valuable assets within the immediate vicinity. Therefore, the propensity for theft is substantially diminished.
(b) Prevention of damage and/or loss:

Where conventional marker buoys are deployed on the water surface, they are exposed to accidental impact from surface craft, particularly under conditions of poor visibility. Such impact is likely to cause damage to both the buoy as well as the submerged asset connected to it. There is also the prospect that the tether line between the buoy and the asset will be severed, thereby risking permanent loss of the asset.

Damage to the surface buoy may also be caused by deliberate acts of vandalism which, in turn, will also compromise the safety of the asset connected to it.

The underwater deployment of
the Fiobuoy (to varying depths of up to 100 metres) will substantially reduce the incidence of impact from surface craft and at the same time, also make it inaccessible to those who might otherwise have caused malicious damage.



2. Improved safety for marine navigation.

A principal factor in the development of the Fiobuoy concept is the ability to confine surface marking activity to a period of several minutes only.

For example, having programmed a release event to a precise time and date and, knowing the precise location of deployment, an operator is able to witness the Fiobuoy emerging from the water surface. The retrieval process should subsequently occur within a period of several minutes. Accordingly, the Fiobuoy is not left unattended while on the surface for extended periods of time and consequently, will not constitute any hazard to surface craft as is presently the case with conventional buoys.

 

3. Cost effective retrieval of underwater assets.



Upon releasing itself from its underwater mooring, the Fiobuoy remains tethered to equipment etc. as it ascends to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the Fiobuoy is recovered and the equipment is subsequently "reeled in" via the connecting tether.


This method of retrieving underwater assets is believed to be safer and more cost effective (particularly at significant depths) than engaging specialist divers to perform the recovery function.

4. Removal of visual pollution.

Extensive use of coastal resources for certain aquaculture activities is frequently characterised by a profusion of conventional marine buoys which litter the seascape. They are "visually polluting" to environmental groups, tourism operators and to residents of the affected area. The Fiobuoy permits various farm type structures to be completely submerged, thereby removing from view, all the protrusions which usually detract from sea vistas.


5. Improved sharing of marine resources between competing interests.

The growth in aquaculture activities along coastal zones close to major population centres has attracted criticism from competing, marine resource users such as recreational fishermen. They claim that the continued expansion of marine farming into waters previously available to all users is correspondingly reducing their access. The Fiobuoy technology permits marine farms to be submerged in both coastal zones and offshore areas, thereby permitting safe and unrestricted access to all recreational users.

Key Features Specifications Contacts