The AXYS WatchKeeper™ is a rotationally molded 1.7m diameter polyethylene buoy designed for deployments in coastal areas, lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
The WatchKeeper™ hull is internationally proven as an aid to navigation (AToN) and is the standard light-duty environmental monitoring platform in the Environment Canada metocean buoy network, the world’s second largest.
Like all AXYS metocean buoys, the WatchKeeper™ can be configured with any type of instrumentation for the monitoring of weather, air & water quality, waves and currents. Sub-surface instrumentation can be deployed in an internal moonpool, a protected through-hull tube that allows easy top-side access for maintenance or recovery.
Depending on the environmental conditions at the deployment site, the WatchKeeper™ can be deployed in water depths from 20m to 500m.
The WatchKeeper™ is frequently deployed in port environments and provides port operations staff with real time environmental data, while also acting as a traditional AtoN. Automatic Information System (AIS) can be integrated onto the WatchKeeper™ so AIS-enabled ships can receive buoy position and environmental data on their Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS).
‘Smart buoys’ such as the WatchKeeper™ are an essential input to modern Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS), improving port efficiency while enhancing the safety of personnel and protecting the local environment.
AXYS' WatchMan500TM Network Solution is the core technology in the WatchKeeperTM buoy that accepts sensors from virtually any manufacturer and is easily configured using Data Management Software (DMS). Data messages are tailored to meet custom requirements, and are easily imported into a SQL database, allowing users to view important sensor information in virtual real time.
Learn more about what the AXYS Service Team provides in terms of mooring design, deployment and maintenance for the WatchKeeperTM buoy.
Product Documentation
WatchKeeperTM Buoy (PDF, 436)
Additional Information
Case Study - Oceanographic Data Buoys chosen for Italian Ocean Monitoring Network
Case Study - NOAA deploys buoys as observing stations for educational and scientific purposes in the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS)
Testimonial Letter (PDF, 22 Kb)
Check out real-time weather & water information for the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS)