Version 1.2 updated on 7/27/22
This guide is intended to help you secure the Smart Mooring safely and effectively in position. This guide is not comprehensive- please seek out best practices and guidelines from your organization or local maritime authority.
If you have any questions about designing or deploying your Spotter or Smart Mooring please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sofar directly at [email protected].
There are many local factors to take into consideration and it’s important to know the area in which the equipment will be installed. Here is a list of things that are important to know before you start using this guide:
Accurate depth of the deployment area
Try to get an accurate depth of the deployment area. Charts are often not accurate.
Tidal range
Are there any extreme tidal changes in the area that can cause the mooring to be too short or too long?
Maximum expected significant wave height
Possible storm and severe weather events
Although Smart Mooring is designed to handle big ocean swells, severe storms, hurricanes and cyclones can cause unpredictable things to happen.
Breaking waves
Breaking waves skew Spotter and Smart Mooring measurements. Try to install safely in deeper water.
Bottom composition
Avoid reefs and other sensitive environments.
Bottom bathymetry
A large, flat area is ideal for installation - active sedimentation or erosion in the area can bury the anchor. Steep slopes or canyons nearby can cause issues if your anchor falls or is slowly pushed down into deeper areas.
Marine traffic
Avoid high traffic areas. Certain areas may also be off limits, such as harbors and shipping channels. Check with your local maritime authorities prior to installation.
Plants or animal hazards
Be diligent about knowing and following the laws and regulations created to protect marine plants and animals—especially marine mammals like whales that can become entangled in equipment.
Method of deployment
Deploying from a kayak will be different than from a work boat. Is it possible to dive the mooring or must it be lowered from a boat?
Method of recovery
Recovery is more difficult than deployment. Depending what is available to you, this can be carried out with a small boat with a winch and crane or via SCUBA diving retrieval. Anchor type and weight depends on your strategy.
Local regulations, restrictions, and permitting necessary
Acquire the necessary permits and permissions. Observe all applicable laws and regulations regarding your site and any marine protected area in which you may be installing. A notification to mariners is required for most installation. Contact the local maritime authority to make sure your buoy is in compliance.