ANALYSIS OF 'OFFSTATION' BUOYS

A review of 51 months of Coast Guard records for buoys exhibiting inadequate anchor reliability is described; results and recommendations are provided. Two types of low reliability are considered: (1) buoy stations with lower than average anchor reliability (repeat offenders); (2) stations for which average reliability is inadequate (critical buoys). Initially, average failure rate is determined using a failure rate diagram. This rate is applied to identify buoy stations with below average anchor reliability. A listing of these buoys is provided. Classification of buoy station characteristics and causes of failure are provided for reported anchor failures. Estimation of the number of 'critical' buoy stations is included along with classification of characteristics and evaluation of failure rate. (Author)