National Data Buoy Center to replace Frying Pan and Diamond Shoals with Buoys

Both offshore platforms are scheduled for demolition by the U.S. Coast Guard. The NDBC observing stations at Frying Pan Shoals, identified as FPSN7, and at Diamond Shoals, DSLN7, are part of NDBC's Coastal-Marine Observing Network (C-MAN). NDBC intends to deploy the buoys before C-MAN stations are removed. The 3-m discus buoy that will replace DSLN7 is scheduled to be deployed, weather permitting, during the week of March 24. NDBC technicians will also accompany a helicopter visit to DSLN7 during the week of March 10 and attempt to repair the anemometers at DSLN7. The helicopter is taking contractors to the platform who are doing a pre-demolition survey. If our servicing efforts are successful, this will provide users a period of overlap to compare buoy and platform winds for several months before the June or July demolition. The buoy will be identified as 41025 and will be located at 35 09 05N 075 17 20W or approximately 1 NM east of Diamond Shoals tower in about 100 ft of water. It will be painted red since it will also serve as an aids-to-navigation marker. The 3-m discus buoy that will replace FPSN7 will be identified as 41013. It will be deployed at a later date because, unlike DSLN7, the winds and wave measurements are operational. The buoy will be located within several miles of FPSN7 and may also serve the aids-to-navigation marker purpose. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is funding a directional wave measuring system on 41013. [see the updated information about Frying Pan Shoals and Diamond Shoals]