The GATEWAY BUOY SYSTEM consists of:
1. A communication-information anchored, emerging radio-hydroacoustic buoy CIAERHAB – 01
2. An anchor Gateway Buoy repeater of hydroacoustic signals AGBRHAS – 01
3. A boat station BS – 01
4. A shore station SS – 01.

Purpose of CIAERHAB system
Communication-information anchored, emerging radio hydroacoustic buoy CIAERHAB – 01 is designed to be used at depths of up to 100m in a marine environment with possibilities to:

• receive and execute commands using bidirectional a radio or hydroacoustic channel;
• rise to the water surface according to a program or by command sent via a hydroacoustic communication channel; transmit the hydrological information gathered by its own sensors and receive commands and information to be used for reprogramming of its operational mode;
• transmit hydrological information to a boat or shore station via a satellite communication channel;
• receive and retransmit commands via a hydroacoustic and combined radio-hydroacoustic channel.

Operation
After deployment, the buoy remains in sleep mode for up to 30 days (programmable). During this period, it waits for a “wake-up” signal. After successful wake-up, the buoy starts executing a pre-programmed release-submerge schedule.
Upon receiving from the programming block a signal to start the session, the submersible self-moving buoy starts to sink and stops 3 m above sea bed so as to avoid hitting the sea bed. Then it begins a controlled ascent to the water surface and in the process it measures and stores the data received by its pressure and temperature sensors. Once on the surface, the buoy is able to transmit the data to the boat or shore base station via a radio and satellite channel. The session schedule can be updated via the radio channel if necessary. After the data transmission to the base station, the submersible self-moving buoy starts to sink back to a depth of either 30-40 m or ½ of the water depth and can receive and/or retransmit coded hydroacoustic commands.
The control processing module actively monitors various parameters such as battery level and humidity and responds if a critical level is reached.

Retraction
After expiration of the total time of operation (90 days in active mode or 100 cycles), the submersible self-moving buoy rises autonomously to the water surface and transmits a warning signal. Then it can be pulled out of water and taken back on board a supporting boat.

Advantages of CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS:

• CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS are intended for multiple use;
• CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS operate in best favorable hydrological conditions to achieve optimal distance for reliable communication between the system elements. This is accomplished by means of a programmed emerging of CIAERHAB by performing a hydrological section (a function of the temperature from the depth – a bathythermograph) and sending this information to the base station;
• The command and control system software provides the option to operate in automatic mode;
• High reliability of the drive system of CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS – provided by an original design of driving the spool with anchor rope; electro-mechanical brake; special anchor rope; power supply guaranteeing 120 cycles of buoy;
• Reliable communication system, triple-secured (radio, hydro-acoustic and satellite channels);
• Easy to adoption and use command and control software (the operator is able to master the system within one hour and control it without additional training or assistance);
• Existence of emergency system for emerging CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS with sending emergency signal to the base stations;
• External connector of the body of each type of buoy providing the possibility to extend the functionality of the system;
• CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS are provided with a specialized transport trolley which allows its positioning in the marine environment without the use of additional fittings by the vessel from which it is deployed and operated;
• CIAERHAB and AGBRHAS can be positioned in the marine environment also when the vessel moves at a speed of up to 3 knots.

Structure and operation of the units of CIAERHAB – 01

Submersible self-moving buoy
The submersible self-moving buoy is designed to integrate in one hermetically sealed body the electronic control unit, the power supply and the drive module. It is cylindrically shaped and is made of aluminum alloy. It has positive buoyancy and is connected to an anchor by means of a rope. It consists of:

• an upper electronic section with antennas;
• a middle power supply section with battery;
• a bottom section with a drive module.

Buoy transport-deployment trolley TDT – 01
The transport-deployment trolley TDT – 01 is designed to provide moving and maneuvering on the deck of the boat and safe deployment of the buoy without the use of an additional crane/lifter. It consists of:

• a trolley with lifting and tilting mechanisms;
• a sled on which are placed the buoy and the anchor system.

Shore and boat stations
The communication software is designed to provide convenient connectivity and control means between the buoys and the base stations. The main window consists of:
a) Toolbar for adding / removing new devices (buoy / repeater) and editing the collected information;
b) Connector Panel;
c) View of the structure for visualization;
d) Panel with specialized functionality for different communication means: radio, hydroacoustic and satellite communication;
e) Buoy properties label;
f) Geolocation window.

The resulting information and command signals can be visualized in configuration and content by end user requirements!