Abstract
This paper introduced observation data of proto-type GPS buoy's mooring chain at 3 years and 7 months after the installation, in order to provide information for practical design of future safer and more economical design of the mooring system. Following findings may be important for the future GPS buoy design. (1) Mooring chains stayed in good performance even after 3 years and 7 months of severe ocean field conditions, although they were covered by large amount of sea plants like shells and several studs disappeared from some of the chains located at frequently suffering from landing and dis-landing action by the buoy motion. (2) The quantity of real frictional wear was considerably smaller than assumed one at all the part of the mooring system. (3) Maximum real frictional wear was observed at chains located at frequently suffering from landing and dis-landing action by the buoy motion.
