General Info

The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) manages the development, maintenance and operations of the national data buoy network. It provides meteorological and environmental data to support the missions of the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency supports various operational and research programs for several national and international organizations. The National Data Buoy Center manages the Volunteer Observing Ship program to collect several types of observations. It has been assisting in the design, testing, evaluation, production, deployment and operation of drifting buoys for more than 20 years. In addition, the agency operates the NWS test center for all surface sensor systems. Its clients include the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Engineering Research Center and NASA.