The stations are operated by the NOAA's National Weather Service . Large numbers of boaters use the observations, in combination with forecasts, to make decisions on whether it is safe to venture out to sea. It allows mariners a way to get the conditions while offshore, at home, or the marina, even if they are not able to access the Internet. The reports include the latest wind direction, speed, gust, air temperature, water temperature, and sea level pressure. Buoy reports also provide details on significant wave height, swells and wind wave heights.
Some buoys also provide wave direction.
Telephone users also have the option to receive a location map by FAX that lists station identifiers. A complete list of station identifiers also is available on the National Data Buoy Center Web site. The computer runs commercial software to control the dialog and read the forecasts and observations from the buoy center's Web site. We started this with the goal of showing its value to mariners. Gilhousen said the initial seven-line system could be expanded through sponsorship by a private corporation such as a boating or meteorological organization.