It is part of a network of seven buoys, located several kilometres off the coast, which sends data about the height, direction and sequence of offshore waves to onshore recording stations by radio.

Data from the buoys is used by the Bureau of Meteorology to issue marine warnings and by state emergency services to inform its response to coastal storms.

Engineers and scientists from NSW Public Works, based at the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, are analysing historical data to determine the relationship between inshore and offshore wave conditions.

The NSW Public Works monitoring program was originally developed in response to destructive storms during the 1970s and was designed to provide reliable, long-term wave data statistics for coastal design and management.

Innovation Minister Victor Dominello said the program offered up to 40 years of continuous wave history.

“The NSW Coastal Data and Flood Program has developed one of the world’s most comprehensive ocean wave datasets,” he said.

“The Waverider project is enabling surfers, divers, lifesavers, fishermen and boat operators to access real-time offshore wave data via the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory website.”

Buoys are also located at Sydney, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Crowdy Head, Port Kembla, and Eden.

Waverider program data is available at www.mhl.nsw.gov.au/data/realtime/wave/.