The 6-meter NOMAD is an aluminum-hulled, boat-shaped buoy which provides relatively high cost effectiveness and excellent long-term survivability in severe seas. These buoys are highly directional and have a quick rotational response.

C-MAN station data typically include barometric pressure, wind direction, speed and gust, and air temperature; however, some C-MAN stations are designed to also measure sea water temperature, water level, waves, relative humidity, precipitation, and visibility.