Abstract: Oceanographic instrumentation apparatus for securing data respecting ocean characteristics (temperature, pressure and etc.) in a manner such that a continuous profile of such characteristics with respect to depth can be obtained is herein described. A cable, at the end of which is attached a sensor, is wound around a reel having a flange in which a spiral cam is formed. In order to deploy the sensor, the reel is adapted to tilt to a downward vertical position so as to permit free fall of the sensor and cable over the cam flange and through a fairlead which may be secured in and so as to extend through the hull of a ocean data buoy. The reel is tilted to a horizontal position and rotated in order to retrieve the sensor, the cam flange guiding the cable onto the hub of the reel which may be rocked during winding so as to obtain a level wind on the reel hub. The fairlead protects the sensor once it is retrieved and prevents damage to the cable due to impact while the cable is being rewound.