India's coastal communities face risks from waves, cyclones, and erosion. To help them, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) runs the WAMAN buoy network. Established 18 years ago, it uses 17 wave-monitoring buoys along the coast. These buoys collect live data on wave height, direction, and energy. This info supports warnings and guides fishing and port activities. What makes WAMAN special is that local coastal communities are involved. INCOIS worked closely with fishers and harbor officials. They explained how the buoys can improve safety and fishing decisions. This trust helped protect the buoys from damage and vandalism. Data from WAMAN is sent by satellite and used in wave forecasts for India and nearby islands like Seychelles and Mauritius. Fishers receive forecasts in local languages. This helps nearly one million fishers in India and nearby countries avoid danger at sea. Challenges like vessels damaging buoys and marine growth on equipment have been tackled with community help. Fishers use alarms and mobile alerts to protect the buoys. Village centers share warnings, and WhatsApp groups track buoy positions. These efforts greatly reduced buoy losses and improved data quality. WAMAN's data is now vital beyond forecasting. Ports use it for navigation safety, and researchers study wave patterns and climate effects. The system also guides shipping zones along the coast. INCOIS is expanding the WAMAN model in the Indian Ocean region with international partners. Recognized by the World Meteorological Organization, INCOIS highlights the network’s success in building coastal community ownership. Director T. M. Balakrishnan Nair says, “When a fisherman calls to inform us that a buoy has drifted or stopped transmitting, that is real success.” The WAMAN network shows that local trust is key to sustainable ocean observation and coastal safety.