5.1 General
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1329 – Guidelines for Uniform Operating Limitations of High-Speed Craft – (11 June 2009) - Annex – Guidelines for Uniform Operating Limitations of High-Speed Craft - 5 Sea State Limitations – Significant Wave Height - 5.1 General

5.1 General

  5.1.1 The worst intended sea conditions are usually set in terms of a significant wave height value as defined in paragraph 1.4.54 of the Code. These Guidelines have been prepared on the assumption that this parameter is used but the underlying principles are still applicable if another parameter is used. In applying the Guidelines, it should be noted that craft motions are dependent upon wave period as well as significant wave height.

  5.1.2 For operational purposes, significant wave height is most reliably measured either by satellite or by a system providing real-time monitoring of the height between the sea surface and a point on the craft in conjunction with gyroscopic measurement of accelerations at that point. Alternatively, significant wave height readings could be provided by transmitting-type wave measurement buoys located along the route. In the absence of such systems, visual observations of significant wave height will be necessary, for which the guidance provided in appendix 1 may be used.

  5.1.3 Sea state limitations applicable to a craft may vary according to the craft’s course relative to waves, but for each course should not be greater than the lowest sea state derived from taking account of the factors listed in the remainder of this section.

Parent topic: 5 Sea State Limitations – Significant Wave Height
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