Definition

The term Sea State describes the general condition of the surface of the open sea. This is comprised of two core measurements, the wave height which is dependent on the local surface wind strength and thus termed the ‘wind sea’ and the swell which is a slow and regular movement of the sea in rolling waves that do not break and are in the process of dissipating as they travel from their relatively distant origin.

Discussion

In the context of aviation, sea state may clearly be of significance to seaplanes and flying boats but for land based aircraft, the main relevance is to the controlled ditching of both fixed wing and rotary wing types. Where the latter are routinely operated over water, they are usually equipped with floatation devices which are designed, in up to a limiting sea state, to keep the aircraft upright to facilitate occupant evacuation.