Development of a Risk Based Performance Assessment for Boats Operating in Heavy Weather

The United States Coast Guard uses various boats for coastal and offshore operations, often in heavy weather, to meet mission requirements such as Search and Rescue (SAR). Traditional assessments based on static stability criteria do not reflect operational environments or seakeeping capabilities. The Coast Guard evaluated cutter boats’ seakeeping and controllability through ship seakeeping methods, comparing model and full-scale tests in wave environments at sub-planing speeds. The evaluation included comparisons with seakeeping programs like SMP, VERES, and LAMP, focusing on motions, accelerations, and control parameters. A risk-based approach combining response probability and consequences is proposed for evaluating operational performance and informing design and in-service capability evaluations. This approach helps develop and validate simplified criteria for quick assessment. Recommendations for further development of the risk-based approach and performance criteria are provided. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Commandant or of the United States Coast Guard. Distribution A: Approved for Public Release. Distribution is Unlimited.