Translating functional requirements into seakeeping evaluation metrics for marine vessel design

A challenge during vessel design is translating functional requirements into seakeeping evaluation metrics to ensure that delivered vessels are fit for purpose. This paper presents an approach based on task analysis methods for identifying and decomposing motion-critical tasks from given functional requirements, by which seakeeping evaluation metrics can be derived. The method is applied and guides the reader through deriving seakeeping criteria and standards for two case study vessels, focussing on crew performance. Findings suggest that the seakeeping evaluation metrics of different vessels will differ based on their purpose or mission. It is envisioned that the method will guide the seakeeping evaluation of vessels, which has been less prioritised in vessel design. This method can potentially ensure crew performance and safety in the early design stages.