What
do we need to do DSWP?
DSWP
requires measurements of the shape of the sea surface remote from the prediction
site, the results are then used to build a short term prediction model. 
The sea
data demands of a practical DSWP system are beyond the scope of existing wave
measurement systems. Thus, in addition to the theoretical and algorithmic
prediction studies, a research programme on wave sensors was instigated at
Exeter. Basic theory and simulation have shown that for fixed offshore sites,
extensions of traditional wave buoy technology can fulfil
this need. Such
devices are being developed at Exeter under DTI Link funding. The wider solution
for both fixed sites and free moving vessels, has been identified as a scanning
laser interferometer that is capable of remotely measuring, at very shallow
incidences, wave-slope vector values. The feasibility of such an instrument has
been demonstrated at Exeter under joint EPSRC/MOD support and the aim of
the DSWP Network is to be build on these results to develop a working DSWP system.
An
applications goal of the Network is to make DSWP an engineering possibility for both moving vessels
and fixed offshore sites (obviating the need for buoy moorings at fixed sites).
Achieving this will also yield a research
and development tool for the variety of offshore/marine engineering application
described above. It also offers new possibilities
in the oceanographic sector for both fundamental and applied
work.
