For hundreds of years mariners have reported monstrous "freak" or "rogue" waves sinking and damaging ships. Scientists and engineers often dismissed these huge vertical walls of water up to 30 metres high as sailors’ yarns. Significant work over the last 10 years, particularly in the offshore sector, and recent field measurements have provided evidence of the existence of these "abnormal" waves. The conference dedicated to this subject and organised by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Design & Operation for Abnormal Conditions, will be held in London 26-27 January 2005.

While the existence of such waves is now accepted, the conditions that lead to their formation are not always well understood. Clearly these waves are occurring more frequently than predicted by classical linear wave theory. However, there may be a number of different mechanisms leading to the creation of "abnormal" waves including; specific wave current interaction, wave superimposition, wave focusing effects, non-linear effects, etc. These waves have the potential to damage, or even destroy, both offshore structures and ships. It is therefore important to understand these waves and their effect on the safety of such structures. The conference aims to provide a multi-discipline forum to encourage greater interaction between researchers, oceanographers and engineers both from the offshore and shipping industry.

A wide variety of papers will be presented addressing the following areas:

• improvement of knowledge and understanding of abnormal waves
• development of forecasting criteria and statistical models
• effect of these waves on vessels and offshore structures
• assessment of possible impact on future design regulation