Can anyone explain the ocean conditions classification system?

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

How bad is a 2 - 4 foot sea? When this classification system is used what exactly are we measuring in feet? Purely for scuba diving purposes can anyone please explain a simplified breakdown of this ocean classification? A simple non-technical chart like that reads something like ...

1-2 feet = Everyone quit work and go diving
2-4 feet = If its a holiday then you go diving but no need to quit work and head to the ocean
4-6 feet = You can go diving but it will be a roller coaster ride
6-8 feet = You can go diving but don't plan on coming back
8 - 10 feet = This is a tsunami so you will be diving whether you want to or not.

Thanks -

 

[Tug]

To be honest, it's a little more involved than this. Things like if it's a gentle ocean swell or a wind driven chop. Wind direction and strength also play a big role in determining the conditions. I'd recommend checking some pictures related to the Beaufort Scale. I'll try and find a link when I get on my computer.


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---------- Post added February 8th, 2013 at 12:05 PM ----------

Wikipedia has pictures of the different forces.

Beaufort scale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[mathauck0814]

Intervals matter quite a bit. On our shore sites a 4-5 foot swell may be diveable with a long interval, or it could be an absolute washing machine if they're only 8 seconds apart.