These models provide a simplified description of the sea state.
In short, they include the significant height of the total sea, its period, its direction, as well as the same information for the wind sea.

They are mainly used in routing when conditions are challenging.

Global Models

• GFS 0.25° (28 km), 0.5° (56 km), 1° (111 km), 2° (222 km)
  Global model from NOAA (United States). Available in several resolutions: the finer the grid, the larger but more accurate the file.
  Resolution: from 28 km to 111 km
  Forecasts up to 16 days
  Time step: 3 hours
  A key reference for offshore navigation. Prefer the fine version (0.25°) with a good connection, or a lighter version (1° or 2°) when bandwidth is limited.
• MFWAM Global 0.1° (12 km), 0.5° (56 km), 1° (111 km)
  Global model from Météo-France. Available in several resolutions.
  Resolution: from 12 km to 56 km
  Forecasts up to 4 days
  Time step: 3 hours
  The most accurate of the global models, but limited to 4-day forecasts.

Regional Models

• MFWAM France 0.025° (3 km)
  Regional model from Météo-France.
  Covers the French metropolitan coasts.
  Grid: 0.025° x 0.025° (3 km x 3 km)
  Total forecast range: 4 days
  Time step: 3 h
  Excellent for coastal navigation.
• IFREMER WW3 0.006° (500 m)
  Regional models from IFREMER with several variants: North and South Channel, and North and South Gascogne.
  Covers the Channel and Atlantic coasts of mainland France.
  Grid: 0.004° x 0.006° (500 m x 1 km)
  Total forecast range: 2 days
  Time step: 1 h
• IFREMER WW3 0.003° (250 m)
  Local models from IFREMER with several variants:
  Pas-de-Calais, Normandy-Cotentin, Armor, Finistère, South Brittany, Loire, Charentes, and Aquitaine.
  Covers the Channel and Atlantic coasts of mainland France.
  Grid: 0.002° x 0.003° (250 x 500 m)
  Total forecast range: 2 days
  Time step: 1 h
  The most accurate wave model — a must when sailing through tricky coastal areas.