HUNTINGTON BEACH — Boaters preparing to cruise to distant destinations understand they must prepare to brave strong winds and turbulent seas that may come their way. However, many cruisers are not aware that extreme weather conditions, such as tsunamis and extreme waves, occur more often than most people think.

Rogue Knowledge — Local author Craig B. Smith discussed his book on extreme waves at a recent book signing.

Craig B. Smith, a local author and sailor, discussed his book “Rogues, Freaks, and Giants: The Story of Extreme Waves” during a book signing. He touched upon the need to improve ship design, and for sailors to be aware of the currents and oceans where many boats have gone missing.

In 2006, a total of 75 vessels worldwide were reported missing.

“I found it very intriguing — and sad,” said Smith, who has served as an engineer on projects and structural tests on offshore oil platforms.

During his research, Smith spoke to several sailors who have been affected by extreme waves, tourists who lived through tsunamis, boat designers and researchers determined to learn more about extreme waves. Smith traces the origins of waves, describing how winds can transform calm seas to confused swells and harrowing conditions.

Brad Van Liew, one of the many sailors Smith interviewed in his book, recounted his experience when he sailed into confused seas during the Around the World Alone race several years ago. During his leg to Uruguay, Van Liew was tossed around by swells, which managed to flip the vessel before it righted itself. Van Liew survived the ordeal.

Others have not been as lucky.

Each year, massive walls of water have caused vessels — big and small — to sink. Without the technology to detect oncoming large waves, many mariners are struck off-guard by so-called “rogue waves,” which are two to three times higher than the average wave and appear out of nowhere. Captains are left unable to radio for assistance or prepare for the wave.

“It occurred to me that we now understand waves occur more frequently, so maybe some thought should be given to the wave height that these vessels are designed for,” Smith said.

Suzanne Lehner, a mathematician at the University of Miami, conducted research on rogue waves and discovered that rogue waves occur more often than previously believed. In a three-week period, more than 10 waves surfaced, measuring 65 to 100 feet high. With the frequent episodes, Smith encourages boaters to better prepare for higher wave impacts.

Currently, modern oceangoing commercial vessels are designed for a maximum wave height of 36 feet. However, a standard structural design for merchant ships does not yet exist.

Rogue waves are also a concern for small boat owners. Frequent occurrences of the waves have been documented in the gulfstream current off the North American East Coast, and the Agulhas current off South Africa. Currently, weather reports are not able to predict rogue waves, so it is crucial for mariners to consider all the possibilities when establishing sailing itineraries.

“Rogues, Freaks, and Giants: The Story of Extreme Waves,” can be purchased at amazon.com.