Hydrodynamics is fundamental to ocean engineering. Understanding the fluid forces exerted on structures built for ocean applications is critically important to the design of all surface and submerged vehicles, vehicle propulsion systems, offshore oil platforms and port facilities. Hydrodynamics research also enhances our knowledge of ocean physics, chemistry, weather, pollution monitoring and shore erosion. For example, researchers wanting to track an oil slick in Boston Harbor would need to understand the nature of tidal flows and currents. Some of the earliest researchers in hydrodynamics were naval architects who needed to understand the flow of water around ships in order to optimize sailing performance. Since the 18th century, a great deal of experimental and computational research has provided a wealth of knowledge about fluid flows around solid bodies. The recent advent of powerful computers has facilitated the modeling of extremely complex hydrodynamic problems, such as the motions of ships and oil platforms in steep, breaking seas.