Definition: Sea trials are undertaken to ensure that ships operate safely and efficiently. The captain tests the performance of the ship in order to identify and correct any equipment issues before the vessel enters service.

The various sea trials test the ship's maximum speed and maneuverability to evaluate the ship's capabilities. The trials are designed to put stress on the major engine components to ensure they work under the most extreme conditions.

Examples: Al new ships must undergo sea trials before they can be launched.