So is the "new ship" commercial or a private ship? Trog's points about the regulations on this stuff is on the mark. It still amazes me how many pilots go out and do ship landings underway with no formal training (a popluar subject to me). There is so much more to that initial question that started this thread than turbulence evaluation. One should look at the type of helicopter to be used, skidded or wheel, deck ratings, surface, pitch & roll limit evaluation, tie down capability...the list is long. But at the end of the day, it is that pilot I worry about the most because most assume it is like landing on a dolly in front of the hangar (an analogy I once heard from a person who's picture should be next to the definition of Moron in the dictionary).