Guys...
From my many years of flying P3s mid ocean, let me suggest to you...
1/ If possible, determine the
swell direction from above 2,000 feet.
The direction of the swell will be the overriding factor in the heading you take up for the ditching.
2/ Offset this heading (parallel to the swell )
slightly as required for the effect of surface wind direction.
The swell can be much, much higher/bigger than any waves, and is mostly very difficult to pick out at low altitudes.
Flying into wind and meeting a sizable swell at the wrong angle is roughly the same as flying into a brick wall!
Also, don't forget to not open the rear pax doors after the ditch, as they may be partly submerged.
Cheers
EW73
