Seasteading Conference Video Plus A Modest Al Fin Proposal

Here is the almost two and a half hour video presentation of the Oct 10, 2008, Burlingame, California seasteading conference previously promoted here at Al Fin. For those who have not yet read the Seasteading Book, the video will give a bit of background on the phenomenon of seasteading.

Wired.com just published an article on seasteading and the seasteading conference. You will find more embedded videos on seasteading there, along with some background information and a timeline of seasteading.Sharp-eyed observers will notice that the architectural concept of a seastead presented in the Wired article [see above] would probably not survive many years in the open ocean. Perhaps most early seasteads will be placed in relatively protected environments, such as bays or inlets. But the true promise of seasteading lies in the unprotected open ocean environment of international waters.

To survive in the open ocean, a floating settlement would require some way of dealing with large waves -- including rogue waves and large storm waves. Thirty feet of clearance is insufficient for oceans where 30 metre rogues are quite possible. Seastead designers must factor in the impact of sustained high winds and sustained tall waves and chop.

I propose that the bulk of early seastead research and development should go into the design and construction of a prototype "floating breakwater". Such a breakwater should be able to combine the deflection and dissipation of large wave energies with the transduction of wave energy into useful energy in the form of electricity and compressed air. It should be able to neutralise a wave as large as a 30 metre rogue, and stand up to sustained gale force winds and accompanying storm waves.

Once you have constructed a floating breakwater that can stand up to the worst the sea can throw at you, building the rest of the seastead would be a piece of cake. But until you demonstrate the ability to build such a structure, the "smart money" will probably not take you seriously.

There is a huge demand for viable offshore freeholds located in international waters. Whether sailing under a flag of convenience, or attempting to declare independent nationhood, an offshore tax and financial haven that is made tough enough to withstand bullying by both the world's oceans and the world's tax ministries would attract wealth of all types. Such a place would be a magnet for tourists and adventurers as well.

Aeroponics food growing would be a natural fit to provide fresh produce. Soon after, aquaculture for biomass and seafood, and marine energy technologies would be tested and proven on seasteads. Ultimately, seasteads would also provide ideal locations for mid-ocean space launch and recovery facilities.

Never underestimate the power of the wind and the sea. Such raw power must be addressed at the outset. Consider it a rite of passage.