A wing-in-ground (WIG) craft is defined as a vessel capable of operating completely above the surface of the water on a dynamic air cushion created by aerodynamic lift due to the ground effect between the vessel and the water’s surface. WIG craft are capable of operating at speeds in excess of 100 knots.

Presently, there are no Coast Guard safety standards for WIG craft. The Coast Guard has started the process of developing safety standards that will address the design, construction, operation, licensing and maintenance of WIG craft with further assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, the United States is working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to develop international standards for WIG craft.

Questions or comments regarding the development of appropriate WIG craft standards should be referred to Commandant (G-MSE-1) at (202) 267-0171.  A copy of the Coast Guard's interim WIG craft guidance is located here (.pdf, 104 KB).  It has more details on requirements for testing and commercial use.

For more information about wing-in-ground craft you can visit The WIG Page. It is very comprehensive and explains the aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, development history, differences in design characteristics, has a list of most known WIG craft, and much more.