Hydrodynamic model testing is a science. Naval architects use scientific procedures to test scale models of marine vessels and then predict various aspects of their full scale performance characteristics. The most common model tests programs are those to examine the bare-hull resistance of a hull form; however other types of model tests are used in the industry to predict other vessel characteristics such as propulsion, seakeeping, maneuvering, and dynamic stability characteristics.

Model testing can be expensive, but the return on investment in terms of risk reduction, potential for optimization, knowledge, and marketing advantages can be significant. Because each test program is individual to the vessel and its requirements, no two test programs are alike. DLBA's naval architects have experience and expertise in defining model test programs to evaluate design point performance and provide useful data to identify and examine performance trends around the design point. An additional part of defining a test program at DLBA includes identifying the critical data to be recorded, analyzed, and reported; and the format in which it is to be provided, in order to provide the best value for a client's needs.

DLBA believes that having a representative observe the tests is in the client's best interest as it allows the naval architect to ensure that the client gets the best value from the model testing experiments. A naval architect on site during testing gains substantial knowledge through observation and has the ability to adjust the test program immediately if required due to unforeseen events, unpredicted model behavior, or exceptional model performance. DLBA's naval architects have developed test programs and overseen testing at many different model test facilities around the world.