1. A method of predicting a future sea state comprising: generating a sequence of at least two 3D images of a sea surface using at least two image sensors; detecting peaks and troughs in the 3D images using a processor; identifying at least one wavefront in each 3D image based upon the detected peaks and troughs using the processor; determining an amplitude, frequency, and velocity of the at least one wavefront by tracking the at least one wavefront in the sequence of at least two 3D images using the processor; characterizing at least one propagating wave based upon the amplitude, frequency, and velocity of the at least one wavefront detected in the sequence of 3D images using the processor; predicting a future sea state using the at least one propagating wave based upon the amplitude, frequency, and velocity characterizing the at least one wavefront in the sequence of 3D images using the processor; and autonomously navigating a vessel using the future sea state.