AbstractA finite element method for the analysis of nearshore current, which is one of the principal currents in coastal seas, is presented in this paper. Because the nearshore current is induced by the variable distribution of the surface waves, it is necessary to analyse two main characteristics of the wave, i.e. direction and height. The current can be computed using the resulting wave characteristics. The present method makes it possible to employ procedures for which the same methods of solution are applicable for all basic equations of wave direction, height and current flow. The linear interpolation function is used for the discretization of spatial variables and a selective lumping two step explicit scheme is employed for the numerical integration in time. The numerical solutions obtained are compared with analytical, experimental and observed ones. From these comparative studies, it is concluded that the present finite element method provide a useful tool for the analysis of nearshore current.