Abstract: The high resolution simulation of cloud-to-ground lightning leaders on sea surface is presented based on two-dimensional leader progression model, and the fine image of the development process of the lightning leader is acquired. Through the establishment of two-dimensional model of ship, and according to the related standards of ship, the number and height and position of lightning rod are determined, and their lightning protection area is evaluated using proposed method. The test data show that when the ship adopts the single lightning rod protection, the probability of lightning strike is obviously increased, and the protection effect is better in the vicinity of the lightning rod. Compared with the single rod scheme, when the ship adopts double lightning rod protection the overall structure height of the ship is reduced, total number of lightning flashes on the ship will be reduced, and the protective effect will be better. With the development of long air gap discharge test and lightning observation, the protection analysis method will be more thorough and accurate.