Offshore Patrol Vessels: Guardians of National Waters

Offshore patrol vessels, commonly referred as OPVs, play a vital role in guarding a nation's maritime borders and protecting its economic interests at sea. These versatile ships conduct surveillance, law enforcement and search and rescue operations within a country's exclusive economic zone.

Roles and Responsibilities of OPVs
OPVs perform several critical functions for their respective navies. Their primary duties include:

- Maritime Security: Offshore Patrol Vessels safeguard a nation's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone by conducting patrols to deter foreign encroachment and prevent illegal activities like smuggling, IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, and human trafficking.

- Law Enforcement: They monitor vessel traffic, conduct boarding and inspection of suspect vessels and apprehend any that violate international laws and regulations governing seas. OPVs are also employed for anti-piracy operations.

- Search and Rescue: They conduct search and rescue missions to aid mariners in distress and assist vessels facing any medical or other emergencies at sea. OPVs carry adequate lifesaving equipment and medical supplies for such efforts.

- Environmental Protection: They help monitor marine environment and prevent illegal oil discharge or dumping of hazardous waste in exclusive economic zones to protect ocean ecology.

- Disaster Relief: OPVs support disaster management efforts by transporting relief supplies and aiding evacuation when required during natural calamities like cyclones, tsunamis or floods.

- Hydrographic Surveys: Some OPVs are outfitted with survey systems to collect oceanographic and hydrographic data for updated nautical charts. This aids in maritime domain awareness.

Notable OPVs Around the World
Some of the advanced OPVs serving different navies worldwide include:

- Barracuda Class (Brazil): Displacing 3,000 tons, the Barracuda class are one of the largest patrol vessels in service. Armed with lightweight torpedoes and a 76mm main gun, they provide Brasil with robust offshore security capabilities.

- Kang Von Class (Republic of Korea Coast Guard): Designated as Maritime Security Cutters, these 2,600 ton cutters incorporate stealth features and carry helicopters. Their sophisticated C4ISR suite allows seamless coordination with other naval assets.

- Island Class (Canada): Built by Irving Shipbuilding, the mid-sized Island class OPVs of 1,800 tons complement the Canadian Navy’s fleet with their endurance and versatility for patrols in northern waters.

- Durjoy Class (Bangladesh): Indigenously built by Bangladesh, the Durjoy class displace around 900 tons and represent a steady enhancement of the nation’s maritime security capabilities. Their advanced sensors aid domain awareness.

- P18N (Singapore): Newer additions to the Republic of Singapore Navy, the 165m long P18N vessels have a full load displacement exceeding 4,000 tons. Equipped with 76mm main guns and robust C4ISR, they provide extended offshore defense.

Indian OPVs
India currently deploys eight indigenous OPVs of the Saryu class and four larger series Karwar class OPVs for coastal and offshore security missions. However, new replacements are needed and the Indian Coast Guard has commenced project Watershed to procure seven new Next Generation OPVs in collaboration with local shipyards.

Key Features of Proposed Indian NGOPVs
The new generation OPVs or NGOPVs intended to replace aging Saryu class will displace around 3,000 tons and have the following key features:

- Enhanced Endurance: Capable of remaining deployed at sea for around 45 days to cover larger areas of India's exclusive maritime zone.

- Versatile Platform: In addition to routine patrol missions, they will be equipped for multi-role tasks like search and rescue, anti-piracy, disaster relief etc.

- Improved sensors: Fitted with modern radars, day and night vision cameras, hull mounted sonars and other EW suites to aid in ASW, MCM and ISR roles.

- Weapons: The NGOPVs will sport a 76mm main gun, 30mm or higher autocannon, anti-ship missiles and enhanced communication jammers.

- Auxiliaries: They will accommodate two medium utility helicopters along with adequate space for survivors, storage and endurance provisions. This will improve self-sufficiency.