OPV (naval)

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HMS Severn and HMS Mersey are two River class offshore patrol vessels of the Royal Navy
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HMS Severn and HMS Mersey are two River class offshore patrol vessels of the Royal Navy

An offshore patrol vessel (OPV), sometimes referred to as a coastal patrol craft, is a warship smaller in size than a corvette. They are usually the smallest ship in a nation's navy that are large and seaworthy enough to patrol off-shore, in the open ocean. In larger militaries, such as in the United States offshore patrol vessels usually serve in the Coast Guard, but many smaller nations navys' operate these type of boats.

OPVs are usually equipped with a medium caliber gun, but lack extensive weapon and fire control systems. They are primarily used for patrol in a country's exclusive economic zone. Common tasks are fishery inspection and search and rescue (police-type of work). The largest OPVs might also have a hangar and helicopter embarked. In times of crisis or war, these vessels are expected to support the navy.

Their small size and relatively low price tag make them one of the most common warships in the world. Almost all navies operate at least a few offshore patrol vessels. They are useful in smaller seas such as the Baltic as well as in open oceans.

[edit] Examples

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