Constabulary and Security Orientated Ship (or Offshore Patrol Vessel “OPV”) solutions are limited in their area of influence in large measure by their onboard sensor range. They depend on supporting maritime information systems providing data from other shore, air and sea based assets for effective Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) patrol and protection duties. Current OPVs have not been designed to take advantage of the new technologies and sensor systems emerging to enhance these maritime capabilities. This paper describes innovative technologies, ship concepts and systems implementations that will increase the area of surveillance and influence of individual OPVs, extending their operational effectiveness. Specifically it addresses ship design for coherent exploitation of both remotely deployed and tethered sensor systems in blue waters. These sensor systems extend the utility of OPV solutions while utilising cost effective commercial marine ship design standards. They offer low-level naval patrol capabilities that could work within traditional force structures.
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