An Off-shore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is large and seaworthy enough to patrol off-shore, in the open ocean. Off-shore Patrol Vessels are usually serving in the coast guard, but some countries do not have a separate coast guard. In these cases, the vessel is a part of the navy. The worlds oceans as seen from the South Pacific Ocean (from Okeanos, Greek for river, the ancient Greeks noticed that a strong current flowed off Gibraltar, and assumed it was a great river); covers almost three quarters (71%) of the surface of the Earth, and nearly half of the... Canadian Coast Guard ship and helicopter A coast guard is an organization devoted to saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners or people in danger at sea. ... A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational fleet, during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Oman Sea. ...

OPVs are usually equipped with some kind of gun, but they lack extensive weapon systems. They are primarily used for patrol in the exclusive economic zone, and 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. The Bell 206 of Canadian Helicopters Robinson Helicopter Company (USA) R44, a four seat development of the R22 A helicopter is an aircraft which is lifted and propelled by one or more horizontal rotors (propellers). ...