JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.
For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
The mission of the Overseas Patrol Squadron is to patrol the fishery limits of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, protecting the British fishing industry and safeguarding the nation’s maritime economy.
Square nautical miles of sea to patrol
Workers that depend on the UK fishing industry
Worth of fish landed by UK vessels per year
Estimated proportion of illegal fishing worldwide
The Overseas Patrol Squadron is the oldest front-line squadron in the Royal Navy. With a small headquarters staff based at Portsmouth Naval Base, the OPS is made up of four River-class offshore patrol vessels and one helicopter.
This small but dedicated team patrols 80,000 square miles of sea, upholding international law, treaties and agreements and protecting the UK’s precious fishing rights.
The Overseas Patrol Squadron also has a secondary role in conducting inspections of all fishing vessels in UK waters and acting as an arbitrator between rival vessels when disputes arise. Their versatile offshore patrol vessels can also be used in maritime counter-terrorism, counter-drug surveillance, and pollution control.
View all related news
As Houthi attacks against commercial vessels continue, Royal Navy warship HMS Richmond takes over from HMS...
06 February 2024
UK flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth sails on Sunday to lead an international task group for...
02 February 2024
Topic:Fighting armsSurface Fleet
Storyline: HMS Queen Elizabeth
On the anniversary of the launch of Jacky Fisher’s HMS Dreadnought, First Sea Lord...
11 February 2022
Topic:PeopleSenior leaders
Storyline: First Sea Lord
Royal Navy warship HMS Montrose today celebrates 1,000 days in the Gulf keeping sea...
05 January 2022
Storyline: HMS Montrose
HMS Kent today arrived back home in Portsmouth.
10 December 2021
Storyline: HMS Kent
Mine hunter ships, frigates, destroyers and assault ships, among others, form the backbone of our naval prowess.
