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ITS Sirio - Pattugliatori OPV (PBH) - Classe Costellazioni 2

The Navy needs to have adequate unit suitable to carry out the specific tasks of patrolling coastal basin. This need gave rise to the acquisition, by 2003, of these new units of 1580 tons, financed by the Ministry of transport and navigation, and operationally managed by the Navy. Largely based on the constructive project of NUMC, likewise propose the hull, the hull and superstructure constructed with new technologies and with the measures, albeit minor, of the concept "stealth". These features allow the units to be used in various coastal patrol duties and in particular in the mercantile traffic control and surveillance and anti-immigration control.

• ANTI-POLLUTION CAPACITY Containment: the units are fitted with 250 feet of floating pneumatic barriers (25 modular elements, 10 m each). These barriers are used to circumscribe the pollutants on the surface allowing the mechanical removal.Every element has an inflatable barrier surrounded by 60 cm. The size and characteristics of this model of barriers make it effective for wave heights lower than 60 cm.Each unit is equipped with two Naval supply vessels used for towing water barriers at sea in order to facilitate the containment of pollutants.
• REMOVAL of POLLUTANTS: to retrieve the oily substances from the sea surface skimmer system is used in rotating disks (DISCOIL). The units are fitted with 6 cases for on board accumulation of substances recovered from the surface. The total storage capacity is 330 m3. The recovery range varies between 30 and 50 m3/h, depending on the type of substance, viscosity, temperature and sea state.
• DISPERSION with CHEMICALS: the units are also equipped with a system for the shedding of dispersant chemicals on the polluted area. The system consists of two extendable tubes positioned on both sides of the prow and equipped with sprinklers. Up to 32 m3 of dispersant can be stored on board. Laboratory analysis: a chemical laboratory is installed on board for rapid analysis of pollutants from the surface. Samples are collected with niskin bottles and oceanographic sensors, and they are parsed by combination with various reagents. The data are then processed through a specific software. For the use of the laboratory must be specially boarded a team of qualified personnel.

Automated and computer systems to which the unit has allowed a considerable reduction compared to the number of staff embarked on a similar Unit of the previous generation. The project, based on the structural characteristics of the units, the Commanders Class hull and the hull and superstructure constructed with new technologies. The ship's primary task is the presence on the high seas aimed at protecting national interests. Specifically, the unit is called upon to carry out patrol missions and maritime surveillance on the high seas — merchant traffic control, fighting illegal activities, fisheries surveillance and protection of the marine environment.

In addition it has the ability to operate independently or in cooperation with other media in more types of missions, such as:

• anti-pollution operations;
• monitoring and collecting data on marine pollution;
• defence of marine platforms and means involved in the exploitation of the seabed;
• Search and rescue, fire support and medical assistance;
• technical assistance to damaged ships.

Maximum continuous stay at sea without receiving supplies (food and fuel) is about 14 days. Under the marine environmental protection the unit is equipped with appropriate pollution control systems that allow both recovery of hydrocarbons discharged at sea, both the possible dispersion of the same through the use of suitable chemicals. Anti-pollution capacity specifications have proved crucial during environmental emergencies, resulting in allocations of non-military specialised units. This unit type is characterized by high sea-keeping, significant capacity to command, control and communications, further enhanced by the possibility of using a helicopter embarked; high readiness and ability to provide medical and technical assistance at sea.

The units have been engaged in activities in both operational and training duties, so divided:

• Periodic monitoring missions: fishing and presence and surveillance in the territorial waters and contiguous zone.
• Training: Training Department activities and tutorials dedicated pollution.
• Training: the Naval Command School sessions, in favor of Lieutenant Commander who approach the first command, and enabling Sessions to the guard on the bridge, to the most junior officers to Conduct Ship abilitandi.
• Cooperation: occasional training activities with foreign naval departments and consolidated participation in cooperation programmes.
• Representation: promotion national citizenships image and authority of national and foreign ports touched during the missions assigned.