Vessel of opportunity (VOO)

JFD tracks Vessels of Opportunity (VOO’s) globally using a custom database. Updated continuously, the database lists the last-known position of thousands of Platform Supply Vessels, Ocean Tugs or other suitable candidate vessels.

This is linked to a comprehensive encyclopaedia, which provides rapid access to important information such as working deck area, onboard cranes and handling systems, dynamic positioning and contact details for vessel operators. In the event of an incident this allows suitable vessels to be rapidly identified 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world.

Since 1990 JFD has operated and maintained an active database of potential Vessels Of Opportunity for the purpose of supporting its global Submarine Rescue Service operations. The current version of the database is the culmination of many years of experience planning for and carrying out the mobilisation of submarine rescue assets.

Updated frequently via AIS (Automatic Identification System), the database combines ship location data from multiple sources and augments it with a library of technical information required to affect a mobilisation. On-screen, vessels which have been pre-qualified by JFD are colour coded, identifying their known suitability for the mobilisation of either rescue or intervention systems.

In total, more than 5000 vessels are actively tracked and the number of pre-qualified vessels increases regularly. JFD’s VOO Database may be used to support submarine rescue, search & salvage and emergency offshore operations.

In keeping with the rescue philosophy of reducing the Time To First Rescue the Database Operator needs to be involved at the earliest possible stage of any rescue mission. Digesting mission-specific data provided by the Navy’s Rescue Coordinator, he will immediately commence his search for a potential VOO using the database.

The Database Operator bases his MOSHIP decision on factors communicated by the Rescue Coordinator, the location of the DISSUB, information from the database, and transit times between airport and mobilisation port.

Recognising the differing needs of Navies around the world, JFD provides access to the VOO Database through a number of methods:

Software & Training for Customer Database Operator
The database viewer software is provided to the customer for installation onto an existing or JFD-supplied PC, for operation by the customer. Weekly ship position data is provided automatically via automatic software updates, included within the monthly service charge. Familiarisation training is also included, as is a complete operations manual and a second follow-up day’s training.

JFD On-Call Database Operator
JFD’s trained Database Operators will be made available on-call year round to respond to requests from the customer for MOSHIP data. JFD’s Database Operator will be in direct contact throughout the process of identifying and tasking the MOSHIP. Database operation and management remain the responsibility of JFD.