Falkland Islands Patrol Vessels (FIPVs)

As part of the Government's "Fortress Falklands" policy, the 1983 Defence White Paper outlined the requirement for dedicated Falkland Islands Patrol Vessels (FIPV) in order to relieve both British warships required for more pressing NATO commitments and to relieve the Argentine vessels, captured and pressed into service during the conflict. Three Oil Rig Support Vessels- Seaforth Saga, Seaforth Champion and Seaforth Warrior - were purchased from Seaforth Marine and underwent conversions at Cardiff and on the Tyne, in which they received light armaments and naval communications equipment. They subsequently commissioned into the Royal Navy as HM Ships Protector, Guardian and Sentinel.

Protector displaced 1,050 tons (gross) and 1,030 tons (deadweight) and measured 58.4 metres in length and 13 metres in breadth. She had a speed of 18 knots and a complement of 24. Upon being purchased by the Royal Navy she was fitted with two 40mm Bofor guns, two 2-inch SRBOC and three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs). Guardian and Sentinel both displaced 1,710 tons and measured 62.1 metres in length and 13.0 metres in draught. They had a complement of 25 and were armed with two 40mm Bofor guns.

Class Details

Vessel	Pennant	Previous Name	Builder	Completed	Commissioned
Guardian	P245	Seaforth Champion	Beverly Shipyard, Beverly	1975	October 21st 1983
Protector	P244	Seaforth Saga	Drypool (Selby)	1975	October 21st 1983
Sentinel	P246	Seaforth Warrior	Husumwerft (Husum, W.Germany)	1975	January 14th 1984

Vessel Histories

Vessel	History
Guardian	Formerly the Seaforth Marine Oil Rig Support Ship Seaforth Champion. Purchased by the Royal Navy in 1983 and converted at Cardiff.
Protector	Formerly the Seaforth Marine Oil Rig Support Ship Seaforth Saga.
Sentinel	Formerly the Seaforth Marine Oil Rig Support Ship Seaforth Warrior. Purchased in 1983 and converted by the Tyne Ship Repairer Company. Sentinel later relieved the tug HMS Wakeful as a Submarine Support Vessel.

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