Time Charter for Towing and Salvage Vessel   3

Background
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) requires one Jones Act qualified; US flagged; Anchor Handling Towing and Supply (AHTS) vessel to support Fleet Towing, Diving and Salvage operations, submarine rescue, and training exercises. The Vessel is to be employed primarily along the East Coast of the United States in the Western Atlantic Ocean but it is possible that the ship could deploy worldwide under the terms of this Charter. For planning purposes, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story and or Norfolk, VA may, without guarantee, be considered the base locations for the Vessel. However, actual location assigned by the Charterer may vary.

Work Details
The vessel will provide underway and pier-side fleet support for towing and salvage operations and training, surface-supplied diver training/operations and dynamic positioning (DP) training on a continuous 24-hour basis in assigned area of operations. The vessel shall be prepared to execute routine and emergent towing and salvage missions, carry small boats and a certified hyperbaric chamber per US Coast Guard and US Navy requirements, provide hyperbaric chamber services for emergencies and routine decompression operations, replenishment/minor maintenance support, and personnel support. The vessel shall be prepared to store explosive materials in a Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) certified Ready Storage Locker (RSL) as required for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Dive and Salvage (MDS) diving / salvage operations and provide open deck space to conduct demolition build-up Navy explosive safety regulations. The vessel will also support loading, storage and discharge of Government materials and equipment, arranging for any shore-side equipment if required for load/discharge operations.

Period of Performance
The contract will have a base period of 1 year with two 1 year options. It is estimated that the Vessel will be Underway DP/Loiter 65%, Underway Transit Speed (~12kts) 15%, in port on Generator 5% and in port on Shore Power 15%. The operating tempo may vary.

Place of Performance
The Vessel is to be employed primarily along the East Coast of the United States in the Western Atlantic Ocean but it is possible that the ship could deploy worldwide under the terms of this Charter.