So what is a Support Ship?
Support ships come in all sizes and are can often be seen just lying off the rigs and installations, normally about five miles or so from the rigs, but they do come in closer when bad weather is evident to shelter from the winds and elements. The majority of vessels that support the installations are all flat backed, this is so that containers and supplies can be offloaded by the rigs cranes easily even when the weather is not at its best. There is a cut off limit however from operating in high winds for safety reasons, and when the weather eases the unloading will continue again. Other slightly small vessels also operate around the rigs, and are generally called 'Standby Boats'. These boats have the ability to launch small rescue craft at a moments notice in support of workers that are working near or over the side of the rigs, such as rope access technicians. But again have a limit to their operability and the weather will dictate wether they are available or not for overside cover.
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Some of the above pictures were taken in Texas and the boats work in the Gulf of Mexico, see the difference from the North Sea vessels which are somewhat larger.
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