The Indian Navy is preparing to commission the Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, on July 18. The Defence Minister will attend the ceremony. The vessel was indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam. ‘Nistar’ will join the Eastern Naval Command to aid in deep-sea diving and submarine rescue efforts.
The construction of ‘Nistar’ showcases the Indian government’s focus on self-reliance in defense and ‘Aatmanirbharta.’ The project included the participation of 120 MSMEs, achieving over 80% indigenous content. This aligns with the Indian Navy’s objective of developing complex indigenous platforms. The ship’s motto is ‘Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam,’ signifying ‘Deliverance with Precision and Bravery,’ which aligns with its main roles. The DSV is approximately 120 meters long, has a displacement exceeding 10,000 tons, and uses a Dynamic Positioning System for accurate positioning.
The vessel has an expansive diving complex with both Air and Saturation Diving Systems, along with underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Side Scan SONAR, which substantially enhances its operational envelope. As the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DRV), ‘Nistar’ will provide a major capability enhancement to the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue readiness. It also features an Operating Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, an eight-bed Hospital, and Hyperbaric Medical Facilities. The ship’s capabilities include an endurance of over 60 days at sea, the ability to support helicopter operations, and a 15-ton subsea crane.
The commissioning of ‘Nistar’ will enhance India’s operational preparedness in the underwater domain and reinforce its strategic maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship’s motto truly embodies its role and capabilities.