The Indian Navy is set to commission the Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on July 18. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be present at the commissioning ceremony, which marks the formal induction of the indigenously designed and constructed ship. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, ‘Nistar’ will join the Eastern Naval Command to support deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations.
The vessel reflects the Indian government’s focus on self-reliance in defense production and ‘Aatmanirbharta.’ The construction involved 120 MSMEs, with over 80% indigenous content. The project aligns with the Indian Navy’s vision of designing and constructing complex indigenous platforms. The legacy of the previous ‘Nistar’, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971, continues with the new vessel. Its motto, ‘Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam,’ signifies ‘Deliverance with Precision and Bravery,’ reflecting its key roles. ‘Nistar’ is approximately 120 meters long, displacing over 10,000 tons, and uses a Dynamic Positioning System for precise positioning.
The ship is equipped with an extensive diving complex, including Air and Saturation Diving Systems, underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Side Scan SONAR, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. As the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DRV), ‘Nistar’ will enhance the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue readiness. It also includes an Operating Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, an eight-bed Hospital, and Hyperbaric Medical Facilities. With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, the capability to undertake helicopter operations, and a 15-ton subsea crane, ‘Nistar’ is a versatile platform.
The commissioning of ‘Nistar’ will enhance India’s underwater operational preparedness and strengthen its strategic maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship embodies its roles and capabilities, representing its diving and submarine rescue roles.
