Indian Navy to induct first indigenous diving support vessel - 'Nistar'
New Delhi, Jul 10, 2025 : Indian Navy is all set to commission the first special class Diving Support Vessel (DSV) Nistar on 18th July 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will also be present on the occasion. The event marks the formal induction of the vessel, which has been indigenously designed and built by M/s Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam. After commissioning, the ship will join the Eastern Naval Command to assist in deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations.
This ship is testimony to the Government of India's firm belief in nation building through an unwavering focus on autonomy and self-reliance in defence production. A total of 120 micro, small and medium enterprises have participated in the construction of this ambitious, unique and state-of-the-art ship, with over 80% indigenous content. This project is a significant step towards realising the Indian Navy's vision of designing and building complex indigenous ships.
Nistar in its earlier avatar was a submarine rescue vessel, acquired by the Indian Navy from the then Soviet Union in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. It contributed significantly to the diving and submarine rescue operations of the Indian Navy in its two decades of service. Nistar's legacy will continue as the ship continues to serve, its motto 'Surakshit Yatharth Shauryam', which means 'rescue with precision and bravery', accurately reflects the main roles of the ship.
The Diving Support Vessel, with a length of about 120 metres and a deadweight displacement of over 10,000 tonnes, has the capability to maintain its position with utmost precision using Dynamic Positioning System. The ship has a spacious diving complex on board, comprising Air & Saturation Diving System, underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and Side Scan Sonar, which enhance the operational range of the ship to a great extent. Induction of this vessel as the 'Mother Ship' for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DRV) will be a major capability addition to the submarine rescue preparedness of Indian Navy.
The ship is also equipped with an operation theatre, intensive care unit, an eight-bed hospital and hyperbaric medicine facilities, which are vital to fulfil its operational roles.
The indigenously built diving support vessel has the capability to stay at sea for over 60 days, helicopter operations and a 15 tonne marine crane making the vessel a very versatile platform.
The launch of Nistar and its induction into the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy will not only enhance India's military strength at sea but will also make its strategic maritime position in the Indian Ocean Region stronger than ever before.