‘Nistar’, the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam. The warship, designed and built to meet classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), adds a specialised deep-sea capability possessed by only a few navies worldwide.
With a length of 118 metres and a displacement of nearly 10,000 tons, the vessel carries the name ‘Nistar’, derived from Sanskrit, meaning liberation, rescue, or salvation. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art diving equipment and is capable of conducting Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to 300 metres. The ship also features a Side Diving Stage that facilitates diving operations to depths of up to 75 metres.
A key role for Nistar will be as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), enabling submarine rescue and personnel evacuation during underwater emergencies. The ship is also equipped with a combination of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can support diver monitoring and execute salvage operations at depths of up to 1,000 metres.
The vessel has been constructed with an indigenous content of approximately 75 percent, marking another milestone in the Indian Navy’s commitment to homegrown warship production. Its delivery underscores alignment with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India campaign, reflecting progress in enhancing national capability in specialised shipbuilding.
