Nistar: First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel

The Indian Navy officially received ‘Nistar’, its first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), from Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on July 8, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. This highly specialized warship marks a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities, placing it among select navies globally with such advanced rescue and diving operations capacity.

Key Features and Capabilities of ‘Nistar’:

• Indigenous Design & Build: ‘Nistar’ was entirely designed and constructed in India, adhering to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• Name & Meaning: The name ‘Nistar’ is derived from Sanskrit, signifying liberation, rescue, or salvation.
• Dimensions & Tonnage: The vessel measures 118 meters in length and has a tonnage of nearly 10,000 tons.
• Advanced Diving Equipment:
  • It’s equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment.
  • Capable of undertaking Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to 300 meters depth.
  • Features a Side Diving Stage for operations up to 75 meters depth.
• Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) Mother Ship: ‘Nistar’ will serve as the crucial ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), enabling rapid rescue and evacuation of personnel during underwater submarine emergencies.
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): The ship is fitted with a combination of ROVs to conduct Diver Monitoring and Salvage Operations down to a depth of 1000 meters.

(Source: PIB)