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First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel – ‘Nistar’

The Indian Navy officially welcomed 'Nistar', its first domestically built and designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV). Hindustan Shipyard Limited(HSL) formally turned over the warship to the navy at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

Delivery of First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel – ‘Nistar’

Source: PIB Delhi

Context:

On 08 July 2025, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) delivered the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel, named ‘Nistar’, at Visakhapatnam.

Key Features of ‘Nistar’:

Design & Build:
Built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Nistar is a highly specialised vessel capable of deep-sea diving and rescue operations, a capability held by only a few navies worldwide.
Meaning of the Name:
The name ‘Nistar’ comes from Sanskrit, meaning liberation, rescue, or salvation.
Specifications:
- Length: 118 metres
- Displacement: Nearly 10,000 tonnes
- Indigenous content: Approximately 75%
Diving Capabilities:
Equipped with advanced diving systems:
- Can conduct saturation diving up to 300 metres deep
- Has a side diving stage for operations up to 75 metres
- Supports diver monitoring and salvage operations using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) up to 1000 metres
Rescue Role:
Nistar will function as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), designed to rescue submarine crew during emergencies underwater.

Strategic Importance:

The successful delivery of Nistar reflects a major milestone in India’s effort toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
It aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the Make in India campaign, promoting indigenous shipbuilding and technology.