At Visakhapatnam, the Indian Navy will launch INS Nistar, its first Diving Support Vessel (DSV) that was built locally

What does INS Nistar refer to?

INS Nistar is India’s inaugural domestically produced Diving Support Vessel (DSV) intended for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater missions.

It acts as the main ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).

Created by:

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), located in Visakhapatnam

Constructed under the Ministry of Defence with 80% local content, engaging more than 120 MSMEs.

Goals of INS Nistar:

Assist in submarine rescue missions and urgent evacuations.

Execute saturation diving and air diving operations in deep seas.

Improve India's capabilities for underwater operations and maritime readiness.

Minimize reliance on international assistance during underwater emergency situations.

Main Characteristics:

Imposing and Strong Frame:

Displacement: More than 10,000 tons

Length: 120 meters

Stamina: Over 60 days on the ocean

Advanced Positioning & Navigation: Fitted with a Dynamic Positioning System for accuracy in intricate underwater operations.

Diving and Emergency Response Skills:

Contains saturation diving systems, air diving chambers, ROVs, and Side Scan SONAR.

Serves as the main vessel for DSRVs, extending submarine rescue capabilities.

Medical Infrastructure: Comprises operating theater, ICU, 8-bed facility, and hyperbaric chambers for diver rehabilitation and care.

Multi-Mission Assistance: Includes a helicopter landing area and a 15-ton subsea crane for logistics and recovery tasks.

Importance:

Bolsters India's Atmanirbhar Bharat program in naval ship construction.

Boosts India’s strategic preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Addresses an essential capability shortfall in submarine rescue and maritime emergency response.

Symbolically resurrects the heritage of the former Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971).