The INS Nistar is India’s first indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV), designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited and commissioned in July 2025 at Visakhapatnam. This specialized vessel enhances submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and salvage operations with state-of-the-art equipment, including saturation diving systems, ROVs, and is the mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
Key Features & Capabilities
- Indigenous Design & Construction: Designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant step in indigenous naval ship-building.
- Diving & Rescue Operations: Capable of deep-sea saturation diving and serving as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to rescue personnel from distressed submarines.
- Advanced Equipment: Equipped with state-of-the-art diving and salvage equipment, including air and saturation diving systems, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Side Scan SONAR, and a dynamic positioning system for precise operations.
- Medical Facilities: Features an integrated complex with hyperbaric medical facilities, a hospital, operation theatre, and ICU to support divers and promote diver recovery.
- Operational Scale: The vessel has a length of approximately 120 meters and a displacement of over 10,000 tonnes, providing a large operational platform.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Which of the following is the primary function of the recently commissioned INS Nistar?
a) To conduct long-range maritime surveillance and reconnaissance
b) To function as a carrier for fighter aircraft and provide air support to naval operations
c) To provide support for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and salvage operations
d) To act as an amphibious assault ship for deploying marine forces and carrying landing craft
Answer: c
Explanation: INS Nistar is a Diving Support Vessel (DSV) specifically designed for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and salvage operations. It is not a combat ship like an aircraft carrier or an amphibious assault ship, and its primary role is not maritime surveillance.
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