First indigenously designed and built (DSV), INS Nistar

Why in news : INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on July 9, 2025, in Visakhapatnam.

·  The vessel has ~75% indigenous content and aligns with the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

·  Built under Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.

·  Specialised for Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations, a capability possessed by only a few navies globally.

·  Key features:

·        Length: 118 meters, Tonnage: ~10,000 tonnes.

·        Can conduct Saturation Diving up to 300 metres.

·        Has a Side Diving Stage for operations up to 75 metres.

·        Functions as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV).

·        Equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for operations up to 1000 metres.

·  The name ‘Nistar’ is derived from Sanskrit, meaning liberation, rescue, or salvation.