Indian Navy to commission second indigenous diving support vessel Nipun

The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission Nipun, its second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 31 August 2026. Hindustan Shipyard Limited delivered the vessel at Visakhapatnam on 30 July 2026 after sea trials and outfitting.

Diving Support Vessel

A Diving Support Vessel is a specialised naval ship used for underwater operations, saturation diving, inspection work, and support tasks for divers and remotely operated systems. Such vessels are fitted with diving chambers, launch systems, and equipment for deep-sea work.

Nistar-class Project

The Nistar-class project comprises two specialised Diving Support Vessels built for the Indian Navy. Nipun is the second and final vessel of the class, after INS Nistar entered active service.

Operational Role and Equipment

Nipun will serve as the primary mother ship for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle. The vessel carries deep-sea saturation diving systems, side diving stages, and Remotely Operated Vehicles for underwater inspection and rescue-related tasks.

The Ministry of Defence has linked the vessel with submarine rescue and evacuation operations. The ship’s indigenous content has been cited at nearly 75 per cent by some official sources and over 80 per cent by others.

Contract and Delivery Timeline

The contract for the two Diving Support Vessels was signed on 20 September 2018 between the Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) of the Western Naval Command, met Navy and HSL officials in Visakhapatnam on 21 August 2026 during the delivery transition.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Naval Dockyard in Mumbai is a major Indian Navy base on the west coast of India.
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles are used for submarine crew rescue in underwater emergencies.
• Remotely Operated Vehicles are unmanned systems used for underwater inspection and intervention.

Exam Notes

The Nistar-class is a two-ship programme for specialised diving support. Nipun is the second indigenous vessel in the class and is linked to submarine rescue capability.