Why In News?
The Indian Navy will commission ‘Nipun’ the Indian Navy’s second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The vessel will boost the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities and capacities for deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue.
About ‘Nipun’
- Indigenous Design and Construction: Designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, ‘Nipun’ was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 July 2026. It has been built according to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
- Meaning of the Name: The name ‘Nipun’ is derived from Sanskrit and means ‘one who is adept, capable, and well versed in a particular discipline’, reflecting the vessel’s specialised role in underwater operations.
- Deep-Sea Diving Capability: The vessel is equipped with advanced diving systems and can undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving, allowing divers to conduct prolonged operations at significant depths. A side diving stage supports diving operations.
- Underwater Operations and ROVs: ‘Nipun’ is equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring, underwater search and salvage operations, enhancing its ability to conduct complex missions beneath the sea.
- Submarine Rescue Support: The vessel can serve as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), enabling the evacuation of personnel from submarines during emergencies.
- Integrated Underwater Platform: With specialised diving, underwater intervention, rescue and medical support facilities, ‘Nipun’ can support a wide range of complex underwater missions.
- Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat: With nearly 75% indigenous content, the vessel represents a significant step towards self-reliance in defence shipbuilding and strengthens India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities.