Indian Navy takes delivery of new submarine rescue ship

The Indian Navy took delivery of a new dive support vessel (DSV) from Hindustan Shipyard on Wednesday, July 11.

The future INS Nistar is the first in a planned class of two DSVs that will be used primarily for the rescue of crews of distressed submarines. Secondary duties will include patrols and general search and rescue.

The vessel has a length of 118.4 metres, a beam of 22.8 metres, a displacement of 9,350 tonnes, and space for a submersible deep sea rescue vehicle and remotely operated vehicles. A helicopter deck is installed forward of the superstructure.

The onboard facilities include an operating room, an ICU, and a hospital with eight beds. The electronics meanwhile include a dynamic positioning system and a side-scan sonar.

Construction of the future Nistar and sister vessel INS Nipun was undertaken in compliance with Indian Register of Shipping class rules.

The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission the future Nistar into service on July 18.