Why in news?
The Indian Navy will soon commission Diving Support Craft A20 at its base in Kochi under the Southern Naval Command. This vessel is the first in a new class of indigenously designed diving support craft, heralding a significant boost to India’s underwater inspection and salvage capabilities.
Background
Diving support craft are specialised vessels that provide platforms for naval divers engaged in underwater inspection, repair, salvage and rescue operations. Until now, the Indian Navy relied on older vessels or improvised platforms. In 2021 it contracted Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (formerly Titagarh Wagons) to design and build five new vessels that would meet modern standards and incorporate indigenous technology. The lead ship in this series, DSC A20, underwent extensive hydrodynamic testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory before completion.
Key features
- Catamaran hull: The vessel has a twin‑hull (catamaran) design that provides enhanced stability and a larger working deck area. This allows divers and equipment to be deployed safely even in moderate sea states.
- Advanced diving systems: Onboard systems include decompression chambers, high‑pressure air compressors, gas storage facilities and specialised diving ladders. These support prolonged underwater operations and ensure diver safety.
- Displacement: DSC A20 has a displacement of roughly 390 tonnes. Its size strikes a balance between seaworthiness and manoeuvrability in coastal waters.
- Regulatory compliance: The craft is built under Naval Rules and follows the Indian Register of Shipping regulations, demonstrating adherence to stringent safety and quality standards.
- Operational deployment: Based at Kochi, it will operate under the Southern Naval Command. Future vessels in the class will be distributed among other commands to provide nationwide diving support.
Significance
- Enhanced capability: The new craft will enable safe and efficient underwater inspections of ships, harbour structures and underwater pipelines. It can also assist in salvage operations and recovery of objects from the seabed.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Designing and building these vessels domestically aligns with India’s push for self‑reliance in defence equipment. Indigenous shipbuilding boosts local industry and reduces dependence on foreign designs.
- Support for divers: Modern diving systems and stable platforms reduce the physical strain on naval divers and allow more complex tasks to be undertaken.
Conclusion
Diving Support Craft A20 represents a major leap forward for the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. As the rest of the class enters service, India will be better equipped to conduct inspections, salvage missions and humanitarian operations in its coastal waters.
Sources: PIB
