- Fourth Diving Support Craft launched with full naval honours in Kolkata
- Indigenous design, advanced catamaran hull to power coastal and harbour operations
- Project strengthens underwater inspection, salvage and diving capabilities
- Major push to ‘Make in India’ with 70% indigenous equipment
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 21
In a significant boost to India’s maritime operational readiness, the Indian Navy on April 19 launched DSC A-23—the fourth vessel under the ambitious Diving Support Craft (DSC) project—at Titagarh, Kolkata.
The launch ceremony, marked by naval tradition and ceremonial grandeur, was presided over by Deepa Sivakumar in the presence of Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel, along with senior officials from the Navy and Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL).
“The induction of Diving Support Craft will significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capability in critical underwater domains,” officials highlighted during the ceremony.
Engineering Excellence, Operational Edge
Constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, DSC A-23 features a 30-metre catamaran hull and an approximate displacement of 380 tonnes—designed for superior stability, expanded deck area and enhanced sea-keeping.
These capabilities make the vessel ideally suited for complex diving operations in coastal waters and harbours, including underwater inspection and salvage missions.
Tested for Precision and Performance
The craft has been designed in compliance with the stringent naval rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
The project also underwent extensive model testing and hydrodynamic analysis at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam—ensuring operational reliability across varied maritime conditions.
Strategic Capability Boost
With the induction of DSC vessels, the Navy is set to significantly enhance its capabilities in:
- Diving support operations
- Underwater inspection and maintenance
- Salvage and rescue assistance
- Coastal and harbour-based deployments
“These platforms will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s maritime security architecture,” defence sources noted.
Indigenisation at the Core
A standout feature of the DSC project is its strong indigenous content—around 70% of equipment sourced from Indian manufacturers.
This aligns with the Government of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reinforces the ‘Make in India’ vision.
“Diving Support Crafts are a testament to India’s growing shipbuilding capability and self-reliance in defence,” officials emphasised.
