Indian Navy Commissions Second Diving Support Vessel 'Nipun' in Mumbai

The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned ‘Nipun’, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in a move aimed at enhancing the force’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan presided over the commissioning ceremony. The induction of Nipun marks another step in the Navy’s efforts to strengthen its specialised maritime capabilities, particularly in the demanding field of underwater operations. The vessel has been purpose-built to support a wide range of diving, rescue, recovery and salvage missions in challenging conditions at sea.

Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Nipun was handed over to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on July 30, 2026. The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with the classification requirements of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reflecting the standards followed for its construction and operational readiness. The name ‘Nipun’ has its roots in Sanskrit and refers to someone who is skilled, proficient and highly capable in a particular field. In keeping with its name, the vessel has been developed as a specialised platform for deep-sea diving and underwater rescue missions.

Nipun is equipped with advanced diving systems and has the capability to conduct deep-sea saturation diving, allowing divers to undertake extended underwater operations. A side diving stage has also been incorporated into the vessel to support the deployment and recovery of divers during missions. The ship’s capabilities are further enhanced by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), which can be used for monitoring divers as well as carrying out underwater inspections and salvage activities. These systems provide the Navy with greater flexibility while dealing with complex underwater operations.

Nipun will also play an important role in submarine rescue missions. The vessel can serve as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), supporting operations to locate, access and evacuate personnel from submarines in the event of an emergency. The vessel features modern navigation and platform-management systems along with precise station-keeping capabilities, allowing it to maintain its position while supporting specialised underwater activities. It also includes facilities for diving operations, underwater intervention and medical assistance, enabling it to function as a comprehensive support platform during demanding missions.

Another significant feature of Nipun is its high level of indigenous content. Nearly 75 per cent of the vessel has been produced using domestic capabilities, highlighting the growing strength of Indias naval shipbuilding industry. Its induction is in line with the governments Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the Indian Navys continued focus on developing and acquiring advanced platforms from Indian shipyards.

With the commissioning of Nipun, the Indian Navy is expected to gain greater capacity to conduct deep-sea diving, underwater rescue, salvage and intervention missions across its maritime areas of interest. The vessel also underlines Indias growing ability to design and build specialised naval platforms domestically, strengthening both the countrys maritime preparedness and its broader defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.