The Indian Navy recently launched DSC A 23, the fourth vessel in a series of five specialized Diving Support Crafts, at the Titagarh shipyard in Kolkata. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, this launch represents a substantial milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in naval shipbuilding and advanced maritime technology. These vessels are designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy’s diving teams during complex underwater repair and salvage missions.
The Launch of DSC A 23
The vessel, designated as Yard 328, was launched during a formal ceremony held at the Titagarh shipyard. The event was attended by prominent naval and industrial leaders, including Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, who currently serves as the Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy. The ceremonial launch was performed by Deepa Sivakumar in accordance with naval traditions. This event marks the near-completion of the five-vessel project, with four ships now having entered the water.
Technical Specifications and Design
The DSC A 23 features a catamaran hull design, which offers superior stability and a significantly larger deck area compared to traditional monohull vessels. Measuring 30 meters in length and having a displacement of approximately 380 tons, the craft is optimized for operations in both coastal waters and harbors.
The ship’s design adheres to the Naval Rules and Regulations set by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring high standards of safety and performance. Before construction, the vessel’s hull and performance parameters were rigorously tested through model simulations at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, which is a specialized unit under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Strategic Importance and Role
These specialized crafts play a critical role in supporting the Command Clearance Diving Teams (CCDTs) of the Indian Navy. The CCDTs are elite units responsible for underwater inspection, maintenance, and repair of ships and submarines, as well as complex salvage operations. The DSC A 23 provides a mobile and stable platform for these teams to deploy their specialized equipment and perform high-precision tasks in various operational environments.
Beyond its role in maintenance and salvage, the craft serves as an essential training platform for naval diving personnel. It allows trainees to gain hands-on experience with modern diving equipment and underwater operational procedures, ensuring that the Indian Navy maintains a highly skilled force of specialized divers.
Strengthening Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
The Diving Support Craft project is a flagship initiative under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programs. A remarkable 70 percent of the main and auxiliary equipment installed on the DSC A 23 has been sourced from indigenous manufacturers across India. This high level of local participation not only bolsters the domestic defense industrial base but also reduces dependence on foreign vendors for critical naval components and spare parts.
Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), a major Indian engineering and fabrication company, was awarded the contract for the construction of all five diving support crafts in February 2021. The project, valued at approximately ₹175 crore, showcases the growing capability of Indian private sector shipyards to deliver sophisticated vessels that meet the stringent qualitative requirements of the Indian Navy.
Key Agencies Involved
Several specialized organizations have collaborated to bring the Diving Support Craft project to fruition. The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), located in Visakhapatnam, played a pivotal role in the hydrodynamic research and hull design validation. As a premier lab under the DRDO, NSTL is equipped with advanced facilities such as high-speed towing tanks to ensure naval vessels meet global performance standards.
The classification and regulatory oversight were provided by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Headquartered in Mumbai, the IRS is a globally recognized ship classification society that ensures naval and commercial vessels comply with established international and domestic maritime rules. Their involvement ensures that the DSC A 23 is built to the highest standards of seaworthiness and structural integrity.
Key Takeaways
- The DSC A 23 is the fourth of five vessels being built under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) project for the Indian Navy.
- The vessel was constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) at their shipyard in Titagarh, Kolkata.
- It features a 30-meter catamaran hull with an approximate displacement of 380 tons, providing enhanced stability for underwater operations.
- The project achieves a high degree of indigenization, with approximately 70 percent of the equipment sourced from Indian manufacturers.
- The craft was designed according to the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and underwent testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL).
- These vessels are intended to support the Command Clearance Diving Teams (CCDTs) in tasks like underwater repair, salvage, and personnel training.
