Indian Navy to commission diving support vessel Nipun on August 31

A view of the Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class, ahead of its commissioning into the Indian Navy on Aug 31 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI The Indian Navy is set to commission ‘Nipun’, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on August 31, 2026, adding a specialised platform to its deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue capabilities.The Indian Navy said that, indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun marks another milestone in the Navy’s efforts towards self-reliance in defence shipbuilding. The vessel was delivered to the Navy on July 30 after completing an extensive programme of outfitting and trials.Nipun is a purpose-built platform for a range of diving and underwater operations. Equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities, the vessel will provide sustained support to divers operating in challenging maritime conditions. It will also augment the Navy’s capability to undertake submarine rescue operations.The vessel incorporates modern navigation and platform-management systems, along with precise station-keeping capabilities. It also has specialised facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support, allowing it to function as an integrated platform for complex underwater missions. Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, along with Navy officials, during the delivery of ‘Nipun’, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy, in Visakhapatnam on Friday, August 21, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI The commissioning of Nipun is expected to strengthen the Navy’s ability to undertake specialised diving and underwater operations across India’s maritime areas of interest. Its induction also underscores the growing capability of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry to design and deliver technologically advanced, specialised vessels for the armed forces.The crest of Nipun reflects the vessel’s primary role as a Diving Support Vessel and embodies the courage, endurance and professional excellence associated with deep-sea diving.The whale, known for diving to great depths and remaining submerged for extended periods, represents endurance, longevity and sustained operations in the deep ocean. The modern diving helmet symbolises the diver at the core of the vessel’s mission and represents its advanced diving and life-support systems.Together, the whale and diving helmet represent Nipun’s role in taking divers into the depths, sustaining them during demanding underwater operations and ensuring their safe return. Published - August 25, 2026 07:30 pm IST