Launch of DSC A 20: A Milestone in Indian Navy’s Diving Support Craft Project
In a momentous event on August 31, 2023, DSC A 20′ (Yard 325), the inaugural vessel of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) project, embarked on its journey as it was launched at the premises of M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) in Kolkata. This pioneering project, undertaken for the Indian Navy, represents a significant step towards enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. The Launch Ceremony was graced by VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), with the ship’s launch overseen by Mrs. Aradhana Mahindru, accompanied by the sacred invocation from Atharva Veda.
The DSC project, consisting of five Diving Support Craft, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (formerly known as M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd). This initiative, which holds immense strategic importance, aims to bolster the Indian Navy’s operational and training diving capabilities in harbors and coastal waters.
These DSCs are 30 meters in length and boast catamaran hull designs, with a displacement of approximately 300 tons each. It is anticipated that all five DSCs will be delivered to the Indian Navy by the fiscal year 2024-25. Each of these craft is equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment and tools, setting new standards for diving operations. Furthermore, these DSCs have been meticulously designed and constructed in compliance with the rigorous Naval Rules and Regulations set forth by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
The development of these vessels reached new heights with hydrodynamic analysis and model testing conducted during the design phase, a collaborative effort undertaken at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. It’s worth noting that a substantial portion of the primary and auxiliary equipment for these DSCs is sourced from indigenous manufacturers. This fact underscores their role as proud flag bearers of the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives championed by the Government of India (GoI) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The launch of DSC A 20′ marks a remarkable milestone in the DSC project, showcasing India’s capabilities in the field of maritime technology and indigenous shipbuilding. Moreover, it signifies the nation’s commitment to self-reliance and its burgeoning role in contributing to the global defense landscape.
In a symbolic gesture that reinforces the project’s collective spirit, the Chief Guest, VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, DCNS, laid the keel of the fifth and final Diving Support Craft (DSC), known as DSC A 24, simultaneously with the launch of the first DSC. This momentous occasion underscores the synchronized construction efforts aimed at delivering five cutting-edge DSCs for the Indian Navy.
As these DSCs continue to take shape, they symbolize India’s maritime prowess and its unwavering dedication to advancing its naval capabilities. The launch of DSC A 20′ and the laying of the keel for DSC A 24 mark significant steps towards a more robust and self-reliant Indian Navy, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that the maritime world presents. With each vessel, India’s maritime footprint grows, forging new horizons and securing a brighter future for its naval operations.
