Under the auspices of Southern Naval Command, the Indian Navy will commission DSC A20, the first ship of the domestically built Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Kochi on December 16, according to officials. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command, will be present for the ship’s official induction into service. The event will increase the Navy’s diving and underwater support capabilities by adding a crucial operational asset to its inventory.
M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, is building five Diving Support Craft, the first of which is the DSC A20. With cutting-edge, state-of-the-art diving systems that adhere to the strictest safety and operational efficiency standards, the vessel is designed for a variety of diving and undersea missions in coastal waters. With a catamaran hull configuration, the ship has a displacement of about 390 tons and provides better seakeeping, increased deck area, and superior stability.
The DSC A20’s commissioning represents a turning point in India’s quest for Aatmanirbharta and is a prime example of the “Make in India” movement’s achievement in the maritime sector. In order to offer specialized, cutting-edge warships, the platform demonstrates the smooth cooperation of the Indian Navy, the domestic shipbuilding sector, and national research agencies. Its adoption will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s capacity for underwater inspection, salvage aid, diving support, and coastal operations deployment. Operating under the Southern Naval Command, DSC A20 will have its headquarters in Kochi.
