Indian Navy to Commission First Indigenous Diving Support Craft ‘DSC A20’

The Indian Navy is set to commission DSC A20, the first vessel in its new class of indigenously designed and built Diving Support Craft, on 16 December 2025 at Kochi, under the Southern Naval Command.

The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command. DSC A20’s induction marks a major step forward in enhancing the Navy’s underwater operations, diving support capability, and overall coastal mission effectiveness.

Part of a Class of Five Indigenously Built Vessels

DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata. These vessels are custom-built to support a wide spectrum of underwater and diving missions, especially in coastal waters.

Key Underwater Mission Capabilities

• Diving support for naval operations
• Underwater inspection and maintenance
• Salvage assistance
• Coastal security and fleet support

The ship incorporates state-of-the-art diving systems, meeting the highest safety and operational standards required for naval diving operations.

Advanced Design: Catamaran Hull, Superior Stability

One of the standout features of DSC A20 is its catamaran hull form, which offers:

• Enhanced stability, even during complex underwater tasks
• Larger deck area for diving and support equipment
• Improved seakeeping capability, enabling smooth operations in coastal waters

With a displacement of around 390 tons, DSC A20 is built strictly under the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

Scientifically Validated Performance

The craft underwent:

• Extensive hydrodynamic analysis, and
• Model testing at NSTL, Visakhapatnam

These evaluations ensured high reliability, safety, and mission readiness.

Boost to Aatmanirbharta in the Maritime Sector

The commissioning of DSC A20 aligns with India’s emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative. The project showcases seamless collaboration between:

• Indian Navy
• Indigenous shipbuilding industry (TRSL)
• National research institutions like NSTL

The success of DSC A20 underscores India’s growing expertise in designing and delivering specialised, technologically advanced naval platforms.

Operational Role and Deployment

Once commissioned, DSC A20 will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command. Its induction strengthens multiple naval missions:

Enhanced Capabilities Include:

• Underwater inspection & repair of naval platforms
• Search and rescue (SAR) diving operations
• Salvage support in coastal and harbour areas
• Training support for naval divers

The vessel will serve as a crucial asset for both routine maintenance and emergency underwater tasks, significantly improving the Navy’s operational readiness.