The Indian Navy commissioned DSC A20, the first of five indigenously built Diving Support Crafts (DSC), at a ceremony held at the Naval Base, Kochi. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, and hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition. Senior naval officers, officials from M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata, and distinguished guests attended the commissioning.
The contract for constructing five DSCs was signed between the Ministry of Defence and M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited on 12 February 2021. During the design stage, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, conducted hydrodynamic analysis and model testing to ensure optimal performance.
DSC A20 is a catamaran-hull vessel with a displacement of approximately 390 tons. Equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment, the craft is designed to support underwater repairs, inspections, harbour clearances, and critical diving missions in coastal waters. It has been constructed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.
The commissioning of DSC A20 marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The successful construction of such a specialized platform highlights India’s growing domestic capabilities, self-reliance, and reduced dependency on imports for strategic naval assets.
