INS Nistar – India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV)
Exam Level: UPSC / Defence Awareness | Content Type: Notes + MCQs
⚓ 1️⃣ Commissioning Overview
On July 18, 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar at Visakhapatnam, marking India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
🏗️ Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
📅 Delivered to the Navy on July 8, 2025 prior to commissioning.
🌊 2️⃣ Primary Role & Capabilities
- ✔️ Deep-sea saturation diving operations
- ✔️ Submarine rescue missions
- ✔️ Specialized diving support systems
- ✔️ Mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)
🌍 Strengthens India’s position as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region.
🚢 3️⃣ Nistar-Class Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Class Size | Two Vessels |
| Lead Ship | INS Nistar |
| Second Ship | INS Nipun |
| Capability Type | Deep-Sea Diving & Submarine Rescue |
🔱 This niche capability is possessed by only a few navies worldwide.
📝 4️⃣ Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
INS Nistar was commissioned on:
A) July 8, 2025; Kochi
B) July 18, 2025; Visakhapatnam
C) July 18, 2025; Mumbai
D) July 21, 2025; Chennai
Answer: B
Explanation: Commissioned on July 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
INS Nistar was commissioned on:
A) July 8, 2025; Kochi
B) July 18, 2025; Visakhapatnam
C) July 18, 2025; Mumbai
D) July 21, 2025; Chennai
Answer: B
Explanation: Commissioned on July 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
Question 2:
Which shipyard built INS Nistar?
A) CSL
B) MDL
C) HSL
D) GRSE
Answer: C
Explanation: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).
Which shipyard built INS Nistar?
A) CSL
B) MDL
C) HSL
D) GRSE
Answer: C
Explanation: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).
Question 3:
Primary role of INS Nistar:
A) Anti-submarine torpedo attacks
B) Aircraft carrier operations
C) Deep-sea saturation diving & rescue
D) Mine countermeasures
Answer: C
Explanation: Designed for complex deep-sea diving and rescue operations.
Primary role of INS Nistar:
A) Anti-submarine torpedo attacks
B) Aircraft carrier operations
C) Deep-sea saturation diving & rescue
D) Mine countermeasures
Answer: C
Explanation: Designed for complex deep-sea diving and rescue operations.
Question 4:
INS Nistar acts as:
A) Diver training vessel
B) Mothership for DSRV
C) Shore support barge
D) Depot ship
Answer: B
Explanation: Serves as the mothership for the Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle.
INS Nistar acts as:
A) Diver training vessel
B) Mothership for DSRV
C) Shore support barge
D) Depot ship
Answer: B
Explanation: Serves as the mothership for the Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle.
Question 5:
The Nistar class consists of:
A) Three ships
B) Single ship only
C) Two DSVs – Nistar & Nipun
D) Imported vessels
Answer: C
Explanation: The class includes INS Nistar and INS Nipun.
The Nistar class consists of:
A) Three ships
B) Single ship only
C) Two DSVs – Nistar & Nipun
D) Imported vessels
Answer: C
Explanation: The class includes INS Nistar and INS Nipun.
