In News:

The Indian Navy is set to commission Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 at Kochi under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command. The vessel marks a significant step in enhancing India’s underwater operational preparedness and advancing indigenisation in specialised naval platforms.

About DSC A20

• DSC A20 is the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft and serves as the lead ship in a series of five vessels being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
• It is purpose-built to undertake a wide spectrum of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters, supporting naval operations that require specialised diving assistance and underwater technical intervention.

Key Features

• The vessel features a catamaran hull design, which provides superior stability, larger deck space, and improved seakeeping capabilities compared to conventional hull forms.
• It is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems, ensuring high standards of operational efficiency and diver safety.
• DSC A20 has an approximate displacement of 390 tonnes, making it suitable for sustained coastal support roles.
• The ship has been designed and constructed in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• Extensive hydrodynamic analysis and model testing were conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Operational Role

DSC A20 is intended to support:

• Diving operations for underwater repairs and maintenance
• Underwater inspection of hulls, harbours, and maritime structures
• Salvage and recovery assistance
• Coastal operational deployment, including emergency response

Once commissioned, the vessel will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command, a key formation responsible for training and operational readiness in the southern maritime theatre.

Strategic and Policy Significance

The induction of DSC A20 reflects India’s progress in maritime self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) and the success of the Make in India initiative in defence manufacturing. The project represents close collaboration between the Navy, domestic shipbuilding industry, and national research institutions.

By enhancing underwater operational capability, the vessel strengthens India’s preparedness for naval maintenance, search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime security operations in coastal regions.