In a significant boost to its underwater warfare and salvage capabilities, the Indian Navy formally commissioned a state-of-the-art diving support vessel, DSC A20, at the Kochi Naval Base on Tuesday morning. The ceremony marks the vessel's entry into active service, enhancing the Navy's operational readiness in the critical underwater domain.
A Technological Marvel for Underwater Operations
The newly commissioned DSC A20 is a modern catamaran-hull vessel, specifically designed for advanced diving operations. It is outfitted with cutting-edge systems that represent a leap forward in underwater support technology. Among its key features are sophisticated underwater video monitoring, recording, and tracking facilities, which provide real-time situational awareness during missions.
The craft is also fitted with a two-man recompression chamber (RCC), a critical piece of equipment that allows for safe and extended diving operations by managing divers' exposure to pressure. This capability is vital for complex salvage, underwater repairs, and clearance diving tasks. The vessel further boasts a suite of specialized tools, including general-purpose inflatable craft, underwater hydraulic tools, a diver tracking system, and an underwater video camera.
A Testament to Indigenous Shipbuilding
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice-Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command. In his address, he hailed the DSC A20 as a vital asset that would significantly augment the Navy's maritime capabilities beneath the waves.
Vice-Admiral Saxena emphasized that the vessel stands as a fine example of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative. He highlighted that the DSC A20 features indigenous design, construction, and system integration, showcasing India's growing prowess in advanced naval engineering. Notably, DSC A20 is the 11th ship to be commissioned into the Navy in this calendar year alone, marking a major milestone for the country's domestic shipbuilding sector.
Strategic Implications and Regional Role
The induction of this advanced diving support craft is set to have far-reaching consequences. With its enhanced endurance, superior manoeuvrability, and contemporary diving infrastructure, the DSC A20 will act as an essential force multiplier within the Navy's maritime security architecture.
Vice-Admiral Saxena also pointed out the vessel's role in strengthening India's diplomatic and strategic outreach. The diving support crafts will bolster the Navy's ability to provide diving expertise, underwater maintenance support, and salvage assistance to friendly foreign nations. This capability reinforces India's commitment to being a first responder and a preferred security partner across the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
The commissioning of DSC A20 underscores the Indian Navy's steadfast commitment to modernizing its fleet and building self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It directly enhances the force's preparedness for a wide range of underwater scenarios, from tactical operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions requiring sophisticated salvage work.
