On October 30, 2023, the Indian Navy marked the launch of ‘DSC A 21,’ the second ship in a project involving the construction of five Diving Support Craft (DSC). These DSCs are being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), based in Kolkata, for the Indian Navy. The launch ceremony took place in Titagarh, Kolkata, onto the Hooghly River and was presided over by Vice Admiral K Swaminathan, Chief of Personnel. The ship was officially launched by Mrs. Laila Swaminathan, in accordance with naval maritime tradition.
DSC Project
The Diving Support Craft (DSC) project aims to provide the Indian Navy with vessels designed for diving operations in harbors and coastal waters. These ships are equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment. They are 30 meters in length and have catamaran hulls, with a displacement of approximately 300 tons.
Contract and Design
The contract for the construction of five Diving Support Craft (DSC) was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) in Kolkata on February 12, 2021. These ships are the result of indigenous design and construction, adhering to the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The hydrodynamic analysis and model testing during the design phase were conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.
‘Make in India’ Initiative
The Diving Support Craft (DSC) project represents a proud contribution to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India (GoI) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This initiative focuses on boosting domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in defense production. The DSC project is a testament to India’s capability to design, build, and equip advanced vessels for the Indian Navy, aligning with the country’s broader strategic goals of self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.