INS Nireekshak completes diver training exercise in Trincomalee

Indian Navy's Diver Support and Submarine Rescue Ship, 'INS Nireekshak' participated in a week-long 'Diver Training Exercise' conducted at Trincomalee.

The exercise was conducted in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, from 15 to 21 September 2023.

• As part of the 'Diver Training Exercise', diving teams from the navies of both countries conducted extensive dives in the port and sea. In addition, several other interactions, including training of personnel were also held between the crew of the ship and Sri Lanka Navy personnel on various aspects of mutual interest.
• The ship was visited by officers of the Junior Command and Staff College, Trincomalee, who were briefed about the ship's excellent diving capabilities.
• Rear Admiral PS De Silva, Commander of Eastern Naval Area, visited 'INS Nireekshak' and appreciated the support of the Indian Navy in training the divers of the Sri Lanka Navy.
• Admiral PS de Silva also stressed the need for an exchange of best practices and professional expertise between the two navies.

Activities other than practice:

• Apart from these training activities, a social outreach activity was also conducted in a school for underprivileged children in Trincomalee. A joint beach clean-up campaign was also conducted at Dutch Beach on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day (Ozone Day is also observed along with International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 16, 2023).
• In a display of unity and wellness, a joint yoga session and friendly basketball match with Sri Lankan Navy personnel was also organised.
• INS Inspector opened to visitors and over 1,500 personnel toured the ship. The visit of INS Nireekshak to Sri Lanka has further strengthened and deepened the relations between the two navies.

INS Nireekshak: 

• INS Nireekshak is a dive support and submarine rescue ship of the Indian Navy.
• It was built in the year 1985 by Mazagon Shipbuilders.
• It was commissioned into the Navy in the year 1995.
• The vessel is equipped with two Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), capable of carrying 12 people simultaneously to a depth of 300 metres.
• The main objective of building INS Nireekshak is to facilitate rescue from distressed submarines and the training of divers.
• INS Nireekshak has been part of various diving operations.
• The record for diving to the highest depth of 257 meters in the country is also in the name of INS Nireekshak.
• In February 2023, INS Nireekshak was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff ‘On-the-Spot Unit’ Commendation for deep sea diving and salvage operations in the most challenging conditions.