Explorer-class general-purpose vessel

The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels of the Royal Australian Navy that served between 1960 and 1995.

Design
The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels built for the RAN. The ships had a displacement of 207 tons at standard load and 260 tons at full load. Each was 90 ft long between perpendiculars and 101 ft long overall, had a beam of 22 ft, and a draught of 8 ft. Propulsion machinery consisted of GM diesels, which supplied 348 shp to the two propeller screws, and allowed the vessel to reach 9 kn. The ship's company consisted of 14 personnel. The ship's armament of light weapons (usually .50 calibre machine guns) were only fitted as needed.

The two vessel, HMAS Bass and HMAS Banks, were built by Walkers Limited of Maryborough, Queensland. Both were laid down in 1959, and were commissioned into the RAN in 1960.

Operational history
The Explorers' primary roles were hydrographic survey and reservist training, among other duties.

In December 1982, both vessels were decommissioned. Despite this, they remained active in training until the mid-1990s.

Ships

 * HMAS Bass - Sold 1994.
 * HMAS Banks - Sold 1995.