The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels of the Royal Australian Navy that served between 1960 and 1995.[1]
The Explorer class was a two-ship class of general purpose vessels built for the RAN.[2] The ships had a displacement of 207 tons at standard load and 260 tons at full load.[2] Each was 90 feet (27 m) long between perpendiculars[citation needed] and 101 feet (31 m) long overall, had a beam of 22 feet (6.7 m), and a draught of 8 feet (2.4 m).[2] Propulsion machinery consisted of GM diesels, which supplied 348 shaft horsepower (260 kW) to the two propeller screws, and allowed the vessel to reach 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph).[2] The ship's company consisted of 14 personnel.[2] The ship's armament of light weapons (usually .50 calibre machine guns[citation needed]) were only fitted as needed.[2]
The two vessel, HMAS Bass and HMAS Banks, were built by Walkers Limited of Maryborough, Queensland.[3] Both were laid down in 1959, and were commissioned into the RAN in 1960.[3]
The Explorers' primary roles were hydrographic survey and reservist training, among other duties.[2]
In December 1982, both vessels were decommissioned.[2] Despite this, they remained active in training until the mid-1990s.[2]