Entering into service as a coastal freighter in 1946 with the name Ottawa Mayhill, it was commissioned in 1947 as CGS C.P.

Edwards for the Department of Transport's Marine Service, serving as a light vessel.

The ship was powered by a triple expansion steam engine driving one screw, creating 375 indicated horsepower (280 kW).

[1][2] Named for the former Deputy Minister of the Department of Transport (1941–1948) and later Deputy Minister of Air Transport, Charles Peter Edwards, the ship was stationed at Parry Sound, Ontario until 1972 when the vessel was taken out of service.

[2] Acquired by Kilbear Construction Company Limited in 1975[4] and sold later to Marine Transport & Engineering Ltd. in 1976.