The ships were primarily tasked with conducting survey work in support of submarine and amphibious operations, however, the class also has a secondary role in mine countermeasures.

[6] Echo and Enterprise were the first Royal Navy ships to be fitted with azimuth thrusters.

Complete control and monitoring for power generation and propulsion, together with all auxiliary plant systems, tank gauging and damage control functions is provided through the integrated platform management system (IPMS), accessible through workstations around the ship.

[5] The vessels were designed to conduct survey tasks in support of submarines or amphibious operations.

In support of this high availability, all accommodation and recreational facilities were designed for an unusual (in a warship) degree of comfort.