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

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