[1] PV Vigilant was a prototype ship designed and built at Cockatoo Island Dockyard in 1937–38.

It was built for the Department of Trade and Customs, intended for use patrolling waters to the north of Australia in conjunction with the Kuru.

The ship was still undergoing sea trials when it was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy in October 1940, commissioning as HMAS Vigilant on 12 November 1940.

Vigilant, with a hold capacity of 7 tons, played an important role in the Battle of Timor from May 1942 and made several supply trips to the island.

[6] Following an overhaul of the RAN battle honours system, completed in March 2010, the RAN decided that, in recognition of the vessel's wartime service, future ships named HMAS Vigilant would be entitled to carry the honours "Darwin 1942–43" and "Pacific 1942–43".