Three 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo tubes were fitted, with one fixed in the ship's bow and the other two on swivelling mounts on the beam.

[2] Jason was laid down at the Naval Construction & Engineering Co.'s (later Vickers Armstrong) Barrow-in-Furness shipyard on 7 September 1891, was launched on 14 May 1892 and completed in June 1893 at a cost of £49,253.

[2][6] In August 1894 Jason took part in that year's Naval Manoeuvres,[7] but, owing to problems with her engines, was sent into Milford Haven for repair.

[8] In July 1896 she again took part in the Manoeuvres,[9] On 26 June 1897 Jason was present at the Jubilee Fleet Review at Spithead.

[20] On the outbreak of the First World War Jason joined the newly established Grand Fleet.

[21] In August 1914, the minesweepers attached to the Grand Fleet, including Jason were employed on carrying out daily sweeps of the Pentland Firth.