[2] Like the other Laird-built 30-knotters, Seal was propelled by two triple expansion steam engines, fed by four Normand boilers, rated at 6,300 ihp (4,700 kW), and was fitted with four funnels.

[1] Lieutenant Arthur John Payne was appointed in command in September 1899, and she was commissioned as part of the Devonport Destroyer Instructional Flotilla.

In February 1900 she was slightly damaged while in the Falmouth harbour when the destroyer Fairy dragged her moorings and drifted into several of the other ships of the flotilla.

[10] She underwent repairs to re-tube her boilers during Spring 1902,[11] and Lieutenant Harry Charles John Roberts West was appointed in command from 2 September,[12] when she did commission at Devonport for the Mediterranean station.

[15] On 30 August 1912 the Admiralty directed all destroyers were to be grouped into classes designated by letters based on contract speed and appearance.