They displaced 429 long tons (436 t) fully loaded and had an initial complement of 3 officers and 20 ratings.

[2][3] The Porte class were powered one Fairbanks-Morse 6-cylinder diesel engine driving one shaft creating 600 brake horsepower (450 kW).

From 1958 to 1974, Porte Dauphine was loaned to the Department of Transport (DOT) as an environmental research ship on the Great Lakes, before transferring to the West Coast via the Panama Canal.

[3][8] Porte Dauphine was modified for DOT use, which involved the installation of a widened wheelhouse and a cafeteria.

[9] The vessels were used to train naval reserve crews in key trades such as navigation, diesel mechanics, communications and logistics.