HMRC Vigilant (1947)

HMRC Vigilant was an Isles-class naval trawler, formerly HMS Benbecula, acquired by the HM Customs and Excise in 1946, and fitted out for service with the Customs.

HMRC Vigilant in about 1959
History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Benbecula
Namesake	Benbecula
Builder	Cook, Welton & Gemmell, Beverley
Launched	28 October 1943
Commissioned	13 January 1944
Fate	Sold March 1946.
History
United Kingdom
Name	HMRC Vigilant
Acquired	1946
Fate	Sold 1964, hulked 1982
General characteristics
Class and type	Isles-class naval trawler
Displacement	545 long tons (554 t)
Length	164 ft (50 m)
Beam	27 ft 8 in (8.43 m)
Draught	11 ft 1 in (3.38 m)
Installed power	850 ihp (634 kW)
Propulsion	Triple-expansion reciprocating steam engine 1 shaft
Speed	12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Complement	40

She took part in many clandestine operations in co-operation with the Investigations Branch of HM Customs and Excise, against smuggling. Initially, from 1947 until 1953, she was based in Gravesend Reach on the River Thames, commanded by Peter de Neumann. In 1953 her base was moved to Southampton Water. Vigilant was ocean going and by far the largest vessel ever operated by HM Customs and Excise. Her Commander and Chief Officer each had to hold Foreign-Going Master's certificates, as well as receiving HM Customs Commissions. She sometimes voyaged to the fishing grounds of Newfoundland Banks, off Iceland, into the Baltic, and The North and Irish Seas.

The first ever live outside TV broadcast from a ship was made from her during the 1950 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) conference in Torquay. Stafford Cripps, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, lived and entertained aboard her during the conference.