In 1947 HM Customs and Excise acquired the former HMS Benbecula, renamed her HMRC Vigilant and fitted her out for service with Customs. 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

Peter de Neumann

Commander Bernard Peter de Neumann GM RN was a British sailor, convicted pirate, and dockmaster....

. 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 of 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

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade was negotiated during the UN Conference on Trade and Employment and was the outcome of the failure of negotiating governments to create the International Trade Organization . GATT was signed in 1947 and lasted until 1993, when it was replaced by the World...

 (GATT) conference in Torquay. Stafford Cripps

Stafford Cripps

Sir Richard Stafford Cripps was a British Labour politician of the first half of the 20th century. During World War II he served in a number of positions in the wartime coalition, including Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Minister of Aircraft Production...

, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer

Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the title held by the British Cabinet minister who is responsible for all economic and financial matters. Often simply called the Chancellor, the office-holder controls HM Treasury and plays a role akin to the posts of Minister of Finance or Secretary of the...

, lived and entertained aboard her during the conference.