For some of these purposes, the RNXS operated a small fleet of inshore vessels. Initially, the vessels were 45 ft and 61.5 feet Motor Fishing Vessels. These smaller boats were soon replaced by ten inshore minesweepers (Ham Class). R.N.X.S. vessel names were prefixed 'XSV' for Auxiliary Service Vessel. The minesweepers were de-armed and converted to enable larger training crews to be embarked. The 20 mm Oerlikon Cannon or 40mm Bofors guns were removed but the mounts were kept. Over time, the minesweepers were replaced by fleet tenders, the "Loyals". Most of this class of ships' names were prefixed 'Loyal' apart from XSV Supporter, whose home port was Belfast, and, given Irish political tensions at the time, the prefix "Loyal" was dropped. The RNXS operated eleven purpose-built fleet tenders and various other small craft. In 1990, a specific threat of port attack by subversive and/or Special Forces was identified and to help to counter this threat, the RNXS received 4 of "P2000" fast patrol craft from the fourteen built for the Royal Navy And these P2000s are still in service, as commissioned warships at University Royal Naval Units.