In addition to the ships role as a training vessel, "Explorer" is also utilised by the Royal Navy for a range of ceremonial and other fleet tasking. The ships comparatively small size is an asset in this regard, allowing the Royal Navy to "show the White Ensign in places that larger vessels cannot reach". Recent examples of this include regular cooperation with Humberside Police and Humberside Search and Rescue in the Humber, as well as ceremonial operations including providing transport for dignitaries including members of the royal family at the Battle of Jutland Centenary commemorations in June 2016, and acting as guard ship for the 2016 Sunderland Air Show. The ship also takes part in public engagement events in order to raise the profile of the Royal Navy and provide a Naval presence where tasking or size limitations make other ships unsuitable.