Fifer was designed by Robert Allan and built in 1939 by Burrard Drydock Co. Ltd for Empire Stevedoring Co Ltd. In 1942 she was requisitioned for the Fishermen’s Reserve as a patrol boat and a tender to HMCS Givenchy and HMCS Givenchy II.
Correspondence regarding the requisition of the vessel for the Second World War in the file is between TH Evans, AA Stephens, HG Robinson, WJR Beech and JT Matthews. The reports from 27 December 1941 regarding inspections done at Yarrows and HMC Naval dockyard on the condition of the hull and machinery.