 "TB 191" was ordered by the Australian colonial government of Tasmania in 1882 to protect the colony from possible Russian or French attack, and was built by John I. Thornycroft & Company.The torpedo boat was long, with a draught of , and a displacement of 12.5 tons, similar to the other torpedo boats ordered by the other Australian colonies.Built at a cost of ₤4,011, "TB 191" arrived in Tasmania on board SS "Abington" on 1 May 1884.