Active served the Royal Navy from 12 May 1794 to 22 November 1800. She had a burthen of 712⁄94 tons (bm) and was armed with ten 3-pounder guns. In 1795 Active served as Royal Escort for Princess Caroline of Brunswick. Active's next noteworthy appearance occurred when she signaled the approach of the Dutch fleet to Admiral Adam Duncan before his victory at Camperdown on 11 October 1797. Her commander, Lieutenant J. Hamilton, was on the deck of Venerable when Vice-Admiral Jan de Winter surrendered his sword.