The MV Pretext was the first ship to be purchased by the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) in Aug 1947 for approximately $75,000.

Previous to this, the vessel had been used as a net-laying ship during the Second World War.

Renamed the MV John Biscoe, the ship was used by FIDS as a supply vessel to re-stock bases and exchange personnel.

In 1953, the John Biscoe was awarded the status of RRS (Royal Research Ship). On arriving back in Southampton on 12 Jun 1956, she was replaced with a new purpose-built vessel, also named the John Biscoe.

To avoid confusion with the new ship, the original Biscoe was renamed Pretext from 24 April 1956.