HMS Active (1779) was a 12-gun cutter that entered service in 1779 and surrendered that same year to the French cutter Mutin when Active encountered and was unable to escape the combined Franco-Spanish fleet in the English Channel.[3] The French took her into service as Actif and later Activ No.1 (1782). She was paid off at Brest in December 1782 and broken up there early the next year.[4]
HMS Actif (1794) was a 16-gun privateer that Iphigenia captured from the French on 16 March 1794; she foundered on 26 November, although all her crew were saved.
HMS Active (1799) was a 38-gun fifth rate launched in 1799. She was placed on harbour service in 1826, renamed HMS Argo in 1833, and was broken up in 1860.
HMS Active (1845) was a 36-gun fifth rate launched in 1845, becoming a training ship and being renamed HMS Tyne in 1867 and HMS Durham in 1867. She was sold in 1908.
The schooner Active, which was under the command of Lieutenant Michael Fitton, was a tender to the flagship on the Jamaica station. She assisted Nereide at the capitulation of Curaçao on 13 September 1800.[6]