Martin joined the Royal Navy in 1765, as a midshipman aboard the 8-gun HMS Peggy, which at that time was employed in the protection of fisheries around the Shetland Islands.Winfield p.307 At the beginning of 1767, Martin transferred to which was serving as a guardship at Sheerness under James Gambier. This appointment was short-lived however; when was recommissioned in 1767, following a refit at Portsmouth, Martin joined her for America. Towards the end of 1769, he joined the 10-gun sloop Bonetta. After 18 months aboard her, he began a short spell in where he was rated able seaman towards the end of his service, in 1772.
