He joined the French Royal Navy on 10 October 1778 with the rank of frigate sub-lieutenant and was appointed to the frigate "Consolante", on which he served under Suffren. In 1780, he was promoted to Frigate Lieutenant, and took part on "Consolante" in the Battle of Trincomalee on 3 September 1782 and in the Battle of Cuddalore on 20 April 1783. Promoted to sub-Lieutenant on 1 May 1786, Filhol-Camas served at Toulon and Le Havre harbours, before returning to sail as an officer for the East India Company on "Duc de Normandie".