Despite his impeccable military antecedents Clavering elected to serve in the Navy. Joining at a young age, he served as a midshipman under Sir Philip Broke in the frigate . Clavering distinguished himself during the battle with USS "Chesapeake" in June 1813, and was honourably mentioned in Broke's report. He then served as a lieutenant aboard the sloop-of-war in the Mediterranean, and in 1821 was appointed commander of the sloop , on the coast of Africa.