Tatarinov's service began with the Soviet Navy, after studying at and graduating from the P. S. Nakhimov Black Sea Higher Naval School [ru].

His work required considerable diplomatic skill, as he held meetings and negotiations with NATO officials, and representatives of the Ukraianian forces over shared access to Black Sea naval facilities.

Despite criticism over the navy's response to the 2010 Russian wildfires, Tatarinov played a key role in naval reforms, and trials of the RSM-56 Bulava ballistic missile.

Following the resignation of the fleet's commander, Admiral Vladimir Komoyedov [ru], in October that year, there was media speculation that Tatarinov would be appointed to succeed him.

[1] On 15 February 2005 Masorin was appointed Chief of the Main Naval Staff, with Tatarinov assigned to fill his position as commander of the Black Sea Fleet.

In January 2006 Tatarinov led a deputation of officers from the fleet's base in Sevastopol to Yalta to negotiate with Ukrainian officials over the status of a disputed lighthouse.

[4] In October 2011 he met with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Admiral James G. Stavridis to discuss joint anti-piracy measures, and cooperation with Operation Active Endeavour.