Prior to 1798, Britannia sailed between London and South Carolina, or simply served as a transport.

On one of those voyages a French privateer captured her, but Britannia was recaptured almost immediately.

[1] In 1798 Britannia changed ownership, underwent repairs, and began what would become a number of voyages to the Southern Fishery.

[28] On 7 August 1799 Britannia was "all well" at Smoaky Coast, near the Cape of Good Hope.

[31] She was with other whalers, including Charming Kitty and DuBuc, at Delagoa Bay on 8 August 1802.

Lloyd's Register shows Britannia as being engaged in the South Seas fishery in 1805.

[9] The only report of the voyage was that on 22 May 1805 Britannia, "Hussy", master, was well around Cape Horn at latitude 6°S.

[37] The next year ownership changed to Raines & Co., and Britannia's trade returned to London transport.