He entered the navy in September 1798 on board the Juno in the North Sea, where during the following year he was actively engaged in boat service along the coast of Holland.

On 23 September 1804 he was promoted to be lieutenant and to command the schooner Ballahou; but in February 1805, on her being ordered to Newfoundland, Travers was appointed to the Surveillante, in which again he saw some very active and sharp boat service on the Spanish Main.

In 1806 the Hercule returned to England, and in December Travers was appointed to the Alcmène frigate, employed on the coast of France till she was wrecked off the mouth of the Loire on 29 April 1809.

By his captains and the commander-in-chief he was repeatedly recommended for his zeal, activity, and gallantry; but it was not till 15 June 1814 that he received the often-earned promotion to the rank of commander.

From her he was advanced to post rank on 19 November 1829, mainly, it would seem, at the desire of the Duke of Clarence, who had been made acquainted with his long and peculiarly active war service, and who as William IV nominated him a K.H.