In the first months of 1916, Ivan Ivanovich, together with a group of Bolshevik sailors, was arrested, but was soon released due to lack of evidence.

He also served as chairman of the Naval Revolutionary Committee and head of the military-political department of the Supreme Maritime College.

On April 10, 1918, he was appointed Deputy People's Commissar for Maritime Affairs of the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic.

On June 18, 1918, he took part in the flooding of the Black Sea Fleet in the Tsemes Bay, and served as chairman of the Defense Council of the Arkhangelsk Region.

unhurried, confident, weighing his words and deeds, we liked Vakhrameev for his efficiency, ability to thoroughly solve issues.