Filhol-Camas started sailing as an assistant pilot in 1774 on the merchantman Superbe, of the French East India Company.
Promoted to sub-Lieutenant on 1 May 1786, Filhol-Camas served at Toulon and Le Havre harbours, before returning to sail as an officer for the East India Company on Duc de Normandie.
[1] After the outbreak French Revolution, Filhol-Camas joined the Navy again; he was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 January 1792 and appointed to the Nymphe, on ferry duty to Guyane.
[2] Promoted to Commander on 21 March 1796, he was appointed to the Zélé, but suspended on 2 October 1797 for his relations to one of the deportees of the Coup of 18 Fructidor; he was reinstated on 14 December 1799 after his superiors protested.
[1] He was promoted to Captain on 24 September 1803 and awarded the Legion of Honour on 5 February 1804, rising to Officer of the order on 14 June.