He commanded the gunboat Gilyak in the Imperial Russian Navy where he distinguished himself during the suppression of Taku Forts during the Boxer Rebellion.

In 1906 he joined the Baltic Fleet and was executive officer of the cruiser Diana and subsequently commanded the destroyer Novik during World War I.

He commanded the Russian fleet in exile from January 1921 until its disarmament after the recognition by France of the Soviet Union on October 29, 1924.

Remaining in Tunis, he worked in the agricultural sector and participated actively in the affairs of the local Department of Navy Union.

Mikhail's brother Yevgeniy Berens joined the Bolshevik cause during the Russian Civil War and became commander in the Soviet Navy.