 At the age of 17, he joined HMS "Culloden" a 74-gun, third rate stationed in the Channel, in which he spent the next two years under Captain Sir Thomas Rich.In October 1789, he joined Rear Admiral Peyton aboard his flagship HMS "Leander" and began a spell of service in the Mediterranean that lasted two and a half years.Bullen was promoted to acting lieutenant on 9 January 1791 and the following month transferred to the frigate .