Brenton returned to England with his family in 1787 and he was appointed to the 36-gun frigate HMS "Perseverance" under the command of Captain William Young, a friend of his father. However, less than two months later the ship was decommissioned for an extensive refit. He subsequently joined HMS "Dido" in which he was employed in surveying and sounding the coast of Nova Scotia. Returning to England in 1789, Brenton joined HMS "Bellona" which was refitting in Portsmouth and in March 1790 he passed an examination for the rank of lieutenant.