Born in Portsea, Portsmouth, Bremer joined the Royal Naval College as a student in 1797. While serving in the East Indies, he became commander of in 1807. He was promoted to captain in 1814 and was nominated a CB the following year. After becoming commander of HMS "Tamar", he was sent to Melville Island, Australia, in 1824 to establish a colony. Under his leadership, the north coast of Australia from 129° to 135° longitude was claimed as British territory. He also led the Battle of Berbera in 1827.