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Recommended by Fryer, who was his brother-in-law. Serving as a supernumerary midshipman, he was referred to on the log as 'a boy', although he was addressed by all as Mr. Tinkler.

During the voyage of the Launch, he strongly sided with Fryer in his disputes with Bligh. On one occasion, Tinkler behaved in a 'saucy and impertinent' manner toward Cole, and received a dressing down for it. Fryer urged his brother-in-law to 'stick a knife in him (Cole)'. When Bligh heard about this, he threatened dire consequences to both Fryer and Tinkler if any harm should come to Cole.

He was not called as a witness in the mutineers' trial, probably due to his absence from England at the time.

He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 'Isis' on which ship he fought at Copenhagen in 1801, and later rose to the rank of Post-Captain and Commander. He was only forty-six when he died at his home in Norwich and was reputed to have received some twenty-one wounds in the course of his intrepid service.