It’s well documented that the Below Deck cast enjoy a number of perks from working on board. From cruising around some of the most beautiful locations in the world to the impressive salary they make from each charter – all while making a name for themselves on TV – it’s fair to say they benefit greatly from appearing on the show.
But the job isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
There are a number of secretive rules the cast must follow from the first day of filming to the last, ensuring they live up to the expectations of both the charter guests and the producers.
From sacrificing all privacy for several weeks straight to pretending the cameras aren’t there, the cast give a lot in return for the perks they receive.
Yachting Pages lists the 15 rules the Below Deck crew members must adhere to for the duration of their time on the show.
1. You are filmed 24/7
Viewers of Below Deck might be under the impression that the cameras don't actually roll all day, every day. The crew must get some time to themselves, right?
Wrong. To be onthe show, each crew member has to accept the fact that the cameras are on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There's a camera crew on board, and there are a number of hidden cameras around the yacht – including in each person’s cabin.
2. You sacrifice (almost) all privacy
The crew members have to accept that privacy doesn’t exist on board - it’s a reality TV show after all.This means there are cameras everywhere.
The bathroom is the only location where the crew aren’t filmed, so they do get some solitude in there. However, if more than one crew member enters the bathroom at any giventime, the camera teamare permitted to follow them in.
Interestingly, thecrew members don’t even have the ability to turn off theircabinlight. Once they are ready to turn in for the night, they have to make it clear to the production team via their in-cabin camera.
3. Filming must be completed in six weeks
Bravo, the US TV network behind Below Deck, pay to useeach season's superyacht for six weeks. This means all filming for the show must be completed within this timeframe.
No filming extensions are permitted given the costs that would be accrued.
4. Don’t acknowledge the production team
The fourth wall is important to Bravo, so during filming the crew are not allowed to interact with any member of the production team. This includes not looking directly at the cameras.
The crew are also not permitted to mention Bravo while filming, for a number of legal reasons.
5. All boat duties must be completed
Contrary to how it may seem on screen as the drama unfolds, the crew’s duties are of optimum importance. They have been hired for their expertise and are therefore expected to fulfil eachof their duties...with no exceptions. Thejob comes first.
6. Listen to the captain
The captain knows best. What they say goes.
None of the crew – or indeed the production team – can go against his/her orders. If they decide that high winds prevent sailing/docking, it'sbased on their expert judgement. Of course, it would be a shame for the charter in question to grind to a halt, but the safety of all concerned is of paramount importance.
7. All medication must be disclosed
As part of the contracteach crew member signs prior to the start of their Below Deck employment, they commit to informing productionof any medical conditions and prescribed medication.
There was controversy in season fiveof Below Deck Mediterranean when chief stewardess Hannah Ferrier failed to disclose her prescribed anxiety medication and was fired.
8. Drug tests can be carried out at any time
Contracts state that 'the Company'can request a drug test at any time. Drugs are not permitted on board.
9. Titles must be used in front of guests
All crew members must use the appropriate titles for their superiors in front of charter guests. The captain must be referred to as such during charters, as respect and hierarchy are important in the yachting industry. If the crew treat their superiors with due respect, guests willtoo.
10. Respect the crew who don’t feature
Whilst it may look like all the yacht’s crew are included in the show, the boat’s first officer and engineer are not generally seen on screen. They stay on board to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations, but don’t typically get involved with any of the charter drama.
11. Line up for every guest arrival and departure
It’s important that each crew member is present, in their ‘whites’ (white uniform), for welcomes and send-offs. They must be present when the tip is handed over at the conclusion of the charter.
12. Sobrietywhile at sea
One of the golden rules is that crew members must be sober when the yacht is not tied to the dock. This is outlined in maritime law and expected of all individuals.
13. Keep personal drama away from guests
Captain Sandy Yawn, from Below Deck Mediterranean, has explained that any personal drama going on between the crew must be kept (ahem)below deck to ensure it doesn’t impact the experience of the charter guests upstairs.
14. Interviews must be filmed following each charter
The cast interviews provide much-needed insight and context to viewers. Each crew memberis invited into the interview roomat the end of a charter to pass comment on everything that has happened. Cue the drama.
15. Be honest with producers
Crew members are expected to be honest with producers, particularly regarding past relationships with colleagues.
In season two of Below Deck Mediterranean, Adam Glick and Malia White attempted to conceal their prior relationship, but the truth cameout in the end. Almost nothing can be kept secret from producers in the long run, largely thanks to social media and the press.
There you have it. These are the 15 rules the Below Deck cast must follow to fulfil their contractual obligations on the show. If they perform their job well and keep on the right side of producers, they give themselves the best opportunity of being invited back for future seasons. If they don't, they are likely to be cut adrift!
Read more Below Deck articles in our dedicated library. Alternatively, if you're inspired by the thought of working on a yacht, you can search for a Crew Agentnear you.
