The 15 secret rules the Below Deck cast must follow

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.

Cameraman with camera

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 on the 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 given time, the camera team are permitted to follow them in.

Interestingly, the crew members don’t even have the ability to turn off their cabin light. 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 use each 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 each of their duties... with no exceptions. The job comes first.

6. Listen to the captain

The captain knows best. What they say goes.

Captain Lee Rosbach and captain Sean Meagher - Photo by: Laurent Bassett/Bravo
Captain Lee Rosbach and season nine stand-in captain Sean Meagher | Photos by: Laurent Bassett/Bravo

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's based 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 contract each crew member signs prior to the start of their Below Deck employment, they commit to informing production of any medical conditions and prescribed medication.

There was controversy in season five of 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 will too.

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.

Bottle of wine with glasses on yacht deck

12. Sobriety while 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 member is invited into the interview room at 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 came out in the end. Almost nothing can be kept secret from producers in the long run, largely thanks to social media and the press.

Malia White and Adam Glick take a selfie
Malia White and Adam Glick | Photo by: Bravo

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 Agent near you.

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