So You Watched Below Deck and Want to Work on Yachts… Here’s What You Need to Know First

Let me guess — you’ve binge-watched Below Deck, fallen in love with the idea of Mediterranean sunsets, drama on the high seas, and serving rosé to guests who fly in via helicopter. Now you’re wondering:

“Could I actually do this for real?”

First off — yes, you absolutely could. And if you’re even mildly serious about exploring a career in yachting, I’m already cheering for you.

But before you quit your job, sell your belongings, and start packing for Fort Lauderdale with nothing but a passport and a Pinterest vision board, let’s take a breath.

Because while Below Deck might’ve introduced millions of people to the idea of working on yachts… what you see on TV and what it’s actually like in real life? Not always the same thing.

So let’s pull back the curtain a bit, shall we?

Here’s what you really need to know if Below Deck has you eyeing a career on the water.

1. The Drama is Real — But It’s Not the Job

Yes, working on yachts is intense. You’re living in tight quarters with people you barely know, under pressure, with long days and little privacy. So the drama? Yeah, that happens. But it’s not supposed to.

On Below Deck, conflict gets airtime because that’s what makes good telly. But in the real industry, losing your cool, gossiping, or stirring the pot is a quick way to get benched — or sent home.

Reality:

Professionalism trumps drama. If you can stay calm, show up consistently, and solve problems without shouting across the crew mess, you’ll go far. The best crew are the ones you barely notice — because they’re too busy getting sh*t done.

2. You Don’t Just “Get Hired” — There’s a Process (and Paperwork)

This is the bit the show really glosses over. No one just rocks up to a dock and lands a job by being charming. The real industry requires training, certifications, interviews, and hustle.

At a minimum, you’ll need:

• STCW Basic Safety Training

• ENG1 Medical Certificate

• A Professional CV (not your usual Canva one)

• A passport with flexibility to travel

• Some money saved to survive dock walking and daywork

And then? You start networking, dock walking, sending CVs, interviewing, and — hopefully — landing your first role.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not fast. But it’s worth it.

3. The Workload is No Joke

I can’t tell you how many green crew I’ve met who said, “I didn’t realise it would be this full on.”

Yes, you get to work in beautiful places. But you’ll also be scrubbing teak in the rain, cleaning toilets in the heat, dealing with demanding guests, folding towels into origami, and drinking your coffee in 43-second intervals between service.

On charter?

You’ll likely work 16–18 hours a day for 7–10 days straight. No days off. No breaks unless you’re lucky. And all of it while smiling and being “on” — because the guests don’t care how tired you are. They’re paying six figures to be pampered.

It’s not a job for the faint of heart — but it’s also one of the most satisfying things you’ll ever do when you’ve got the right mindset and team.

4. The Pay Can Be Amazing — If You Do It Right

Let’s be honest: one of the biggest draws is the money. And yes, if you play your cards right, the pay can be brilliant. You’re not paying rent. Food’s included. Your uniform’s provided. And when you’re on charter, you earn tips on top of your salary — sometimes thousands per week.

BUT — it’s not always consistent. If you’re freelance or working for a seasonal boat, you need to be savvy. Learn to budget. Save. Invest. Don’t blow your whole tip on a new Rolex and a night out at Bagatelle.

Also, get your paperwork in order. Learn what country your taxes apply to. Open the right bank accounts. Be smart from the start.

(Need help with this part? That’s literally what I do.)

5. You Don’t Have to Be “Like Them” to Belong

This one’s important — especially if you’re watching Below Deck thinking, “I don’t look like that. I don’t act like that. Am I cut out for this?”

You don’t have to be loud, dramatic, ultra-skinny, extroverted, or performative to belong on a yacht crew.

You just need to be:

• Professional

• Adaptable

• A team player

• Willing to learn

• Able to work your socks off without losing your sense of humour

Some of the best crew I’ve worked with are quiet, steady, emotionally intelligent types. The glue of the team. The ones who get rehired year after year, not because they’re flashy — but because they’re solid.

6. The Industry Needs People Like You — If You’re Willing to Learn

There’s space in this industry for people with integrity. People who care. People who want to grow. It doesn’t matter if you come from hospitality, wellness, nursing, events, customer service, teaching — if you’ve got the right attitude and you’re willing to upskill, you can build a career here.

And if you’re dreaming bigger than just one job? There are pathways into chief stewardess roles, estate management, yacht recruitment, interior design, wellness at sea, and even starting your own brand (hello!).

So, Should You Go for It?

If you’ve watched Below Deck and it’s lit something up in you — the adventure, the pace, the elegance, the ocean — then yes. You should explore this industry. But do it the right way. With your eyes open, your expectations grounded, and your work ethic intact.

And if you’re serious about giving it a go? I can help.

I’ve created a roadmap for people just like you — with insider tips, templates, step-by-step guides, and coaching options to give you the best possible shot at success.

Because you don’t need a production crew to start this journey.

You just need a plan, a passport, and the guts to try.

Ready to Dive In?

👉 Check out my Break Into Yachting Guide & CV Services

Want personal support? Book a 30-minute coaching call and let’s chart your course — no fluff, no BS, just real-world advice from someone who’s been there.

🖤

Danny Duncan