What Not to Do on a Yacht: Lessons from Below Deck

Danny Duncan
5 days ago
5 min read

Let me start by saying — I’m not here to bash Below Deck.

In fact, I’m oddly grateful for it. The show has brought awareness to a niche, often misunderstood industry, and it’s inspired a whole generation to consider careers at sea. For that, it deserves some credit.

But let’s be real. If you’re basing your expectations of yacht life purely off what you see on Bravo, you might be in for a rude awakening. The reality TV version of yachting is… let’s just say… heavily edited for entertainment, not accuracy.

And while there are certainly moments that ring true (the chaos, the late nights, the impossible guests), there’s also a lot of behaviour that, in real life, would get you fired faster than you can say “deckhand drama.”

So, whether you’re a Below Deck superfan dreaming of a job on the water, or a new crew member wanting to start off on the right foot, here are some very real, very honest lessons from the show — and what not to do on a yacht if you want to make it past your first week.

1. Don’t Get Wasted On Charter (Or, Ever, Really)

Look, I get it. Charter ends, the adrenaline fades, and the crew bar starts calling your name. Below Deck makes it look like knocking back tequila shots is part of the job. But here’s the truth:

In the real world, alcohol is the #1 reason people get fired.

Whether it’s sneaking booze onboard, being hungover on the job, or causing chaos during a night out — it’s a one-way ticket to being replaced before the next set of guests arrive.

Professionalism doesn’t stop when the anchor drops. If you can’t handle a few drinks without becoming a liability? This might not be the industry for you.

Real-life tip:

Know your limit. Respect the boat. Keep your reputation clean — because this industry is tiny and your name travels faster than the tender.

2. Don’t Hook Up With Your Coworkers (or at Least, Don’t Be a Muppet About It)

Ah yes, the infamous crew hook-up. It’s practically a storyline requirement on Below Deck. And yes — real yachts are pressure cookers of long hours, confined spaces, and shared cabins. Things happen.

But unlike on TV, your drama won’t be edited into a fun montage with background music. It’ll just make things deeply awkward, deeply unprofessional, and potentially career-ending if it blows up.

The golden rule? If you wouldn’t want your chief stew or captain to find out — don’t do it.

Real-life tip:

Keep your personal life private. Protect your peace. And if you do fall for someone onboard, communicate like an adult and don’t let it affect your work.

3. Don’t Disrespect the Chain of Command

Below Deck sometimes shows crew talking back to their chief stew or rolling their eyes behind the captain’s back. In real life? That’ll get you labelled as “bad attitude” quicker than you can say “provision delivery.”

Hierarchy matters on a yacht — not because it’s about ego, but because it keeps everything running safely and smoothly. Disrespecting the person above you isn’t edgy. It’s career sabotage.

Real-life tip:

Even if you disagree, stay professional. If you need to vent, do it off the boat and out of earshot. Better yet, learn from it and rise above.

4. Don’t Prioritise Drama Over Teamwork

Let’s face it — the drama is what makes Below Deck binge-worthy. But on real yachts, drama is the fastest way to destroy team morale.

If you’re constantly whispering in corners, stirring the pot, or passive-aggressively “forgetting” to complete tasks, you’re not being clever — you’re making life harder for everyone, including yourself.

And trust me, when you’re sharing a cabin the size of a wardrobe and working 16-hour days, no one has time for high-school energy.

Real-life tip:

Be the crew member others trust. Keep your head down, do your job well, and protect your energy. The boats that thrive are the ones with calm, competent crew — not reality show auditions.

5. Don’t Forget the Guests Are Paying a LOT of Money

Below Deck gives you a peek into the wild world of charter guests — from demanding CEOs to drunk divorce parties. Some are lovely. Some are… not.

But here’s the deal: they’re paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for that trip. It’s not about whether you like them. It’s about delivering five-star service with consistency, grace, and zero complaints.

Below Deck shows a lot of eye rolls behind the scenes. In real life, too many of those and you’ll be the next one looking for daywork.

Real-life tip:

Don’t take it personally. Stay professional. Set energetic boundaries, not emotional ones. And always remember: their experience is the product — and you are a big part of that product.

6. Don’t Show Up Unprepared or Untrained

One of the biggest myths Below Deck sells is that anyone can walk onto a yacht and figure it out on the fly. Spoiler alert: you can’t.

While it’s true that everyone starts somewhere, you do need basic training, a CV that reflects hospitality or service experience, and the willingness to learn on your feet (fast).

Real-life tip:

Get your STCW and ENG1. Learn how to make a bed with military corners. Understand how to work under pressure, and start treating this like the high-level hospitality job it is — not a glamorous holiday gig.

(Need help? That’s what I’m here for.)

7. Don’t Forget — You’re There to Work, Not Be a Star

Below Deck creates the illusion that yacht life is one big spotlight. But if you’re constantly seeking attention, trying to “be seen,” or making everything about you, you’ll burn bridges quickly.

The best crew I’ve ever worked with were the ones who cared about the work. They didn’t need applause. They found pride in clean cabins, polished silver, and seamless guest experiences.

Real-life tip:

Let your work do the talking. Quiet excellence gets noticed — especially in this industry.

Final Thoughts

I’ll say it again: Below Deck isn’t the devil. It’s brought eyes to an industry most people didn’t even know existed. And for that, I’ll tip my hat to it.

But if it’s what got you curious about a career at sea, just know this: the real work is harder, deeper, and more beautiful than anything you’ll see on-screen.

Yachting, when done right, teaches you grit, grace, and growth. It sharpens your skills, deepens your self-awareness, and introduces you to some of the most unforgettable people and places on the planet.

So by all means — watch the show. Laugh at the drama. Get inspired.

Just remember: when the cameras are off, the real crew are still working.

And if you want to be one of them?

You’ve got to show up like a pro from day one.