How To Get On Below Deck

So, you've been binge-watching Below Deck on repeat, right? The drama, the yachts, the questionable love triangles — honestly, who hasn't dreamed of living that chaotic lifestyle? Well, guess what. I'm about to walk you through how to actually get your butt on that show.

Because let's be real: it's not as simple as sending a DM to Andy Cohen and hoping for the best. (Though... if that works, let me know.)

Grab your coffee. We're going in.

First Things First: Know What You're Signing Up For

That glossy yacht deck isn't just a backdrop. It's your workplace, your living space, and your personal pressure cooker all in one. You'll be cooking, cleaning, serving champagne, and smiling through exhaustion while cameras roll.

Oh, and did I mention the microphones? They catch everything. Every whisper, every eye-roll, every "I can't believe she said that." Yikes.

Are You Actually a Crew Member?

This might sound obvious, but Below Deck casts real crew members — not aspiring models auditioning for a weekend yacht party. You need actual experience working on boats or in hospitality roles that translate to maritime life.

Think deckhands, engineers, chefs, stews — you know, the people actually doing the hard work while Charter Guests sip rosé and complain about towel-fold aesthetics.

Professional Experience Matters

Having a proven track record in yachting or luxury hospitality makes you infinitely more attractive to the casting team. A STCW certification, STCW basic training, diver's certs — it all stacks in your favor.

Plus, the yacht world is notoriously tight-knit. One person mentions your name, and suddenly you're on someone's radar. Networking? Cringe word, but it absolutely applies here.

Prime Video: Below Deck Sailing Yacht S1 - Season 1

The Application Process: How They Actually Find You

Most crew members don't "apply" in the traditional sense. Instead, producers scout through yachting agencies, marina job boards, and personal referrals. Insider tip: being loud on social media about the yachting industry can't hurt.

However, the show occasionally puts out casting calls on their website or through production companies like 51 Minds and Shed Media. You know what that means — keep checking.

Don't sit there waiting for a miracle. Get proactive.

Build Your Social Media Presence

Producers want people who are camera-ready and have a personality worth following. If your Instagram is a goldmine of travel shots, yacht life glimpses, and just the right amount of sass — they'll notice.

They're looking for storytelling automatically. Don't be boring. Seriously.

Become Active in the Yacht Community

Get on boat apps, join yachting Facebook groups, attend trade shows, crew agency events — just be seen. The more people in the industry know your face, the higher your chances get.

Do guests pay to go on Below Deck? - Biograph Co - Celebrity Profiles

Think of it as unglamorous groundwork. But hey, every competitor started somewhere.

Bring the Drama (But Keep It Authentic)

Here's the awkward truth — they want conflict. Not scripted WWE-level nonsense, but genuine, human clashes between crew members during long work weeks in close quarters. You know, the stuff that happens naturally when five people share two bathrooms on a moving vessel.

So be prepared to handle the camera exposing your worst moments. Your onscreen meltdown could become a meme before you finish the season. Fun!

Don't Fake It

Producers has a sixth sense for authenticity. If you try to manufacture drama or play a "character," you'll come across as fake — and honestly? Audiences hate that. Keep it real, and the storytelling flows naturally.

Natural charisma goes a long way. Be genuinely you — the quirky, messy, wonderfully imperfect version.

Pro Tips to Boost Your Chances

Start working on actual yachts — even small charters count toward your credibility. Next, get represented by a yachting crew agency like Bluewater Yachting or YPI Crew. Then, polish your application until it shines.

Prime Video: Below Deck Season 1

Include professional photos, a sharp résumé, and a short video introducing yourself. First impressions drive casting decisions, so make yours unforgettable.

Patience is Your Best Friend

Even with all the right elements, getting cast takes time. They review hundreds of applications per season. Don't let rejection discourage you — many Below Deck crew members applied multiple times before landing a spot.

Stay consistent, keep improving your profile, and remain active in the yachting world. Your break will come when the stars align — literally, for this show.

Your Adventure Awaits

So there you have it, friend — the honest, slightly chaotic roadmap to getting yourself on Below Deck. It's not glamorous at every stage, and the interview process definitely feels like a small trial by fire.

But if you hustle, stay authentic, and wear that STCW cert with pride — who knows? One day, you might be the breakout star we all argue about on Twitter.

Now go update that résumé. You've got this.