Recent episodes of Below Deck have shown that hard work is required to make each charter meet standards, and big tips are not always guaranteed. The reality show has shown everyday people how the rich and famous sail in style, but life on a super yacht isn't always parties and significant earnings.

While yacht life may seem like one big party, the crew on these boats work long shifts and have to meet the demands of their clients, no matter how ridiculous. While life on the superyacht may seem drama filled on Below Deck, some crews are much more subdued, especially when cameras aren't around.

Staff Earnings

below deck sailing yacht season 3

Some things about Below Deck are fake, but the money the crew makes per charter is very real. Fans of the show have seen even the worst deck hands get tips upwards of $1,000 each. This type of tip is in line with the industry standard.

In 2018, Business Insider reported that a five-person crew could make more than $3,000 per month, per person. And this figure doesn't include the tips they receive from guests. However, tips can fluctuate based on how the guests feel their demands were met on their charter, which can lead to crews being under-tipped for the amount of work they put in.

Their Living Expenses

Sierra Storm serving drinks on Below Deck

When it comes to the cost of living as a yachtie, there aren't many expenses the crew has to worry about. Bloomberg reports that while working on a ship, the crew lives rent-free on the boat and doesn't pay for their meals. This is what draws many young people to the industry in the first place.

The lack of expenses allows money to be saved up quickly, but it can also be spent just as fast when ashore in areas that have a booming nightlife and designer shopping, as seen on the show.

Crew Behavior

Split Image Erica Rose and the Below Deck Sailing Yacht Crew

While the Below Deck crew appears to party hard when they don't have a charter, this isn't the industry norm. In an interview with The Guardian, a yacht captain expressed that most crews are calm and don't party when they aren't working but rather rest and prepare for the next sailing.

However, other outlets report that crews party hard with all the money they rack up during charters and live more like their guests when ashore.

Responsibilities

Below Deck crew falls of ship

The easiest way to earn the dishonor of being one of the worst crew members on Below Deck is to ignore the list of things that need to be done daily, which is no different for any job like this not documented on TV. Blue Water Yachting reports that deck hands are in charge of general repairs and cleaning.

All of these things contribute to the ship's upkeep and guests' happiness and even the most minimal tasks are pivotal to keeping the boat up and running.

There Is Likely Illegal Activity

Justin Thornton and Jane Zhao from Below Deck Med

While it will never be shown on Bravo, there is a fair amount of illegal activity on yachts, but it is an unspoken rule that the crew turn the other way and leave the guests to their own devices. According to Bloomberg, drugs are a staple on most yachts and often have to be cleaned up by the crew when the guests disembark.

Of course, Below Deck can't show this on television, but a few charters have likely had some illegal activity happening when the cameras were off.

There's No Privacy For Crew

Erica Rose lounges on bed with champange

While viewers have seen the cast of Below Deck in their cramped quarters, with little to no privacy between crew members, those chartering the yacht don't get the luxury either. Bloomberg reports that superyachts are filled with cameras, so the crew can attend to the guests before they ask for something.

No detail goes unseen and can be said to whoever needs to know how to fix an issue. This tech may explain how some chief stews on Below Deck become the best in the business.

No Request Is Denied

The crew looks at each other holding champange

The rich and famous flock to yachting because their wildest requests must be met by the staff, no matter what. CNN reports that private planes and ships are often used to get things from the mainland to the vessel if a guest wants something.

A crew has to be well-rounded in their skills, so there is always someone on board who can meet the guests' needs. However, as shown in the series, the crew is usually rewarded for their efforts.

The Food

Plate of chicken and potatoes with sauce on Below Deck

Guests request a special menu before boarding their charter. As the chiefs of Below Deck know, there is no limit to what their guest can order, and it often leads to extravagant meals having to be made in small ship kitchens.

Bloomberg reported that most larger meals result in leftovers, and caviar is continuously flown in for the wealthiest guests. The menu is one of the most stressful parts of a charter for the chief and those who have to serve the meal.

It's A Competitive Job Market

Promo photo for Below Deck's Kate Chastain wearing uniform

Only the best can make it on a superyacht, but with high wages and the promise of traveling the world, the hiring pool to work on a ship is growing by the minute. Many positions need to be filled on each charter, but most crews work together for the duration of their time on the ship with minimal changes.

Those hired must keep up with standards, or they will be let go. Flying Fish reports that crews have to undergo training before and after getting a job on a ship and should always aim to expand their skills.

The Captain Is In Charge

Captain Lee Laughing

Below Deck has made it clear that no matter how much money the guests are paying, the captain is the law of the ship. Guests can not trample over the rules of both the yacht and the ocean to have a good time.

The captain wants the guests to have a great time, but safety is the number one priority for the crew and guests alike. While some people get wild, most know their limits and respect the rules. However, a few push the boundaries.

NEXT: 10 Below Deck Med Crew Members That Only Lasted One Season