The REAL Below Deck! Super Yachts Explained: Crew, Ops, Life Onboard

[@45coopaloop]

Thanks for the shout out! I am a marine engineer and can say that it feels great to be appreciated by the other crew, and likewise big shout out to people like you who are great cooks. It truly makes all the difference in a trip when you have good cooks and meals you are looking forward to having everyday!

[@elihavalot8111]

Having good food and upbeat crew members makes all the difference, and Nina combines culinary skill with such a positive attitude that she will succeed at whatever it is to which she is attracted. I've urged her to consider doing videos with other crew chefs or land-based chefs, helping them prepare some of their favorite meals and trying various alternatives to the recipes. I imagine other chefs, both on yachts and in nice restaurants would enjoy having their favorite meals featured on her videos, and she would meet many more chefs who really enjoy preparing exquisite meals. Watching her and her helpers slice, dice and prepare meals several times faster than reality was also very entertaining, since, as I always say: "I love work. I could watch it all day long!"

[@reecesaliba7036]

Yeah its really amazing to hear that shout out! I feel too often the rest of the crew barely know how hard you are working until something breaks, and all of a sudden you become the most important person in the world. But of course chefs make the difference between an amazing trip and a horrible one, so galley repairs are priority 1! Keep up the great work!

[@FabFunty]

It's always good to be friends with those who keeps everything floating 😏

[@ArtFreeman]

In the Navy cooks are the people you are most nice too.

[@anticonformity100]

I am not sure what country this is specific to. But at least in the united States, the Chief Engineer is at the same level as the Master

[@budget-adventure]

Below deck fan, I’m glad it’s just a tv production and the boats aren’t run like that. But here I get to see the real thing. Thank you for sharing and thank to the loon crew for allowing the camera onboard

[@kingbuzzo8703]

I am an old salty dredge hand who has been on barges, tugs, and dredges for almost 15 tears now. Your engineers are the most important. I have seen plenty of shiny chrome sink in my time. But food is very important. Eating slop gives you a slop crew and that can be equally as dangerous.

[@winky32174]

I've worked on both private and commercial vessels, and your description is spot on. Except commercial; you have to clean your own cabin and head, and they do have regular inspections!

[@phykin]

Thanks for the eng shout out! I'm a ME with the Navy. Cooks/Eng our the heart of the ship. Good meals never not go unnoticed!

[@petebart147]

I could honestly listen to you talk all day I love your accent. Oh and watching you cook keep up the good work

[@dvlajko]

I am so happy I discovered this channel, I was navigating officer for 10 years on container vessels and got my skipper licence after that but than got a totally different job on land. so this is what I've missed so far. :) please keep up with your vlogs/videos, these are so much fun and you are so charismatic and enjoyable to watch

[@giannitherock]

I love your passion in showing and telling the yacht crew lifestyle. It is very super itenresting for whom, such as me, is not used to this world. Thank you!

[@panpiper]

I think I've watched this video three times now. It's a great introduction to how yachts work, something I find infinitely fascinating.

[@laurat92]

Hi Chef -- I love your videos. I'd love to watch a "Fact or Fiction" video comparing your experience on super yachts vs. the depiction on Below Deck!

[@tecwzrd]

Reality TV is always going to have "drama" to get viewers but I'm sure interpesonal relationships can be hit or miss on yachts.

[@bionicsjw]

I quit watching Below Deck. Too much drama and so unrealistic compared to real yaacht channels.

[@laurat92]

@@tecwzrd Agree - I'm sure it's a professional atmosphere, but I'd be curious if instances like guest freak outs over food happen... or the tension in the kitchen at service. Just thoughts! :)

[@laurat92]

@@bionicsjw Interesting... Can you recommend any channels that show the real experience? I'd love to watch!

[@elliekelli]

Omg yes..I would love a video like that

[@brown2889]

I appreciate the Below Deck statement. I was a bit worried all that drama happened all the time. Great post Nina, love your video.😘

[@JCrook1028]

Lmao, anyone that believes even a tiny bit of below deck is an idiot.

[@shoot4thstars]

I love this kind of video! Please do more behind-the-scenes videos telling how it really works. It’s great to live vicariously through you. I will never get to travel on a yacht and many others won’t either… You are our connection to fascinating part of life.

[@geoffrohde2886]

I genuinely appreciated this very well done, clear explanation of the various departments and what they do. This is one of the most educational videos that I have seen yet - thanks for the great production job! Geoff Rohde

[@eliworley6804]

Hi chef I love your videos, my precious granddaughter went to Ft Lauderdale to learn everything about being a all around everything on the yacht. I am so excited for her. At 20 years old the sky is the limit for her. All of these videos help us understand what she has to look forward to. Thank you so much

[@Cornfed41]

This was a very well thought out and professional presentation. Thank you

[@t.r.campbell6585]

It seems that you have been absent for a while. Very good to have you back. Welcome aboard. There was an old saying that the Captain runs the ship and the Chief Engineer makes the ship run. The Chef feeds both.

[@daynadaily8073]

I love that you gave kudos to other departments. I bet it is a lot of work. I work in a hospital for housekeeping and work in the kitchen for a nursing home. It is alot of work, and teamwork is a must! We all work together for the patient, resident, guests. Keep up the great work. I help the chef out however i can during my down time, so cutting veggies, cleaning area, etc. Every little bit helps. :)

[@2110FSX]

I've only watch three of your video's today, but I have to say how enjoyable they are, thank you for sharing. 👍

[@benjaminroberts85]

As a yacht engineer of 10 years I take my hat off to interior... smashed relentlessly. big praise

[@jeffgaskell3705]

An extremely knowledgeable presentation of all the departments, well done Nina.

[@Will-tm5bj]

When I was the chef on a hunting plantation one guy was looking for a chef for his 150ft steel expedition yacht. The tender for that boat is a Merritt 86(give or take a foot) The issues I had with supply on the plantation were enough. I can't imagine trying to do it at sea. Hats off

[@mariannamitchell5283]

Very nicely wrapped up in a nutshell. Yes, lots of work keeping a vessel nice and well running. We just have a 33ft sailboat that is fairly new and in fantastic shape-keeping it that way is work. I appreciate the scrubbing of the deck several times a week since birds/bugs are always bombing the deck. Well done. Love your channel including all your cooking tips!!!

[@grondhero]

I've seen a few other channels explain the yacht crew breakdown, but I have to state that yours encompassed what others did not. All those responsibilities make me dream of owning a yacht with 8 crew minimum. Just a 150 footer for me. Maybe a wee bit more. ;)

[@carolehirsch7315]

My grandmother was named Kirby! It's good luck; she lived a long and productive life.

[@ricksundberg5659]

You really do a great job representing yourself in these videos. You're fun and entertaining to listen to, you seem to have a positive outlook and friendly personality. Some of this has to be a reflection of how your parents raised you.

[@my09ultra]

Watched this a year ago when it came out, and still learned things I'd missed! Looks to be a great experience - many lessons learned by all that sell the seas! 🚢

[@paulhudson9820]

You were right - I am from Below Deck fandom - Enjoyed your overview of things... Thanks

[@ksmit0111]

Very interesting. I'm a B737 Captain for a major airline. As you know many of the Nautical terms, purser, Captain, First officer , galley , head, etc. are also used on planes. Don't know the history of that but it's interesting.

[@josephpadula2283]

The history of the ship job titles being used on planes comes from Pan Am using flying boats prior to normal planes having the range and not enough long airports but plenty of lakes , rivers and Oceans. When flying boats are in the water they are classified as vessels so the captain is a Captain. The rest of the crew just followed along. Before the flying boats the German Airships like the Hindenburg that carried passengers I think followed ship customs as well , thus airship…

[@daniell4501]

This is one of your best videos. So informative!! The only problem with your videos, is that everything you cook looks SO GOOOOD, I get hungry each time I watch them. lol

[@CyrilleNicholls]

Thanks chef , and shout out to you and all seafarers, I'm a chef on board vessels, but never work on a yatch . Really appreciate you CHEF ,, Thank you for sharing,, I wish I can cook on a yatch like these .😊 Love cooking ❤️🙏🙏,, Thanks again, wish all the best in the galley ,, 🙏🙏, keep doing what you do, great job.

[@sunriseshowdown4580]

I never knew the details of a "Super Yacht" as you have described in this video. I am absolutely impressed with you knowledge for the boat, crew and the love for cooking. I LOVE IT! You give an adventure and allow others to join you in those experiences who otherwise wouldn't have learned the curiosity of adventure, knowledge of boat ethics and of course your awesome cooking. I hope one day I can try that delicious food that you make. Keep up the good work!!!

[@sailingxtremeadventures542]

I worked on oil rigs and platforms all over the World but mainly the North Sea and wanted to years ago was to put together a book called "Guide to the best rigs to work on" purely targeting accommodation, four man rooms no en suite to two man rooms with en suite, Food quality, etc. Food played such an important factor ranging from the North Alwyn Platform ran by Total where Christmas day it was worth eating twice opposed to the Dutch rigs with Stompot where it worth taking your own sandwiches filled with broken glass from home. Great channel from a great chef.

[@the_crewchef]

Wow! That is really cool to hear, what an interesting life. Yes - Food is central right?!

[@bretmier3917]

I could spend all day watching you read the dictionary and still be captivated by you, Nina !!!!

[@vincentpadula4543]

G'day Chef, thank you for the very clear description of a real crewing of a motor yacht.. also enjoy all your presentations...

[@the_crewchef]

Many thanks!

[@rogerbayzand4455]

A really enjoyable summary Nina. Yachts have grown into super yachts in my lifetime, the largest one I worked on was 112 feet and that was the biggest vessel based in Malta at the time but tiny by today's standards.

[@BennettJDent]

IM very Impressed with your ability to provide new and interesting content while you are not sailing on a charter and working on getting a new vessel. This was very detailed and informative thank for your efforts and the information.

[@ziff5739]

Thanks for the deep dive into super-yacht operations. I'm actually quite interested in it. Keep the content coming!

[@ah244895]

Great summary of what happens on a yacht. Hopefully your next boat will allow you to document it. Keep up the good work.

[@tidelovinyankee1368]

Finally, a video from which I can learn something. There are so many videos which review or describe the yacht, brokers talking up the yacht which is for sale, and Below Deck, which is an absolute farce. You have touched on all aspects of the yacht, and for that, I thank you. Please continue to cover various areas and functions of the super yacht, its crew, and its operation. I found your channel a few weeks ago, and I quickly subscribed.

[@ChrisChapmanIAm]

Superb! Really enjoy the way you explain the super yachting world and how crews work - fascinating content. Stuff you'd never see any other way.

[@jetadikoesoemo805]

When I was very much younger, I use to work in a hotel and by God that was the toughest in my life. Now subscribing to your channel, I see that your industry made, what use to be mine, like a day of picnic. You are so tough like Popeye! Love you! 😊👍🍻

[@carloguada1936]

Nice to see a yacht described analyzing the crew tasks 👌

[@harkeb]

Amazing! Im seriously contemplating this. Ive worked on a cruise ship before, so I have an idea of what life at sea is. Now Im going to do a chef course to take on the galley.

[@nakamakai5553]

Nina, this is a wonderful overview of all the departments, tasks, demands, and scope of work - Most of us get an overload of you and your peers in the galley, and do not really get much detail about the others - Thanks!

[@brian7261]

Well done Nina, You seem to have covered it ALL, in an entertaining fashion. You know, you are a very good speaker / communicator, consider teaching, if you someday tire of the sea life. 🙏🏻

[@the_crewchef]

Wow, thank you! Good to note :)

[@jeffsherwood5259]

Jack of all trades. Master of adaptability.

[@tonydownunder5703]

Hey young lady 🤔 This is one of your best videos you have done 👍👍👍 Thank you 🙏 I really really enjoy it, I know it was just talking about how it all works, But I enjoy it 👏👏👏👏👏 Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺

[@keenanbenedito8845]

I never like or comment on videos, ever. I've been looking for the past couple weeks to go and work on the yachts so I've been doing my homework looking for videos and stuff like that. This video was damn good and it was very helpful. Thank you 👌

[@pamelaharper547]

I have just found your channel. Wow, how informative and exciting. Yes, I do watch Below Deck, however, I knew in real life it was different! You guys work hard. If I ever would go on a yacht cruise I would want you guys. Very professional and would make the money well worth it. Thanks for starting this channel. I look forward to the next video!!! Love from Maine❤️

[@Apollo440]

Pro-tip from the world of TV, which works on YT as well: Re-runs! Covering a topic again, rewatching your own video and doing commentary on it or cutting a whole new video about the same thing, but with additions... That's not only allowed but gets you views and ramps up your YT activity "meter", making you appear in searches and "recommended" videos more and more.

[@magiquementmagic3152]

It is nice to do a review of all the roles for people who aren’t familiar with it. Maybe the little thing that I wakted to say is that in the list of the importance of the roles and the officers order, Master then second with Chief Eng. At least in the merchant Navy it works like that . And again it is awesome to do this video big congrats! And thank you for the shout out of engineer it is always nice to see that we are appreciated ok board :)

[@douggaskell4586]

Awesome job. This is the best comprehensive look at the organization and structure I have seen. Thanks so much!

[@the_crewchef]

You're very welcome!

[@tg.garloo4271]

Nina, this is one of your BEST, and one of your most NEEDED vids!!! Thanks.

[@the_crewchef]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tg.garloo4271]

This was BRILLIANT. I'm hoping that in the future you'll have the time to breakdown each dept and show each dept in detail.

[@bobconaway]

Nina! Great to see you again. *Whew* how do you stay so "up" during your presentations? You project such a high energy level I admit to being a little tired at the end of each video. Not complaining...not at all. So enjoyable! Thanks again. Cheers!!

[@the_crewchef]

aaaahaha! Thanks Bob :)

[@thevaughntestkitchen6045]

I have to admit that I’ve watched and thoroughly enjoyed Below Deck, but… I know that reality shows such as Below Deck focus on the drama - that’s what brings the ratings. I enjoyed the show not for for the drama, hookups, etc., but for a bit of glimpse into the Super Yacht life, which I find fascinating. I’m happy to have discovered your channel (and a few others) that show it how it actually is (without the manufactured TV drama aspect).

[@JCrook1028]

They don't "focus" on the drama. They SCRIPT the drama.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Having been a marine engineer royal nave. Not unmanned machinery. I apreciated how hard these guys work and what they do.

[@y2ksw1]

That was actually much more interesting than I thought. I worked on yachts only occasionally for special events and had close to no contact to other people, besides the owner and kitchen team. And in one stormy night the captain alone steering in the dark.

[@dnmurphy48]

Best guide I have seen and genuinely fascinating, Don't think I would want to be crew but being rich would be ok ;). Are you planning to go to sea again?

[@itsnotme07]

So glad you mentioned the Below Deck series....and that you are MUCH more professional!! Some of the stuff on Below Deck...hilarious...but no way would I put up with that as a customer...and I'm surprised some of the same people keep getting invited back. Still a fun show, and insight into some of the life of Super Yachts....but yeah, just watching your videos here, it's obvious there is a difference, at least when it comes to your Galley.

[@MrKWiley918]

As I understand it, the Below Deck charter guests were selected by the producers,and are given cheap fare in exchange for drama.

[@itsnotme07]

@@MrKWiley918 Guess that makes sense, between the crew and the guests. Whole lotta drama!! Haha. Still a fun show to watch.

[@MrKWiley918]

I love the new Galley Talk.

[@ChewieTomatoes1]

This was a chill but really wish you had Spilled the Tea on some more CRAZIER topics like: 1) Yacht girls. Let’s hear it. 2) How the super rich actually treat you. Is it consistently good? What about how they treat the women? 3) Do the crew members hook up a lot. Based on the airline industry, stewardesses and pilots hook-up ALOT.

[@mircat28]

This isnt tacky Below Deck or a gossip vlog!

[@rockman531]

Great info! Knowing some of the ins & outs of these big ships is incredible! I worked in several shipyards as part of the team that built BIG ships for a little company called The United States Navy. Even went out to sea a few times - always ate in the officers mess. Definitely first class! Your channel is awesome!! Thanks. Jim

[@ДмитрийБеспяткин]

A very interesting video about your work. Many people think that this is a dream job and you're just relaxing on a yacht, but of course it's not, it's hard work. Especially, cook a lot of food all day long.

[@pandemichobby]

Looking forward to future posts; you are a talented young lady with an outstanding video presence.

[@jeffteague4341]

That's an amazing explanation. I had no idea it's that involved. Thank you for sharing that information.

[@ibtm]

If I had a Super Yacht, you would be my First Hire!!!!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!

[@mr.re.]

@TheCrewChef Excellent video detailing all parts of the crews roles. It is like most staff in all companies, whether on land or at sea, they are the most important hard working individuals.

[@hessranch]

Your videos are amazing as usual. My family was in the boat business when I was young. Boats were always my fist love.

[@joec4871]

From what you just described brings me to one conclusion. And, that is the only position I want on a yacht is; the owner. Great video thanks.

[@alisavas9526]

Great episode! Love your channel. You're very natural in front of the camera. Crew duties very well explained. Would love to hear more about the unusual habits or demands of the guests or owners. Would you do an episode like that (without getting into trouble of course!)

[@111cccccc]

If I had a super yacht. Yourself & your other Cooking partner I've seen on other videos would be continually employed by me, I would make sure of that. You do a super job, pardon the pun. Very responsible & a great insight to the lives of the other side of the wealthy wallets & purses. Seen many of your videos & it's quite fascinating to see your professionalism & caring qualities at work. It looks quite natural & does you justice. Forgive me if I am wrong. I assume your job is surplus to requirements? Never the less. The Yacht's you work on & the guests you server should be privileged to have you as there Chef. Hello from the UK & thanks for the vids.

[@sheepdog1102]

I can tell that you are a great asset to any place you decide to work.

[@samwise4me903]

Great video! Thanks for satisfying my curiosity. I have had many different service jobs in my life, but I never had to work as hard as you do!

[@saltydogsusa6382]

One of the very best KZbin vids I have ever seen. Terrific content and very engaging. I love your cooking vids, but this one is your best work IMHO.

[@douglasscott3541]

Chef, Thank You for your kind words and shout out to Engineers. It made my night! I serve as MED on Traditional Sailing Ships, we dont get Chefs but we apprecate our cooks. Galleys aren't the best apoited and believe me they roll, like you can get burnt and hurt roll! Ive got all the time in the world for anyone who survives a voyage or two in the galley. Scotty Master NC, MED & CoST

[@the_crewchef]

Our pleasure! You guys are the best:)

[@comachos]

Thank you. Wonderful, informative and cheerful. Hats off to you. Could you do a video on crew uniforms and how they are chosen each day and costs.

[@mgr001]

I'm giving this a 10.25 / 10 for presentation. I was not interested in this video, but, found your presentation so engaging.

[@jackheris687]

You can see how hard Bravo pushes the interior by only having the Chief Stew and 3 Stewardesses to do all the work.

[@kenbishop755]

You should make a "Super Yacht Cooking Experience" book!!!

[@frisianbear6782]

Great vid and content deck and ER are important but the most important person(s) is/are the cook(s) they determine the atmosphere/mood on board it's what you said good food makes people happy, as a Dutch build guy pretty favored by my crews lol 🌞 I have lived the first 18 years of my life in Makkum in the Netherlands where AMELS shipyard was based and started it was always nice to see them building those small and super yachts.

[@andiscott8470]

Hey! Brilliant video, thank you for making and posting it 🙂 I work in private aviation as a Chief Steward/Cabin Manager, and the similarities between the two industries, all the way from owners, shell/holding companies, management companies, departments and organisation is pretty mirrored and spot on! Great to see some new content from you, and look forward to seeing more soon 👍🙂

[@the_crewchef]

Amazing! You have an epic job - I can certainly see how there would be so many similarities

[@johngammon7891]

Thank you for your rundown of the yacht. Going to rewatch to see if I missed what size yacht you were doing the crew chart for.

[@the_crewchef]

The first chart would have been for a 55m (180ft) ish - and then the second chart - a vessel needs to be about 70m+ to have a purser

[@jackdotzman2908]

Great explanation of how it all works on a yacht, thank you. Look forward to your next video. From Missouri USA

[@rayc.1396]

Thank you for the insight into crew life, as messy as I am, I doubt crew life would be for me.

[@blackbirdbeatle]

This was extremely informative, I love it. Hope to see more from you in the future, either as a crew or traveling.

[@mebcn5850]

Thanks for your time and acknowledging all departaments!!!

[@jeffreyarbogast4735]

Superbly enjoyable video. Informative, detailed, thorough. I look forward to each one!

[@the_crewchef]

Thank you!

[@paulcrathorn5707]

I’m really loving your videos Nina - my two favourite passions are cooking and yachts too so I always look forward to your next video!

[@StupidEasyCooking]

Your videos make me believe there are still people who believe in working hard and getting the job done, and taking pride in that work…so many young people refuse to do any type of manual labor these days, and you all work so, so, so hard…

[@rebekahlow8375]

This is a fun video!! It went by really fast. I look forward to your next video! Love from Vermont

[@the_crewchef]

Thank you!

[@brianjunker9825]

was 5 year on cruiseship , longest contract was 7,5 month without any day off as 1st Special Cook , this is also a tuff job you never know what kind of food you have too cook , mornings was easy , Lunch too as people are aboard but dinner was hard and you need to know as well a lot of different kind of food style

[@kevinweinberger8446]

I didn’t catch your name Chef? Always introduce yourself, your name is part of you! This video was very well done with a organized plan. I appreciated this video very much as I do watch the show. Thank you!

[@itninja9503]

This video was simply amazing. Thank you so much for this complete and full explanation!

[@steveshaw69]

If you’re doing the “Below Deck” comparisons I would suggest the topic of on board relationships! ;). Great videos, love the variety.

[@the_crewchef]

Oooo wow, this could be a whole video by itself haha!

[@RobertWeiss-b2s]

I'm pretty close to binge-watching your vids, especially where you go into detail about the galley. Astonishing the quality and style of food you produce in those tiny spaces! Watching you produce sourdough and focaccia motivated me to seek out some recipes and refine my technique. You mentioned your process through different positions in the yacht crew, ending up as chef. Did you attend culinary school to get up to snuff on national cuisines and latest dining trends? Or is there a network of training in yacht galleys? How did you become the chef you are? Thanks for your great stories and journeys.

[@photoipster]

Love your channel. Can’t wait to see you back on the water!

[@fpm1979]

I have only once had a 14h workday in my life, less than six times a 12h and many 10h workdays. But doing this for weeks or even months is unimaginable for me. It would drive me mad.

[@redbovine]

I farm for a living. Last year I had a 40hr “day”. It was just a matter of circumstance that I had no time to sleep. After 24 straight hrs it kinda leveled out where it didn’t get tired anymore.

[@ChicoBong]

I love your videos and Your sunny disposition You are so bright and cheerful it’s amazing

[@adriangadd6888]

Great show and presentation, always enjoy your enthusiasm and energy. Look forward to what's next in your world!

[@chrishodgson338]

Great stuff Nina! Looking forward to the next video

[@the_crewchef]

Don't worry - he escaped haha eeek!

[@mikedelta987]

Thanks for the breakdown. I always watch that show and could kind of get the general idea what people do but good to see it on a chart.

[@the_crewchef]

Yachts are alllll about the hierarchy!

[@CAUSELESSREBEL]

Great video. As usual I'm late to the party. But I had fun! I watch you on Loon and most of your latest edition videos. Love watching you.