Season 3 of Below Deck Down Under is set to bring even more drama, romance, and intense moments, as the newly released trailer teases hookups, bullying accusations, and a crew member becoming physically involved on screen.
Bravo dropped the official sneak peek on Tuesday, January 7, showcasing Captain Jason Chambers returning to lead the team, alongside returning chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph and deckhand Harry Van Vliet. Joining them are new cast members: bosun Wihan Du Toit, chief stew Lara Rigby, deckhands Johnny Arvanitis and Adair Werley, stews Brianna Duffield and Marina Marcondes de Barros, and sous-chef Anthony Bird.
In a voiceover during the trailer, Captain Jason reflects on the challenges that lie ahead: “In my 25 years of being a captain, I have learned that you can’t be in control of everything. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones. Exploring new depths and facing new challenges in front of us.”
The teaser also highlights Jason taking a firm stand after accusations of bullying surface. “I will not tolerate heads of department yelling at each other,” Jason states to the crew. “There is an undercurrent of negativity onboard and to me, it is an infection. I am just going to keep cutting the infection so I have to let you go.”
Before Bravo revealed the season’s first look, which is set to air on Monday, February 3, Captain Jason shared his thoughts with Us Weekly regarding what fans can expect after the events of the controversial second season.
“There were changes for sure [following the misconduct scandal]. I know that the policies and procedures were in place during the previous seasons, even when that happened. When production stepped in and stopped it, that showed that these policies and procedures were very understood,” Jason explained in September 2024. “Now for the next season, the policies and procedures weren’t just controlled by the production team itself. They actually brought additional HR people to make sure that the black and white writing was understood by all.”
Jason commended the production team for emphasizing these guidelines before filming began. In September 2023, it was reported that NBC Universal had strengthened its requirements regarding anti-discrimination and harassment policies, aiming for a more inclusive workplace with clearer channels for reporting issues.
“It was just pushed down even further and showed to us true to form what it was,” Jason added, reflecting on the on-screen changes. “There seemed to be a lot less drinking and a lot more drama.”
Season 2 of Below Deck Down Under sparked significant controversy in 2023 when bosun Luke Jones was filmed getting into bed naked with stewardess Margot Sisson, who was unconscious after a heavy night of drinking. After a cameraman intervened, Luke was removed from the boat and sent to a hotel for the night. Jason ultimately dismissed Luke and stewardess Laura Bileskaline after Laura blamed Margot for the incident.
“The one thing that sticks in my mind is that I supported everyone afterward. Everyone involved with it had some learning to do. I’ve stayed in touch with every person that’s been involved and they’ve become a better person and that’s great,” Jason said about the aftermath.
Below Deck Down Under Season 3
“I think the industry 15 or 20 years ago was totally different. A lot of these things were acceptable in many ways and in society as well. I’m glad that society is not like that anymore and we have got the ability to put our foot down on certain issues.”
Despite the controversy surrounding certain crew members, Jason emphasized his efforts to stay in “contact” with the entire Season 2 cast. “I look back at the people that actually were involved in every aspect of that incident and I know that everyone’s become a better person. We have to give everyone the right to learn from their mistakes.”
Jason also discussed the absence of chief stew Aesha Scott, with whom he had worked on the first two seasons of Below Deck Down Under. Although Aesha has since returned to Below Deck Mediterranean, the former colleagues have remained in touch.
“She’s very busy at the moment. I know she’s got a lot going on. I haven’t contacted her for about six months now. I might have to send her a text very soon,” Jason said. “But there’s always contact there for sure.”
Meanwhile, Below Deck Med’s Captain Sandy Yawn joked that Aesha should remain with her in the Mediterranean, telling Us Weekly in the same month, “I think Captain Jason will find his chief stew because Aesha started in the Med and she belongs in the Mediterranean with me.”
Below Deck Down Under Season 3 premieres on Bravo Monday, February 3, at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
