Captain Jason Chambers, the 52-year-old star of the reality television show Below Deck Down Under, recently shared a personal health update with his followers on Instagram. In a candid video post, Captain Jason revealed that a recent biopsy he underwent in Bali confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While currently in Australia, he awaits the arrival of the specimen from Bali so that Australian doctors can proceed with the next stage of evaluation, which involves excising a larger area of skin and testing the lymph glands. This additional testing is deemed necessary as Australian medical professionals weren’t fully satisfied with the initial assessment conducted in Bali, which suggested a stage 2 melanoma. This diagnosis has understandably left Captain Jason facing an anxious waiting period, especially as the specimen’s arrival may be delayed until after the Christmas holidays.
This health scare has prompted Captain Jason to use his platform to advocate for sun safety, particularly given Australia’s impending summer heatwave. He strongly emphasized the prevalence of melanoma, stating that two out of three individuals are affected by this form of skin cancer. Acknowledging his own past disregard for sun protection, Captain Jason admitted that he rarely used sunscreen. Now, however, he has embraced the use of chemical-free sunscreen products and urges his followers to adopt similar protective measures. He specifically recommends wearing hats, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen diligently to minimize sun exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer. His personal experience underscores the critical importance of early detection, as what he initially perceived as a minor skin spot developed into melanoma within just six months.
Captain Jason’s message about sun safety resonates powerfully, especially considering his life spent largely outdoors. From his childhood involvement in sports to his career working on the ocean, he previously believed himself immune to the sun’s harmful effects. He emphasizes that while he appreciates the sun and its benefits, moderation and protection are crucial. He advocates for finding a balance between enjoying the sun and safeguarding one’s health. This balanced approach is reflected in his call for people to use chemical-free sunscreen, wear protective hats, and seek shade whenever possible, ensuring that they can enjoy the sun’s positive aspects while minimizing the risks.
Captain Jason’s professional life continues alongside his health journey. He has already filmed the third season of Below Deck Down Under, which is currently in post-production. While the official release date remains unconfirmed, he’s confident that the new season will air soon. This upcoming season follows a tumultuous second season, marked by a significant onboard scandal involving crew members Luke Jones and Margot Sisson. The incident led to Luke’s dismissal and prompted the production team to implement more stringent protocols for the upcoming season.
The incident in season two revolved around an intoxicated Luke entering Margot’s cabin and attempting to initiate inappropriate contact while she was unconscious. The situation was diffused by a cameraman’s intervention, after which Luke was removed from the vessel and escorted to a hotel. Captain Jason subsequently terminated Luke’s employment and also dismissed stewardess Laura Bileskaline for victim-blaming Margot in the aftermath of the incident. This highly publicized event underscored the importance of clear boundaries and appropriate conduct within the close quarters of a yacht environment.
The fallout from this incident prompted significant changes in the production procedures for the third season of Below Deck Down Under. While Captain Jason affirmed that policies and procedures were already in place during the previous seasons, the incident highlighted the need for stricter enforcement and clearer communication. Consequently, the production team for season three not only reinforced existing protocols but also involved dedicated HR personnel to ensure that all cast members fully understood the guidelines. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and create a safer and more respectful working environment onboard. The heightened focus on HR involvement signifies a commitment to addressing sensitive issues and prioritizing the well-being of the cast and crew.
