Season 10 of Below Deck Med revealed the messy clash between friendship and leadership. It was a tough watch. Nathan Gallagher stepped onto the Mustique, eager to prove himself as bosun. But one slip during a high-pressure charter revealed the cracks Captain Sandy had noticed.
Below Deck Med: Captain Sandy Catches Nathan Slipping
The trouble started during a matchmaking charter. Sandy noticed that no one was on the swim platform. With guests onboard, that’s a non-negotiable. When Nathan didn’t respond to the radio, Sandy searched for him. She found him in the crew mess with Max Salvador.
“I don’t want to see all three of you in the crew mess on a charter day ever again,” she snapped. “Someone needs to be on the swim platform. That upsets me.”
It was a blunt wake-up call. Nathan knew it. His face said everything. This was supposed to be his season to show he belonged in charge.
Below Deck Med: Joe Bradley’s Return Complicates Everything
The pressure only grew after Joe Bradley rejoined the deck crew. Nathan and Joe are friends, and Sandy saw exactly what that dynamic could do to a hierarchy.
Sandy told him straight that his friendliness was bleeding into his leadership.
Aesha Scott delivered the same message more gently: “Start acting like a boss.”
Nathan didn’t want to admit it, but bringing Joe back changed the balance. Suddenly the deck team felt too relaxed, too comfortable, and too willing to slack off.
Below Deck Med: Nathan Snaps Back Into Boss Mode
Nathan finally confronted Joe and Max, telling them their performance was slipping.
“I feel like the guys have disrespected me,” he said.
Max didn’t hide his reaction. “I feel like a lack of respect. It’s about to be a storm.”
Joe also admitted, “He’s mad,” before adding that he hoped the blow-up wouldn’t destroy their friendship. He knew he had to treat Nathan like a boss now, not a buddy.
By the time the tip meeting rolled around, Sandy made her hopes clear. She wanted the deck crew to respect Nathan before things spiraled again.
Below Deck Med: Is Nathan Built for Bosun Pressure?
Sandy has said it repeatedly: “Pressure makes us better.” She wanted to see how Nathan handled the heat. So far, it’s been rocky.
But Nathan’s core issue is simple. He has heart. He wants to work hard. He wants to succeed. But being everyone’s friend doesn’t always work on a yacht with cameras rolling and a captain who doesn’t miss a thing.
The night out had the boys back in bromance mode. However, the season isn’t over, and friendships can only take you so far on a superyacht.
