Captain Jason Chambers is using his platform for something a whole lot bigger than reality TV drama and luxury yacht charters.
The “Below Deck Down Under” star teamed up with the Melanoma Research Foundation for the organization’s annual #GetNaked campaign, and yep, fans definitely noticed. On Monday, May 4, the foundation shared a shirtless photo of Chambers to Instagram as part of its Melanoma Awareness Month push. But while plenty of the comments focused on the Bravo captain’s looks, the message behind the campaign is what really stood out.
The Melanoma Research Foundation Brings Awareness
The organization wrote in the caption:
“Teaming up with the incredible Jason Chambers, we’re on a mission to promote sun-safe practices and urge everyone to prioritize annual dermatological skin checks. As a melanoma thriver and advocate, Jason brings invaluable passion to our cause. Stay tuned as we unveil this month’s activities and share life-saving tips to prevent #melanoma. Together, let’s make a difference!”
Honestly, it seems like Chambers was the perfect choice for the campaign. He has spent years working long days out in the sun, both before and during his time on Bravo. Fans have watched him captain the superyacht on “Below Deck Down Under” since 2022, but this latest partnership highlights a much more personal side of his story.
Jason Chambers Opened Up About His Melanoma Diagnosis
GettyAccording to the Melanoma Research Foundation, Chambers was diagnosed with melanoma in December 2024 after finally getting a suspicious spot checked by a dermatologist.
Chambers reflected on years spent working outdoors and admitted he underestimated the long-term effects of constant sun exposure, in a guest blog post shared through the foundation. He explained that sunscreen often felt more like something for a vacation day than something that could actually save his life.
Thankfully, his melanoma was caught early enough for treatment. Since then, Chambers has become a major advocate for regular skin checks and better sun safety habits. Chambers said in the foundation’s press release:
“As an Australian native who has spent a lifetime on the water and in the sun, I was unfortunately naive to the lasting impacts of increased UV exposure and dangers associated with minimal sunscreen usage… Following my dermatologist’s life-changing melanoma diagnosis in December 2024, I immediately began a successful treatment plan and have dedicated my time since to educating all about the importance of sun safety and regular skin checks because early detection can truly save lives.”
The campaign itself encourages people to perform monthly skin self-exams and schedule yearly dermatologist visits. The Melanoma Research Foundation launched #GetNaked back in 2014 as a way to raise awareness about early detection and prevention.
And let’s be real, using a recognizable face like Chambers probably helps the message travel a lot further online.
Fans Reacted to the Campaign in the Comments
It didn’t take long for fans to flood the Instagram comments after the Melanoma Research Foundation shared the shirtless campaign photo of Chambers. Some people joked about volunteering to help with skin checks, while others focused on how important the awareness message really is. Honestly, it seems like the post managed to do exactly what the campaign hoped for: get people talking.
One fan joked, “if you need any help to check those hard to see areas, I will be more than happy to assist 🫶🏼,” while another added, “Swit swoo, love from brissy”
Of course, not every comment focused on the obvious thirst-factor side of the campaign. Quite a few fans pointed out that Chambers using his popularity and image to bring attention to melanoma awareness was actually a smart move.
“This is important. @captainjchambers is trying to raise awareness – I don’t think for a second he wants ‘🔥’. But if that’s what it takes for awareness, good on you @captainjchambers for using what ”you have” I guess and hope.”
Another supporter wrote: “Glad that Captain Jason is promoting awareness for skin cancer. Beautiful outside and inside! #getnaked”
But one comment especially stood out because of how personal it was. The fan shared a heartbreaking reminder of why regular skin checks matter so much.
“I lost my husband to melanoma in 2023 because despite my pleas, he ignored a spot until it was stage 3C! Get naked and get checked!”
That comment alone really drives home why campaigns like this are so important. Yep, people may initially click because it’s Captain Jason from “Below Deck Down Under” posing shirtless, but if it gets more people scheduling skin exams or paying attention to suspicious spots, that’s a pretty meaningful outcome.
This Campaign is Bigger Than Just Instagram
Chambers will also appear on a Times Square billboard promoting the campaign throughout Melanoma Awareness Month, according to The Melanoma Research Foundation.
Yep, you read that right. Captain Jason is taking melanoma awareness straight to Times Square.
For Bravo fans, it’s another reminder that reality stars can use their visibility for genuinely meaningful causes. And for anyone who has been putting off a dermatologist appointment? Chambers’ story might be the push they needed to finally make one.
