New to yachting? Please read
New to yachts? FREE advice is available here at YachtChefs.com to all chefs looking to get jobs on yachts.
Please read this first before registering with us or applying to jobs
SHOULD YOU USE A CREW AGENT OR APPLY USING YOUR OWN EFFORTS?
The competition for jobs for chefs on yahcts can be fierce so we recommend you combine registerign with reputable crew agents and applying through jobs on social media platforms like Facebook..
If you are able to travel and look in person then this is a great option and we highly recommend newcomers head to a yacht centre like Antibes or Palma in person and combine meeting agents to register in person and discuss your options, joining Facebook groups and going to yachts directly (dock walking) for jobs..
Standards and expectations are high from owners, guests and crew alike so please do your ground work before applying to jobs and start getting familiar with provisioners, local suppliers, prepare 7 guest and crew menus ready to show captains, create a portfolio file with your paperwork, certs, menus, food pics etc in it to take with you to show agents, captains etc.
The hardest thing is getting your first job but once you are in doors will open and your next job is easier to find..
Always get a reference in writing from the yacht captain so bear this in mind as its a small industry and we all a short phone call away!
Don't forget to also get confirmation of any sea time on the yachts you work on from the Captain so you can prove this if needed.
Stick it out for the full duration! Get a full season or better still a year at least on your CV.. be patient..
Be motivated, first appearances count, above all work clean in your galley and keep your stores organised and plan ahead!
Respect your fellow crew members as they are your family from now on!
Here’s to a successful season ahead for everyone.. newbies and old timers alike!
WHICH JOB IS RIGHT FOR ME?
First thing to think about is do you want to work on your own, running your own galley and cooking for crew and guests on your own or do you want to work as a chef as part of a bigger team
eg SOLE CHEF or CREW/2ND/SOUS CHEF OR HEAD CHEF
Sole Chefs- you need to be able to manage the menu planning, ordering, shopping and taking care of all needs related to food on the yacht as well as of course cooking the food
Crew Chefs- cooking for crew only or dual role of crew and assisting head chef with guest food
Head Chef - managing at least one other chef and running all catering on the yacht, cooking, provisions, accounts, orders etc
WHAT CERTIFICATES DO I NEED TO WORK AS A CHEF ON YACHTS?
To get a job as a chef on a yacht you must have:
1. STCW basic training. For chefs looking to work on large yachts over 50m+ we would recommend you take the PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties ) course rather than the PSA (Proficiency in Security Awareness).
Go to Google and type in STCW 2010 training and your country and it should bring up those training companies in your country who offer this course.
2. ENG1 medical certificate - if you want to use MCA approved then use any MCA approved doctor from this list below
Make sure your ENG1 is at least six months or more valid as yahcts will want this when you join.
UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mca-approved-doctors-healthcare-providers
Overseas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mca-approved-doctors-overseas
3. Food Safety or Food Hygiene level 2 or above - we recommend any MCA approved course from level 2 upwards but qual number must be on this list
We recommend all chefs working on superyachts sit an approved Level 3 food hygiene course. After all no matter what size of the yacht you work on, you are a department head and in charge of the galley's operations, food hygioene, stores, etc..
Note: These MCA approved food hygiene courses are needed if you are to apply to the UK MCA for a ships cook certificate. They will not accept any that arent on this list!
4. SHIPS COOK CERTIFICATE?
Dependent on the yacht flag and how many crew you cook for you might need this:
Ship's cook certificate – see free info site we built at www.shipscookcertificate.com