Top YachtieWorld Advice: How Do I Become A Yacht Chef?
Becoming a chef on a superyacht is a dream come true for many aspiring chefs wishing to show the world their superior culinary skills. It is the ideal opportunity to combine your love of cooking with your love of travel and adventure.
But how do you go about getting this prestigious job on a yacht? YachtieWorld, with access to a myriad of superyacht crew services, has put together this handy guide to get you started on your journey to yacht chef fame!
Let’s look at what is expected of the chef onboard a superyacht and then explain how you can qualify for this satisfying job.
What Do Superyacht Chefs Do?
The role of the chef on a superyacht has many facets, with the most important being providing top-class meals to discerning guests. Remember that these guests have likely dined in some of the finest restaurants in the world and will come with expectations for exceptional dining morning to night.
On a smaller yacht, you will also be responsible for providing nourishing and sustaining meals to the hardworking crew. On larger yachts, this duty usually falls to the sous chef and/or crew chef.
In addition to food preparation, you must manage stock, plan menus, incorporate a range of dietary requirements and ensure safe storage and handling of all foodstuffs onboard.
Required Skills
The role of superyacht chef is not for the fainthearted. A certain level of skills and knowledge is essential to be able to fulfil this position. On the whole, yacht chefs must show that they have completed their culinary qualifications and training and demonstrate that they have the necessary flair for the job.
In some instances, those with less qualifications and experience but with a talent for cooking could be taken on as sous chefs. Under the guidance of the chef, you could learn more about the role and gain the necessary experience and skills.
Required Certifications
Here is the list of official certifications required:
STCW Basic Training Certificate: Required by law for all charter and commercial vessels; most private boats require it as well. This certification covers essential safety and operating training for working on a yacht at sea.
Food Hygiene Level II Certificate: A one-day course that teaches crew members how to cook, serve and store food safely onboard.
Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1): Ensures that you're medically fit to work at sea.
Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) or Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD): Required for commercial yachts over a certain size. The PSA is included in the STCW course, but some recommend completing the PSD
As well.Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency (CoC): Even though this certification is not a prerequisite, most yachts require this, thus it’s highly recommended.
You can also consider taking courses at yacht chef focused schools, like mymuybueno Academy of Culinary Arts, The Galley Gang, or Ashburton Chefs Academy.
Some other things you can do to prepare include:
Taking a dessert-based course
Volunteering at a restaurant
Getting a Padi Dive Master certification
Learning kiteboarding, wakeboarding, or spearfishing
Getting a tender or jet ski license
Getting advanced first aid training
Specialised training courses will add to your CV and help you secure a position as chef or sous chef.
If you are ready to embark on this rewarding career, contact YachtieWorld today. We can connect you with crew training schools and other superyacht crew service providers who can skill you up for a life of adventure on the open seas.
