Key takeaways
- ✓Roles: crew chef (cooks for the crew), sous chef, head/sole chef (guests and often crew).
- ✓Basic documents: STCW Basic Safety, a seafarer medical such as ENG1, and food hygiene (Level 2 or higher).
- ✓Under MLC 2006, chefs on larger commercial yachts may need a Ship’s Cook Certificate (UK: typically 10+ crew, more than 60 miles offshore).
- ✓Restaurant or private-chef experience and a strong food portfolio matter more than anything else.
- ✓Provisioning, budgets and allergies are a big part of the job.
What does a yacht chef do?
- •Plans menus around guest preferences, allergies and diets.
- •Provisions in each port — often in another language and on a budget.
- •Cooks breakfast, lunch, dinner and canapés, sometimes for 12+ guests and the crew.
- •Keeps the galley, stores and fridges clean and compliant.
- •Works closely with the chief stew on service and timings.
Chef roles on board
| Role | Typical yacht | Cooks for |
|---|---|---|
| Sole chef | Smaller yachts | Guests and crew |
| Head chef | Larger yachts | Guests; leads the galley team |
| Sous chef | Large yachts | Supports the head chef |
| Crew chef | Large yachts | The crew, every day |
Certificates you need
- •STCW Basic Safety Training (and often security awareness / PDSD).
- •Seafarer medical certificate, e.g. UK ENG1.
- •Food hygiene / food safety (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 is often requested).
- •Ship’s Cook Certificate of Competency where required by MLC 2006 and the flag.
Under UK rules (MSN 1846) the Ship’s Cook Certificate applies to vessels operating more than 60 miles offshore with 10 or more seafarers. The UK route requires a marine cookery assessment, food hygiene, STCW, ENG1 and some sea service. Rules differ by flag — always check.
How to get your first chef job
- •Build a portfolio: photos of your dishes, sample menus and dietary range.
- •Get your STCW, medical and food hygiene before you travel.
- •Try a delivery or a crew-chef role to get sea time and references.
- •Collect recommendations from captains and owners — they carry a lot of weight.
- •Be ready for a trial day or a cook-off.
Pay and conditions
Chef pay depends on yacht size, guest numbers, programme and your experience; experienced head chefs are among the highest-paid crew after the captain and engineers. Food and accommodation are included. Agree salary, leave, rotation and provisioning budget in writing before you join.
See our yacht crew salary guide for indicative ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Ship’s Cook Certificate to work as a yacht chef?+
It depends on the flag and the yacht. Under UK rules it applies to commercial vessels more than 60 miles offshore with 10 or more seafarers. Smaller yachts often ask for food hygiene instead.
Can a restaurant chef become a yacht chef?+
Yes — restaurant and private-chef experience is what captains look for. Add STCW, a medical and food hygiene, and gain some sea time.
What is a crew chef?+
A chef who cooks for the crew on larger yachts, while the head chef cooks for the guests.
Which food hygiene level do I need?+
Level 2 is the usual minimum; many listings ask for Level 3.
Sources
- UK MCA — MSN 1846 (Amendment 1): Ships’ cooks
- SuperyachtNews — Clarification on the MCA Ships’ Cook Certificate
- ILO — Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
- Yacht crew salary guide (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Yacht stewardess job description (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Yacht crew CV guide (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work