Yacht Chef Career: How to Switch from Restaurants to Yachts
Considering the shift from restaurant to yacht chef? Discover the key steps, qualifications, and realities to succeed as a chef at sea
Here’s How to Become a Yacht Chef and What to Consider
If you're a skilled chef dreaming of combining your culinary talents with a life at sea, transitioning from a restaurant to a yacht could be your ideal career move. As a yacht chef, you’ll have the opportunity to travel the world while crafting exceptional meals for an international clientele of charter guests and yacht crew. Before you make this exciting leap, here’s what you need to know to prepare for a successful career as a yacht chef.
What Is a Yacht Chef?
A yacht chef is responsible for preparing meals for both the yacht’s crew and its guests or owners. This role demands high standards, with a focus on delivering diverse and high-quality dishes tailored to the specific needs and preferences of those on board.
Responsibilities of a Yacht Chef
Managing the Galley:
As the chef, you will oversee all aspects of the galley, including:
- Menu Planning: Creating menus that cater to guest preferences and coordinating with the interior department for themed events.
- Budgeting and Provisioning: Handling food budgets and provisioning to ensure sufficient inventory for all guests.
- Maintaining Inventory: Keeping track of kitchen supplies, utensils, and equipment.
- Galley Cleanliness: Ensuring the galley is clean and well-organized with regular maintenance checks.
Additional Duties:
On smaller vessels, you may also assist with tasks such as docking, anchoring, and washdowns and even stewardess duties. The scope of your responsibilities will vary based on the vessel’s size, with solo chefs managing all aspects or larger vessels having multiple chefs with specific roles.
Reporting Structure
While you’ll operate independently within the galley, you’ll ultimately report to the captain. On larger yachts, there may be various chef positions, such as sous chef and crew chef, while smaller yachts might have a single chef handling all duties.
Qualifications for a Yacht Chef
To become a yacht chef, you’ll need:
- STCW Course: Basic safety training for sea-going personnel.
- ENG1 Medical Certificate: Certification to ensure you’re fit for sea service.
- Food Hygiene Level 2 Course: A standard course in food safety and hygiene.
For commercial yachts with 10 or more crew, a Ship’s Cook Certificate is often required. Additionally, a Proficiency in Security Awareness Certificate might be necessary for larger commercial yachts.
Experience and Training
Culinary Training:
A solid restaurant background or formal culinary training is beneficial (but not always essential- depending on the vessel), given the demanding and fast-paced nature of the role.
Private Experience:
Experience as a chalet or villa chef can also be valuable, helping you adapt to running a kitchen at sea.
Self-Taught Chefs:
Self-taught chefs can succeed in yachting with practical experience and ongoing education. Knowledge of various cooking styles and dietary requirements can be advantageous, as these needs often arise among guests and crew.
Earnings for a Yacht Chef
Salaries for yacht chefs vary based on the size of the vessel and the chef’s role:
- Large Vessels: Head chefs on the largest yachts can earn between $7,000 and $18,000 per month.
- Smaller Yachts: Salaries range from $2,000 to $11,800 per month, generally increasing with the vessel size and the chef’s experience.
Applying for a Yacht Chef Job
Register with Crew Agencies:
Begin by registering with crew agencies for placement. Prepare to upload:
- Photos of Your Dishes: Showcase your skills with high-quality images of your plated food.
- Menu Plans and Documents: Include detailed menu plans and relevant documents.
- References and Headshot: A professional headshot in a chef jacket and strong references will enhance your profile.
Join Yacht Chef-Specific Facebook Groups
Facebook has numerous groups dedicated to yacht chefs, where you can find job listings, learn about the experience requirements for different boats, see the current salary ranges, and get valuable advice—often before even committing to the necessary courses.
Keep in mind:
Potential employers and crew will likely look you up on social media to see if your personality and interests align with the existing crew. A professional headshot in your chef jacket and pictures of the meals you've prepared not only boost your credentials but will also help strengthen your profile.
Another effective way to find a job is through networking in areas where yacht crew typically gather, such as marinas, bars, or gyms.
Networking and Proactivity:
Building relationships with crew and agents and maintaining a proactive approach can improve your chances of landing the right position. Regular check-ins and a positive attitude are crucial for finding your first yacht chef role.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a restaurant to a yacht chef role is both challenging and rewarding. With the right qualifications, experience, and attitude, you can navigate your way to a fulfilling and adventurous culinary career at sea. If you're interested in reading about the Pro's and Con's of working as a Yacht Chef, click here.
Pictured. @YachtChef.Hannah is wearing the "Wild Side" jacket