A yacht chef is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the crew and guest meals aboard the yacht. Their duties also include cleaning the galley and all cooking utensils, pots, and pans. A yacht chef must be well-versed in culinary techniques and research gourmet ingredients. A culinary degree is highly desirable, and prior experience in fine dining establishments is highly preferred.
Qualifications to become a yacht chef
If you are looking to become a yacht chef, there are a few different qualifications that you need. These include the knowledge of nutrition, diets, and allergies, as well as the experience of working in a high-volume kitchen. Other requirements include a positive attitude and knowledge of the designated cruising grounds.
As a yacht chef, you will have the opportunity to travel around the world while earning 60,000 euros a year as a first chef or 42-48,000 euros as a second chef. You will also be able to enjoy the luxury of not having to pay for any expenses and you will have a completely tax-free income. In addition to this, you will be able to travel to some of the most exotic places in the world and moor at luxurious resorts.
Although formal culinary education isn’t a necessity to become a yacht chef, it does increase your chances of getting a position. Short courses in the field are available for those who want to earn a position in the sector. One such course is the Superyacht Cookery Foundation course.
Job description
A Yacht chef has a lot of responsibility. The job requires them to provide the best possible cuisine for guests while sticking to a tight budget. They must also be well versed in nutrition and know how to prepare foods for guests with allergies. In addition, they should have extensive experience in fast-paced food preparation and menu planning. Most importantly, they should have worked in a professional kitchen for three or more years. Moreover, they should have completed STCW training and hold a valid ENG 1 (seafarer’s medical certificate).
The job of a Yacht chef varies, depending on the vessel’s size and crew. Smaller vessels will typically have just one chef, while larger ones may have 30 or more. Whether working alone or in a team, the chef is responsible for preparing meals that are healthy, balanced, and high-quality. In addition, they must be able to sustain a high level of energy for long work days.
Salary
A Yacht chef salary varies greatly depending on their experience and skill. As a rule of thumb, the first year of working for a private yacht will pay around EUR3,500 per month. Once they have gained some experience, their salary may go up to EUR7,500 or more. This figure depends on several factors, including the yacht’s size, location, and skill set.
Yacht chefs are paid a salary that is higher than the average for permanent employees. Unlike their permanent counterparts, yacht chefs usually work on a private or charter boat. This type of environment can cause a lot of upheaval, as the chef is often replaced frequently, which can upset the guests on board. The role of a yacht chef is diverse and includes everything from organising the galley to menu planning and provisioning to preparation and presentation. Other duties include ensuring food safety and hygiene. In addition, yacht chefs are responsible for maintaining inventory and administration.
Specialty cuisine required
The chef on board a yacht is an expert culinary professional in charge of the provisioning and preparation of all guest meals. His responsibilities also encompass the complete management of the galley, which requires a wide range of culinary skills. These include meal planning, food safety, food hygiene, administration, and excellent communication skills. Ideally, the successful candidate will have previous shore-side experience in a similar position.
The MCA requires all commercial yacht crew to have a Ship’s Cook Certificate. Additionally, the Chef’s Certificate must be accredited by a training body, such as the Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC). Additionally, yacht chefs are required to have a basic course on food safety, which is required by European law.
Experience required
To become a yacht chef, you must be able to cook for a diverse array of people. While yacht chefs may have a higher budget and a better work environment, they will still face many challenges. For example, yacht chefs are often required to work under tight time constraints and have limited storage space. In addition, they must prepare a constantly-changing menu and source local ingredients.
An important part of the job is the ability to plan and coordinate menus for both guests and crew members. Yacht chefs often have to plan several meals in advance. Sometimes, different crew members will eat at different times. They may also have to prepare separate dishes for guests and plate them accordingly.
