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Welcome to the jobs, careers and recruitment site for Super Yacht Chefs! 

This is where we list all our yacht chef jobs and yacht industry employment opportunities for chefs in one handy location as well as any other tips and advice and useful info for captains and chefs alike!

CHEFS: If you are a chef looking for work click the ‘Jobs’ button on the top right of the website or the ‘View all Jobs’ button on the right hand margin to view our latest jobs. 

Follow us on Twitter as all jobs we get in are tweeted to @yachtchefjobs

CHEFS: If you want to visit our YachtChefs Blog then go to www.yachtchefsmagazine.com for recipes , chef news etc…

CHEFS: Looking to return to work on land ? Visit our sister site VillaJobs.com and we can help you find your land based role!

CAPTAINS/EMPLOYERS: If you are a captain or owner looking to recruit an experienced chef for superyacht or land based roles then  click here.

July 2021: Captains can post a job FREE of charge and trial our services! Just go to https://www.yachtchefs.com/recruiters and register and post your job today!

Agency Service: We also offer our agency consultancy service to those Employers who prefer to use this! Visit https://www.yachtchefs.com/recruiters for more info and click on ‘Recruitment Support Services’ box !

CAPTAINS/EMPLOYERS:  If you are looking to recruit for any non chef roles on land then please click here

Yacht Captains & Employers?

LOOKING TO RECRUIT KEY PERSONNEL FOR YOUR YACHT OR FOR LAND BASED ROLES? 2 Services on offer: 1) Access our global candidate database of chefs and POST your own job advert and receive CV applications in reply direct to your email inbox or 2) use our agency placement service and let our Consultant work directly with you to fill your role. CLICKING HERE!

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Careers in the superyacht industry

A superyacht is defined as any leisure yacht over 24 metres (79 feet) in length. There are many hundreds of superyachts sailing the seas and oceans today – motor or sail, and they employ thousands of crew members from around the world. 

Owning or chartering a multi-million-pound superyacht is an exclusive hobby, but behind the glamorous, façade, there is a whole team of skilled workers keeping everything ship-shape. The number of superyachts being built is increasing each year, and there is now a shortage of skilled workers to crew them. Working on a superyacht is certainly not a holiday, but the rewards can be generous and it’s a great way to see the world in style.

Read on to find out all you need to know about what careers are available, the training and certification you will need and more.

Training and qualifications

We outline likely requirements in the job descriptions below, or follow the link here to learn about key areas of superyacht training and certification that you can consider.

The Captain of any yacht (large or small) has one primary duty, which is the safe manning and operation of the yacht. This includes taking full responsibility for the crew, the tenders  and toys, and the guests. Every crew member falls under the ultimate command of the Captain.

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is in charge of the engineering department and is responsible for its safe and efficient operation. He or she reports directly to the Captain. As well as managing the Engineers, Electricians and ETOs (Electronic Technical Officers), the Chief Engineer has overall responsibility for the engineering department.

First & Second Officer

All superyachts generally have a First Officer on board, but larger yachts would employ a Second Officer as well. The roles are quite similar, but specific duties are likely to vary from one yacht to another.

Chief Steward/Stewardess

A Chief Steward or Stewardess is most likely an experienced crew member who has progressed to this higher-ranking role. They are in charge of the interior of the yacht and manages and recruits the interior staff (such as Stewards and Housekeepers). They report directly to the Captain.

On a superyacht, regardless of the size, the food is one thing that a charter guest or an owner will always remember. The Chef plays an incredibly important role and is one of the key figures on board.

Engineer/Assistant Engineer

The main function of the Engineer is to maintain the mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht.  This position will entail very large, complicated jobs, and it can, at the same time, incorporate something as small as fixing a remote control for guests, or fixing a toilet.

Technical Officer/Electrician

Electronic Technical Officers (ETOs) and/or Electricians are generally employed on larger superyachts where the Engineering department comprises around four or five crew. In some instances one person may fulfil both roles, or there may be different individuals for each. If there is no ETO or Electrician on board, their responsibilities would fall to the Engineer. ETOs and Electricians usually report to the Chief Engineer.

Steward / Stewardess

The most important aspect of the Steward/ess role is his/her attention to detail.  This type of position requires the ability to think ahead, provide a service before the guest makes the request and to anticipate events before they happen. Most importantly, you must exhibit the ability to discreetly serve guests in a luxury 6-star manner.

Second Chef/Sous Chef

On larger yachts, you will often find a Second Cook/Sous Chef who works along side a Chef.  This person will normally bear all responsibilities in cooking for the crew, side work for meal preparation, and assisting the Chef in any variety of ways.  A new-to-industry individual who aspires to be a professional yacht chef will greatly benefit from holding an assistant position.

The Bosun, sometimes known as the Leading Hand or Senior Deckhand, is likely to be an experienced Deckhand who is able to take on extra responsibilities. The Bosun is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht immaculately and is in charge of the Deckhands.

A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional crew jobs on superyachts. The deckhand position will encompass many responsibilities, but most importantly, he/she will maintain the exterior of the yacht and keep it in pristine condition at all times. You could be the only deckhand on board, but on larger superyachts there may be as many as five or more deckhands working.

Yacht Crew Job Board

With Bluewater's expertise in crew training and yacht crew recruitment, finding your ideal yacht crew vacancy is simple. We offer yacht management services to a variety of exclusive superyachts. Our team excels in sourcing top-notch yacht crew positions, spanning from 25-meter private yachts in the Bahamas to 50-metre charter yachts in the Mediterranean to luxurious 100+ metre superyachts navigating the globe extensively.

70 yacht crew jobs available now.

Yacht Crew Training

Alongside sourcing the latest yacht crew jobs worldwide, Bluewater offers a range of specialised yacht crew training courses. Whether you're new to the superyacht industry seeking entry-level qualifications, an experienced deckhand or engineer aiming to advance your career, or a dedicated crew member looking to enhance your resume with certifications like HELM (Human Element Leadership and Management), Yachtmaster, or OOW (Officer of the Watch), explore our comprehensive yacht crew training options.

Working on a Luxury Yacht

Working as a crew member on a superyacht is undeniably one of the most rewarding yet demanding professions, calling for hard work, dedication, and professional training. The opportunities within the yachting industry are vast, and at Bluewater, we are committed to helping every crew member discover their ideal yacht crew position. Our recruitment division focuses on finding the perfect yacht for crew members and provides unparalleled professional support. Our recruitment experts guide crew members through every step of their yachting career journey, ensuring they receive the best possible assistance.

Manage Your Yacht Career

Whether you're seeking a yacht crew position as a deckhand, engineer, onboard masseuse, stewardess, chef, chief stewardess, purser, first officer, or captain, take control of your yacht career. Create a profile and join one of the world's largest yachting communities for free.

70 JOBS FOUND

• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, Food & Hygiene Level 2
• Experience: 5 Years +
• Salary: Industry Standard
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, Food & Hygiene Level 2, Culinary Trained
• Experience: 2 Seasons +
• Salary: 5000 to 5500EUR (DOE)
• Qualifications: Yachtmaster Offshore
• Experience: 2 Years +
• Salary: Industry standard
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1
• Experience: cooking for guests and sailing
• Salary: 200-230 EURO per day
• Experience: 1 to 2 seasons
• Salary: 2500EUR (DOE)
• Experience: 1 Season +
• Salary: 3500EUR (DOE)
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, PBL2
• Salary: 2500 to 3000EUR (DOE)
• Qualifications: Minimum YM Offshore, preferred OOW3000GT
• Experience: 3 Years +
• Salary: 6000EUR (DOE)
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, PDSD, PBL2
• Experience: 1 Year +
• Salary: 3000EUR

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Essential Guides

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Is yachting the right choice for me?

Yacht crew salary guide

A Yacht Chef is a position integral to ensuring that guests have an amazing yachting experience by creating unique and unforgettable meal experiences. 

Gastronomy and the art of fine dining has become as integral a part of the superyacht experience as the water itself. Superyachts offer the ultimate luxury escape, and that must be reflected in the exquisite food served to guests throughout their time onboard. A Yacht Chef is the mastermind behind creating unique and unforgettable meals. 

A yacht Chef is predominantly in charge of guest and crew meals and managing all aspects of running the galley. Superyacht guests are accustomed to eating at the best restaurants and unsurprisingly because of this, expectations can be very high. Superyacht Chefs are therefore expected to provide a wide range of cuisine, adapt to different dietary requirements, deliver high-quality food prepared upon request and keep the crew well fed.

The galley will run with different chefs depending on the size of the yacht:

• Head Chef — The Head of the galley and as such the chef responsible for all the food that is served. On some yachts this is a Sole Chef role, whilst on others the role will involve managing other Chefs.

• Sous Chef — This role works closely with the Head Chef, assisting them and potentially covering for them in their absence. Every yacht is different, so on some yachts the Sous Chef is also in charge of preparing crew food, while other yachts may have both a Sous Chef and a Crew Chef.

• Crew Chef — This role is primarily focused on cooking for the crew of the yacht. A Crew Chef is a role usually found on larger superyachts where the number of crew is greater, so a separate Chef will be employed to make sure the crew’s needs are met.

• Galley Hand — A Galley Hand is normally found on yachts over 100m in length. Depending on the type, size and itinerary of the yacht, the duties of this role can include meal prep, galley cleaning and assisting with crew food.

• Cook/Stew — This position is more common on smaller yachts and is often split between cooking and Stew duties, or assisting with Stew duties, depending on the size of the yacht. Some vessels hire a Cook/Stew in the winter to cook for the crew and help with interior duties.

What does a yacht Chef do? | Yacht Chef Job Description

The main priority for a yacht Chef is to make sure that everyone on board has an unforgettable meal. A yacht Chef has access to the best quality ingredients available, so it is up to them to use their creativity to produce the most awe-inspiring dining experience. 

A Chef onboard some of the most advanced yachts in the world has the opportunity of experimenting with some of the finest quality ingredients in the world, and often not easily acquirable on land jobs. They may be asked to spontaneously pull out ‘all the stops’ and let their imagination run wild. Or, they might be requested to provide innovative and exciting meals for guests with strict dietary restrictions. 

As a yacht Chef, adaptability is key. Some guests may want simple home cooking; if they ask for a burger, it's up to the Chef to make it the best, tastiest burger that they have ever eaten! If the guests want spaghetti carbonara, they need to make it taste like an Italian grandmother’s spaghetti carbonara! 

While Chefs still have a certain budget to stick to, one difference between working on a yacht and in a restaurant is that they don’t have to worry about trying to make a profit. All they need to do is keep the owners, guests and crew happy. 

As well as creating stand-out meals, Chefs are in charge of budget management,  provisioning, and ensuring that the galley adheres to strict standards of hygiene and cleanliness. It is their responsibility that everything runs smoothly in the galley. A Chef works closely and liaises often with the Chief Stew , to ensure that guests receive a seamless streamlined service from the galley to the table.

The responsibilities of a yacht Chef include:

Meal preparation for both guests and crew

Daily menu planning 

Liaising with the Chief Stew or Head of Service to deliver seamless service

Food provisioning and inventory checks

Organisation of the galley and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene 

Supervision of a team of Chefs (depending on the size of the yacht)

Budgeting and accounting

Soft and hard skills required to be a yacht Chef

Yacht Chefs should show real passion and enthusiasm for what they do: many successful yacht Chefs do stages and additional training during their time off. The ideal candidate demonstrates a diverse repertoire, flexible and adaptable qualities, and the ability to work well under pressure.

The skills of a good yacht Chef include:

A genuine passion for cooking

Diverse knowledge of produce and the ability to provision all over the world

Menu planning knowledge

Ability to skilfully multitask

Ability to handle criticism 

Creativity 

Presentation skills

Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude

Organization and time management skills

Cleanliness and hygiene

Flexibility and adaptability

Ability to work under pressure

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht.  For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Chef position on board a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

YPI CREW TEAM

Ypi crew recruiters in charge of yacht chef recruitment.

Helen Papamichael

Head of Interior Department

Let’s get started. Call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us.

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Working as a Superyacht Chef

Editor’s note: Working as a Superyacht Chef was originally published in June 2019 and most recently updated in May 2022.

A yacht chef is anyone that works on a boat and cooks for guests and crew, guests or just crew. There are around 37,000 yacht crew members employed on the 6,000+ superyachts around the world. That’s not counting smaller yachts and sailboats out there too. So while working as a superyacht chef is undoubtedly niche, opportunities to work out on the water are available.

Types of superyacht chef jobs

As a general rule of thumb, the larger the boat, the more qualified the chef will need to be. But there are chef positions on board where high-end restaurant experience isn’t necessary.

Galley hand

This is a great entry-level position for anyone looking to join the galley (kitchen) department within yachting. Most boats that are over 100 meters will have a galley hand on board. You will mainly be in charge of keeping the galley clean. Everything from pots, pans and floors, to managing cleaning schedules.

You will get a little hands-on experience assisting with crew food, and will get to work closely with crew chefs. Galley hands can get promoted to crew chef when there’s an opening.

This can be another great way to get your foot in the door if you have cooking experience. Boats frequently look for a temporary chef to cover this role when permanent crew chefs take holidays.

In this role you cook for the boat’s crew, either a sole crew chef or working as part of a team, dependant on the overall number of crew on board. Larger superyachts can run with 30+ crew. You are responsible for delivering well-balanced menus that match crew dietary requirements and sustain energy throughout busy work days. Essentially another version of delivering institutional or workplace dining.

This dual role can have different meaning dependant on the size of the boat. It can mean that you’re the cook when the boat has guests on board, and for the rest of the time you work as a stewardess maintaining the boat’s interior.

It can also mean you work a split role cooking for guests/crew AND performing stewardess duties whether guests are on board or not. Typically, a full time dual role with this dual responsibility is found on much smaller boats with small guest numbers and crew. Though a sizeable workload, it is a great way to find out which role you prefer if you’re green to the industry.

Like a restaurant a yacht sous chef is one below the head chef, and normally covers the head chef when they are away on holiday. It is a great entry-level position for anyone with solid land-based chef experience looking to break into the yachting industry.

A sous chef will usually be a hybrid role of some cooking for the crew, some cooking for guests and owners when they are on board to support the head chef.

The main focus of any head chef yacht job is meeting the exacting demands of the boat’s owner. No two boats are the same in this regard, but a continuous theme will be the delivery of culinary excellence in your work.

It is extremely unlikely that you would land a head chef yacht job without having considerable previous experience of delivering at a similar level on another boat.

This is a trusted and respected position on board. Without references confirming that you are capable of delivering on a yacht to standards expected of ultra high net worth individuals, it’s wise to pitch your search at a lower level and work your way up to the top job!

Read: Taking a Chef Job Working Abroad

Working as a Superyacht Chef: Qualifications to work as a chef on board

To work on a superyacht you will need entry level paperwork for seafarers . A baseline minimum will be getting your STCW 2010, covering being competent crew at sea, and passing the seafarer’s medical, ENG.1

If you complete a season cooking afloat and enjoy it, it might be a good idea to get your Ship’s Cook Certificate. This is a 2.5-day course designed to test your skills and competency as a chef, so it has value to boats looking to hire that you’ve met a baseline standard.

This is not obligatory if you work on smaller-sized vessels, or superyachts with under ten crew, but it’s a career investment if you see yourself working in the yachting industry for some time.

Where to find chef work on Superyachts

Superyachts move around the globe chasing the best weather to enjoy both summers and winters in the sun. The yachting hub you’ll need to visit to find work depends on when you are looking for work.

If you’re a serious job seeker, you’ll need to pitch up at one of these locations. You will have much greater success trying to land a job in person than conducting your job search remotely.

Yachting is one of the oldest industries in the world and still runs largely in a social context — the more people you meet, the better your chances. Crew housing is a good place to meet other crew and hear about jobs and day work. It’s sensible to budget for being in a location for up to ten weeks, and for some reserve to cover unexpected costs or courses while you’re there.

Working as a Superyacht Chef – Winter season: The Caribbean

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is America’s yachting capital, and they kick off the winter season with the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show usually scheduled early October each year. Plan to be there in September with your CV and yacht paperwork (STCW & ENG.1) so you’re ready to walk the docks and hand out resumes.

If you don’t have a job by December you should fly to English Harbour, Antigua or Simpson Bay, St. Maarten (a larger community) where many last minute crew jobs pop up to join boats ahead of Christmas/New Year trips.

Summer season: Mediterranean and New England

Most yachts leave the Caribbean in the summer months because of hurricane risk, and because it’s too hot. Summer season in the Med gathers pace in late April, early May as yachts are crossing the Atlantic in April.

The centre of the Mediterranean yachting industry is Antibes, France and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Newport, Rhode Island, New England is where you will find a smaller summer yachting scene that’s more sailing orientated.

Working as a Superyacht Chef: Visas and immigration advice for superyacht chef jobseekers

Always check visa and entry requirements for any country you’re visiting. Depending on your nationality, the laws will be different. Generally, Americans visiting Europe get 3 months visa-free travel, while Europeans get 6 months in the U.S. Post Brexit be aware that UK passport holders no longer enjoy the right to work in Europe without paperwork.

While looking for yacht jobs on a foreign-flagged vessel in America is not technically illegal, it’s frowned upon and not something you want to tell immigration officers. Don’t keep evidence of yacht job hunting with you or electronically when you fly into America.

If you’re European, British Australian, Kiwi or South African or any other nationality, keep in mind that the Jones Act in America limits employment on U.S. flagged vessels to Americans. But many American owners register their boats offshore for tax reasons, so you shouldn’t rule out visiting Florida to look for winter season work.

Working with crew agents to find a superyacht chef job

It’s a good idea to register yourself with as many crew agencies as possible. Exposure is key. The first job could come from anywhere. Google ‘yacht crew agents’ and look for recommendations in forums and via yacht crew job boards.

As is the case in any other industry do not pay to register with a crew agent wherever they are in the world, and regardless of any ‘dream first job opportunity’ they get in contact to offer you. EVER.

The industry looks for clean, presentable and conservatively dressed candidates for jobs. It’s wise to cover tattoos, remove face piercings, apply fresh nail polish, trim your beard and tie back your hair too when meeting an agent to discuss roles.

Also bear in mind that on top of presenting your CV, yachting paperwork and an online cooking portfolio – for some roles agents will ask you if you’re prepared to undergo a boat specific medical and testing for drugs and alcohol prior to hire.

Cooking at sea is demanding and entirely different to cooking on land. A superyacht kitchen – the galley – is specially designed for cooking afloat. The common theme on small to medium sized boats is that your preparation and storage space is much more limited. This impacts on your provisioning and cooking day-to-day.

You live and work in the same space. Sounds so obvious but green chef jobseekers are sometimes not aware that working on board means living on board when you have guests on. You won’t get to go home.

When the yacht owners are on board, or other people have chartered (aka rented) out the boat for a holiday, you are ‘on charter’. Being on charter means you keep to your work duties, you can’t drink alcohol and you don’t leave the boat other than for work purposes.

As a chef working on a yacht who cooks for guests – not crew – you will need to:

• Be extremely well organised and provision like a ninja to mitigate not being able to get things mid-trip or to think of back-ups/easy swaps for menu plans if items become unavailable or guest numbers mushroom.
• Be a mornings’ person and be able to withstand the pressures of a long day. Even after the last meal service, there’s cleaning and prep to be thinking of for the next day. And if a guest is feeling a little peckish at 3 a.m. it will fall to you to rustle up the midnight feast regardless of whether you were sleeping!
• Be a flexible menu master – your guests are likely to have a number of different requirements – one may be vegetarian, one gluten-intolerant, one kosher. It will fall to you to be creative enough to pull different dietary requirements together into a coherent dining theme for meals guests eat on board.

Superyacht chef job perks

Cooking with the finest ingredients.

As a superyacht chef, your food budget per person will be significantly more than is normal. You will get to play and experiment with the finest ingredients. Kobe beef flown in from Japan, truffles flown in from Italy, and saffron imported from Morocco. The main goal of your cooking is to make sure everyone on board enjoys outstanding food.

You can get really creative

A superyacht chef is encouraged to keep guests entertained with diverse, creative menus. It’s expected that you will be creative and deliver your own signature dishes. This is great news if you’re someone who likes to experiment with food. You are free to constantly change things and don’t have to repeat the same dishes over and over again like you would in a restaurant kitchen.

You will get to travel the world, live rent free on a yacht and see many amazing off-the-beaten-track places primarily the vacation locations of the super wealthy.

Yachting is a great way to get ahead in the world in terms of earning to save money. You have no living expenses outside of entertainment and investments.

An experienced yacht chef working on an average size superyacht (appx. 50 meters long) can expect to earn around €5,000 a month, while those on larger boats (above 80 meters long) will earn closer to €8,000 a month. On charter trips, guests typically tip 5% – 15% of the weekly charter fee, which is split between crew members. This can mean another $1000 per person, per week, in tips. It’s not uncommon to get an annual bonus, often the equivalent of one month’s salary.

Superyacht chefs do not have it easy by any means. It’s their job to spend life in the galley making sure everyone on the boat is well fed and happy. You will work longer hours at times than you would in a restaurant, but that time gets rewarded. Chefs are the ones that usually benefit the most.

Every yacht has different standards for time off, but six weeks paid holiday isn’t unusual.

This will usually include a paid flight once a year as part of the holiday package. When you go on to work on bigger yachts of 100+ meters, most chefs will work 2 months on and have 2 months off on rotation.

Read: Chef Working Overseas – Ten Benefits

Working as a Superyacht Chef – In conclusion

Yachting is a great industry to join for anyone wanting to travel and make excellent money while doing it. Working as a superyacht chef is hard work, not 24/7 glamour, but fun and financially rewarding.

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• Career Advice

Welcome to our new website! We now are a jobsite and use the latest jobsboard technology to power it!

OUR MISSION:  simple… to be the no1 website promoting superyacht chef jobs globally.

This website now lists jobs posted directly by Yacht Captains, Management Companies and any super yacht related Employers or land based employers looking to recruit chefs.

Please read the following carefully.

EXPERIENCED YACHT CHEFS:  browse the job listings and apply online, you can choose to complete your profile, make it searchable or leave it hidden. 

NOTE TO ALL CHEFS: Please don’t upload any other documents or certificates etc to our website! Only your CV!

ARE YOU NEW TO THE SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY?  please read the following:

• REGISTER: Please register on the website by clicking the blue ‘ Register ’ button at the very top of any page on the site. 
• CAREER ADVICE & HELP: We have a dedicated career centre to help guide you. This features useful articles, videos and links to help you find a job as a chef in the super yacht industry. Please read through it before applying for jobs.

YachtChefs.com is here to assist you in finding your next challenge!

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All jobs are posted onto these social media. Follow us and keep in the loop!

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We look forward to hearing from you and helping you to find a job!

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The Quick & Easy Guide to Superyacht Chef Careers

This article is the latest instalment in our series of guides on superyacht careers. We’ve already covered deck , interior and engineering careers, but today it’s time to get delicious and discuss the career pathways for chefs on board yachts. 

As always, the information in this guide is brought to you by the experts at the careers guidance platform, Academy by Ephemeris . Start or advance your yachting career with Academy by Ephemeris, the only online tool that connects superyacht crews and aspiring crew with yachting industry training providers worldwide. 

What does a superyacht chef do? 

A superyacht chef is in some ways, the central character in a guest or owner’s experience on board. They are the unsung heroes that use the culinary arts to turn yacht voyages into unforgettable memories, and it’s all done from the galley - the marine industry term for the onboard kitchen. 

The chef’s primary responsibility is planning, preparing and cooking food for the guests/owner, the captain and the crew. But there’s a lot more to the chef’s job, too. 

The chef’s daily responsibilities include regularly provisioning all required food items, which also entails frequent food inventory records to ensure that any food items required for a particular trip or charter booking, are ordered and delivered on time. They are also responsible for checking that all received food items meet the yacht’s standards, following which all items must be safely and correctly stored according to all required food safety and storage standards. 

Galley safety and sanitary standards are also the chef’s responsibility, and if other galley staff are on board - as they may be on larger yachts - the chef is responsible for managing those staff, too. 

How do I become a superyacht chef, what qualifications do I need?

Generally, you would begin by obtaining formal food preparation training, such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Diploma from the City & Guilds framework. 

Next, you will need a minimum of a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. This internationally accredited certificate is a mandatory requirement for all food handlers and servers. It teaches the basic knowledge of how to safely store, handle, cook and serve food onboard a superyacht in a hygienic and safe manner. 

For chefs working on commercially registered yachts (charter yachts) and/or chefs cooking for 10 or more crew, a further requirement - the Ship's Cook Certificate – was introduced as part of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) in 2014. 

Rather than being a course to teach superyacht standard food for guests, the Ship's Cook Certificate was created with the purpose of ensuring that cooks working on commercial vessels have the basic skills and knowledge to cook for the crew on board. 

“The Ship's Cook Assessment for the Certificate is designed to ensure a basic minimum standard – it is not designed to catch people out. If you know how to cook and you operate using best practice, there is no reason why you will not pass the assessment,” explained Chef Duncan Biggs, MD of OceanWave Monaco. 

In order to attain a Ship’s Cook Certificate, you will need the following: 

• Proof of at least one month’s sea time, at sea or alongside. 
• Proof of at least one year as a chef or as a cook in a professional working environment. 
• Certificate of successful completion of the Assessment in Marine Cookery. 
• Class-based Food Safety Level 2 (MCA - Maritime and Coastguard Agency) or Level 3 (Cayman Islands). 

A formal competency check via the Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency is mandatory, even if you hold an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) or NVQ Level 4 to UK standards. 

All crew, including chefs, need an STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers) certificate in order to work on a yacht. This is a five day course that covers general safety at sea. You will also need to obtain an ENG1 medical certificate from a certified medical practitioner. 

Is it better to start off working onshore? 

The majority of yacht chefs train and develop their skills onshore first before pursuing a cheffing career at sea. Chefs who have had extensive training and career experience on shore, particularly if they have worked in fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants, are highly sought-after on yachts. 

Is cheffing at sea any different to cheffing ashore? 

Yes, it’s very different! 

A head yacht chef is responsible for meal planning, menu development, food provisioning and preparation, cooking and galley cleanliness. On smaller yachts, chefs often work alone, further adding to their workload. 

Additionally, superyacht chefs - especially those on board charter vessels - need to have the ability to perfectly cook a wide range of cuisines and accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, all prepared to a very high standard. Guests accustomed to dining in the world’s best restaurants expect a similar level of culinary perfection on board. 

There are logistical differences, too. 

If a chef onshore needs an ingredient at the last minute, it can often be sourced relatively quickly and easily - sometimes even from a nearby store. At sea, however, a chef must be prepared to be much more resourceful given that it’s more challenging to source provisions, particularly at short notice, so a missing or spoiled ingredient can otherwise quickly become a disaster. Though larger yachts typically have more galley staff, it is generally still not to the extent of kitchens ashore and even then, yacht chefs must simply be more resourceful while being prepared to be busy for longer hours every day. 

What are the different roles within the yacht chef pathway? 

Yachting’s culinary world offers several distinct roles. 

Junior Chef: This role offers newly trained chefs a chance to familiarise themselves with the nuances of yacht kitchen operations while learning vital occupational skills from more experienced professional chefs. By assisting seasoned chefs, junior chefs lay the groundwork for their journey ahead. 

Sous Chef: Positioned as the second-in-command to the head chef, the sous chef becomes the cornerstone of the galley, often stepping in to lead the culinary charge. 

Specialty Chefs: For those with a unique culinary passion, such as pastries or sushi, specialised roles - when available - provide a platform for niche creativity. 

Head Chef: At the apex of the galley staff hierarchy, the head chef orchestrates the galley's operations, ensuring every dietary requirement and preference is exquisitely catered to. 

Conclusion  

Climbing the ranks in the superyacht chef’s culinary world necessitates a commitment to continuous learning. Of course, exploration of diverse global cuisines and networking within the superyacht community can propel your career substantially, but getting started requires having the right training. That’s where Academy by Ephemeris comes in. 

Using the Academy by Ephemeris platform, you can access the training you need to begin, develop or advance your chef yachting career - or any career on yachts - wherever you are in the world. Academy by Ephemeris is designed to connect you with the right courses from carefully vetted training providers worldwide, whenever you need them. 

Finally, a big thank you to Chef Duncan Biggs at OceanWave Monaco for his assistance with this article.

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• Current Vacancies

Technical Manager

Land-based Maritime / Permanent

Posted By Phil Clark

Posted Date Wed 19 Jun 2024

Closing Date Wed 03 Jul 2024

Refer a Friend Apply

Description

TECHNICAL MANAGER – Fort Lauderdale

Department – Yacht Management

JOB PURPOSE

To provide general operational support for the technical aspects of a designated fleet of approximately 10 yachts, which includes providing advice and expertise to yachts when required. Additionally, to provide support to other departments on technical matters as well as identify and promote technical commercial opportunities.

KEY OBJECTIVES

1. Manage Technical compliance of a designated fleet of yachts

2. Provide operational support for a designated fleet of yachts

3. Provide executive summary on status and forecasts for the technical management of a designated fleet

4. Maintain sound working relationships with the crew and Clients

5. Support Client Managers and Yacht Accounts Managers in budget preparation

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out technical inspections on board
• Provide advice and support to help limit Technical, and ISM related defects
• Liaise with the Crew on solutions and timing to close out defects
• Provide expertise and recommendations on technical defects
• Provide support to the yacht with relation to works planning and maintenance management
• Ensure a complete Planned Maintenance System is in place and in use
• Identify potential areas for improvement in the yachts maintenance strategy and propose solutions
• Monitor and provide advice on efficient operation and potential cost savings (in consultation with the procurement team)
• Provide Emergency assistance at short notice
• Identify and highlight to the Head of Technical Management any major future works that may take the yacht out of service or reduce its operating capability
• Identify and highlight to the Head of Technical Management any major potential risks to a yacht based on items such as existing technical issues, future Statutory or Regulatory changes
• Identify common issues at a fleet level and escalate to the Head of Technical Management 
• Proactively communicate with the yacht and internally to keep abreast of the current technical status of the yacht
• Meet with the crew and Owners Representative as required
• Liaise with relevant Teams/ Departments/ Exec Leads
• Maintain an overview of the financial budget for the yacht for the financial year
• On request, review Purchase Orders, Quotes and Invoices for technical budget categories.

EXPERIENCE & KEY COMPETENCIES

• Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or Project Management
• Minimum 3 years’ shore-side experience in a management position in the maritime sector, and/or Chief Engineer/ 2nd engineer
• Fluent in English with excellent communication skills
• Qualification in auditing processes and standards
• Experience in marine inspection/survey
• Strong knowledge of MS Office Suite and Planned Maintenance Systems
• Flexibility to travel frequently
• The right to work and live in the USA

Deckhand -100m+ Private – Dual Season

Deck / Permanent

Posted By Bekah Edenbrow

Posted Date Tue 18 Jun 2024

Closing Date Tue 02 Jul 2024

• A Prestigious 100m+ Private M/Y is looking for a Deckhand to join them by July 1 st
• This is an incredible opportunity to join an excellent Dual Season programme with an exciting itinerary, led by fantastic HODs.
• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1+ years’ experience on a vessel over 50m. Any additional watersports, or trade skills such as carpentry would be hugely appealing.
• Having your YMO in hand along with large tender driving experience would also support your application.
• There is an excellent crew culture onboard that specifically focuses on crew morale and encourages career progression, with a very generous training budget on offer.
• You need to be well-presented, approachable have a solid work ethic – personality is key on this one!
• On offer is a fantastic package above industry standard, along with a 3:1 rotation.

Deckhand – 65m Private/Charter – Dual Season

• A 65m+ Private/Charter M/Y is looking for a Deckhand to join them ASAP. 
• The vessel is currently heading into a busy Med season with plans to cruise Norway, before crossing over to the Caribbean later in the year.
• The ideal candidate will have 1 year+ of industry experience and a YMO in hand. Any other additional skills such as diving, watersports or videography would also be hugely appealing.
• The boat has an excellent crew culture onboard made up of like-minded and active crew, led by fantastic HODs who are pro-active when it comes to training.
• On offer is a competitive salary dependant on experience, along with 60 days leave. 
• There is also a discretionary bonus and training scheme in place.

Charter Accounts Support (London)

Posted By Cobie Brasher

A leading Yacht Management company is seeking a Charter Accounts Support person for their London offices.

• You will be responsible for overseeing all payments relating to Yacht Charter and Yacht Charter Management transactions, including, but not limited to, reconciling charter accounts on a daily basis and preparing fee reports.
• Basic accounting knowledge is required along with strong knowledge of MS Excel.
• You must be highly organised with good attention to detail and able to work in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.
• You must be an excellent communicator and fluent in English.
• You must be an effective communicator who appreciates the importance of building relationships externally as well as with the team. 
• You will actively participate in all company sponsored sustainability programs.
• You will be based within commutable distance from London and have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have previously worked on Charter Yachts.

Accounts Receivable Monaco (Maternity Cover)

Land-based Maritime / Contract

A leading Yacht Management company in Monaco is seeking an experienced candidate in Accounts Receivable to cover maternity leave.

• You will play a key role within the Accounts Team and will be responsible for ensuring all Company invoices are raised and settled on time to support cash flow requirements.
• With your excellent attention to detail, you will issue accurate billing documents and create and maintain client accounts in the company database. Through your outstanding organisational skills, you will ensure that all bookkeeping is up to date, post funds received to the appropriate ledgers and enforce billing deadlines.
• You will provide support to the Chief Financial Officer and Financial Director for the annual accounts closure and preparing regular reports.
• You will actively participate in all company sponsored sustainability programs.
• You will be meticulous in your approach, with excellent attention to detail, be highly organised and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
• You will easily prioritise and manage your time effectively and have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 1 year of relevant experience required. Strong Accounting skills essential, knowledge of accounting software.
• Excellent understanding of principles of finance, bookkeeping and accounting.
• Fluency in English and French.
• This role is a fixed term position located in Monaco.

Salary between  € 30,000 and € 33,000 gross PA

Chief Officer – 65m – Dual season

Posted By Tom Rose

Closing Date Sun 04 Aug 2024

• 65m Private Dual season Motor yacht are looking for a Chief officer to join them Mid July 2024
• Great opportunity for someone looking to gain additional responsibility with an element of relief captaincy as you prove yourself along with extensive drive time working alongside a supportive Captain
• Must hold CM 3000 – ideally working towards Master 3000 and need to have completed Ships medical certification
• Good cruising itinerary including Mexico, San Diego, Costa Rica and Caribbean – the itinerary tends to vary from year to year
• They are looking for a motivated, driven officer to oversee the bridge operations, experience of Mini ISM, excellent with drills and safety and someone with good quality control that the Captain can rely on
• Lovely owners, steady usage and trips are on average every 6 weeks
• The yacht prides themselves on crew training and they also tow a 45ft tender which they do lots of training on – experience with towing preferred
• The crew are tight knit, active and like to keep fit and surf – the yacht has a good work/life balance with long weekend where possible and time to explore ashore
• On offer is a salary of 7000-8000 USD DOE, 6 weeks annual leave, quarterly bonuses which equate to an additional month salary along with excellent training structure/budget

Charter Accounts Support (Monaco)

A leading Yacht Management company is looking to fill a Charter Accounts Support role in their Monaco offices.

• You will be based within commutable distance from Monaco and have the right to live and work in Europe.

Salary between €  30,000 and  € 33,000 gross PA

Crew Chef – Wonderful Galley Team – Private/Charter Motor Yacht

Galley / Permanent

Posted By Jasmin Gosling

Crew Chef required for a lovely 80m + dual season private/charter motor yacht.  

-We are looking for an organised and efficient Crew Chef with previous experience on similar sized vessels. You will be responsible for all crew food onboard and therefore must be confident in running this section of the galley independently to allow the Sous and Head Chef to focus on guest food – this said, you will be proactive, productive and able to work solo at times.  

-The successful candidate will be used to cooking for higher crew numbers but also have enough experience and confidence assist in other areas if needed. You will ideally have a few year's experience in the industry but could be newer if you have a good restaurant background and at least a year onboard.  

-You will liaise with the Sous Chef on crew menus, working closely to create delicious, varied meals for the crew. 

-Wonderful Captains, Head and Sous Chefs onboard who are all highly experienced, with a small tight-knit crew as well.

-Ideally you will already have your B1B2 in hand.  

-Salary 4,500 dollars per month. They have historically done very well with tips in the past too. 

-Start date will be flexible depending on availability but will be by the start of July. 

-3:1 rotation on offer.

Temp Crew/Sous Chef – 90m – Private Charter Motor Yacht

Galley / Contract

Temp Crew/Sous Chef required to cover galley leave for 2 months on a wonderful 90m + private/charter motor yacht.  

-We are looking for an organised and efficient Chef to cover the responsibilities of crew food whilst the team enjoy their time off. This role will be a Crew Chef position for the first part and then move into more of a Sous Chef role for the second so we are looking for a strong candidate, able to fully be accountable for all crew food, assisting with some guest food as well as managing the logistics of ordering etc.  

-The vessel will have a busy summer with several guest trips and charters during your time onboard. This said, the Head and Sous Chefs will be busy with the guests so you must be organised, proactive and productive. 

-The successful candidate will have worked on larger vessels and be used to cooking for higher crew numbers but also have enough experience and confidence to assist with guest food if needed – confidence when cooking meat and fish would be advantageous. You will ideally have a few year's experience in the industry but could be newer if you have a good restaurant background and at least a season onboard. 

-Salary will be 250 euros a day. 

-The project will last from the end of July to the 18th of September. 

Interior / Permanent

Posted By Caroline Clarke

Posted Date Mon 17 Jun 2024

Closing Date Sat 27 Jul 2024

Chief Stew required for fantastic 70+m MY 

• We are looking for a well established, bright, enthusiastic Chief Stew to join this high profile program in the next week / 10 days
• You will have good longevity on your CV as well as excellent references in place 
• As a Chief Stew, you will lead by example as well as being keen on training your team and mentoring the girls 
• We want someone passionate about being a Chief Stew and not someone that just wants rotation 
• You will be joining a well established yacht so we are looking for someone to join and slip into the yachts ways, not someone that wants to come in and change everything! 
• World cruising yacht with an exciting itinerary ahead
• Excellent package – to be discussed over the phone but full rotation and lovely bonus scheme and perks! 
• Salary 7000-7500 EUR
• B1 required 
• 2:2 rotation 

Bosun – 80m – World Cruising – 3:1

• 80m World Cruising Motor yacht are looking for a Bosun to join them early to Mid July 2024

• Incredible opportunity for an experienced lead hand or Bosun to join a well-run yacht which travels extensively accumulating 30,000NM sea time each year!

• They are looking for a dynamic, driven and motivated Bosun who can lead the team, is a weapon in large tenders and confident driving guests and navigating at night in tricky spots

• Solid leadership experience required to lead a deck team of 5, good maintenance knowledge and able to pass down skills and knowledge to the junior crew

• The yacht runs with an extensive and varied itinerary visiting some off the beaten track destinations – full itinerary TBD during initial calls, but very exciting!

• Must be OK around Dogs as the owner has 2 furry friends

• Great crew dynamics, family atmosphere, excellent crew facilities and solid crew entertainment program

• Incredible opportunity to not only build on sea time, work with a great team and lead a fantastic deck crew but travel extensively and see interesting places

• On offer is an industry standard salary, TBD during interview, 3:1 rotation, uncapped flights and incentivised training allowance along with 13th month bonus

Chief Officer – 50m – Private/Charter

Closing Date Mon 29 Jul 2024

• 50m Dual season Private Motor yacht are looking for a Chief officer to join them end of June
• Med/Caribbean cruising with minimal owner usage and mostly used for corporate charters through the owner, good turnover of new guests each trip
• They are looking for an experienced Chief with a minimum of 1 years experience as Chief on 45-50m yachts holding CM3000
• Longstanding Captains, excellent owner with fantastic budgets on a very well maintained vessel
• They are looking for strong navigational skills and a positive and hard working mindset
• Excellent work/life balance with trips lasting around 7 days and with time off before turn around for next trips
• Deck team of 4 – the role will be mostly bridge based with some time spent on deck but mostly supporting the Captain with daily operations
• On offer is a salary of 7500-8000 USD DOE, 1 flight, 42 days leave, full medical cover on and off the yacht, training allowance and 13 th month bonus

Rotational 3rd Engineer – 90m – Dual Season

Engineer / Permanent

Posted By Alice Hay

Closing Date Mon 01 Jul 2024

We're working with a 90m yacht who are looking for a rotational 3rd engineer to join their team, on a rotational basis. 

• Dual season Med / Carib, private yacht. 
• Busy yacht with plenty of sea time to be gained, shipyard period this winter. 
• EOOW Unlimited ticket minimum is required. 
• Work with a team of experienced engineers who have been with the yacht for multiple years. 
• Rotational: 10 weeks on / off. 
• Salary is €5,000 + 13th month bonus. 
• Start date is circa 22nd July. 

Lead Deckhand – 60m Private/Charter – Dual Season

•            A 60m Private/Charter Motor Yacht is looking for a Lead Deckhand to join them ASAP.

•            This is an excellent opportunity for someone career-driven who wants to join a Dual-Season programme that has a big emphasis on training and career progression.

•            The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience and have their YMO in hand – this is non-negotiable!

•            Any additional watersports skills or qualifications would be hugely appealing, along with any Drone or Videography experience.

•            The boat has a fantastic crew onboard and are looking for someone who can slot in and lead the deck team. You'll be jumping straight into a busy season so you'll need to be able to hit the ground-running! 

•            On offer is a salary of €3,000+ and 60-days leave, along with an equal split of charter tips.

Purser / Chief Stew – 2:2 – Private & charter

Purser / Chief Stew required for 70m MY 

• We are looking for an experienced Purser/Chief Stew to join this 70m support vessel. 
• The successful candidate will have solid Purser experience already and preferably have completed the Purser course 
• 80% of your role will be admin whilst also overseeing the Interior, keeping the team motivated and pitch in where required 
• The yacht is currently in Med and picking up a charter July 1st so we need someone to join end of June 
• This is a typical support vessel and so limited service provided onboard, you must be happy within that role and be self motivated as well as capable of motivating your own team
• This is a 2:2 rotational position 
• Single cabin 
• Business class flights 
• Salary 6500 EURO 
• START ASAP!

Sole Chef – 50m – Private Charter Vessel

Posted Date Fri 14 Jun 2024

Closing Date Fri 28 Jun 2024

We are looking for a Sole Chef to join a 50m private/charter motor yacht in the Med within the next few weeks. 

– This vessel is increasingly moving into the charter market with a few booked for the next few months as well as plans to open up further for the upcoming season. The vessel will be Med based and then completing a yard period this winter also in the Med. 

– They are looking for a confident chef who is able to provide an array of different cuisine styles, with the vessel being open to charter you must be able to adapt to different requests and have a well rounded knowledge. Existing charter experience would be advantageous. 

– The role has potential to either be seasonal or permanent. 

– The yacht operates with 9 crew in total and has a very nice, close knit team onboard.

– 6,500 – 8,000 euros depending on experience and culinary background. 

– 44 days of paid leave and additional time off given where possible in the winter for long weekends etc. 

– The sooner someone can join the better to familiarise themselves with the vessel before the season. 

Service Stew

Posted By Sophie Wells

Posted Date Wed 12 Jun 2024

Closing Date Wed 26 Jun 2024

• A 90m Dual Season Private MY is looking for a Service Stew to join them by August
•  This is a fantastic opportunity to join a prestigious yacht with a world-cruising itinerary, with plans to visit some bucket list off-the-beaten track locations.
• There is a longstanding HOD team in place that runs a smooth and well-oiled dual season programme and is pro-active when it comes to onboard training.
• The ideal candidate will have at least a year experience on a similar sized yacht, and will have had exposure to service.
• It would bebeneficial if you already hold your B1/B2 visa  to be considered for the position.
• On offer is a salary above industry standard and 90 days leave. The vessel also offers a generous training budget and an excellent crew culture.

Temp Chase Boat Captain – ASAP Start

Deck / Contract

• Looking for a Temp Chase Boat Captain for a Lamborghini Chase Boat to start within the coming days.
• The temp period will last for 2-3 weeks, during which the vessel will be used for day trips in the SoF.
• You MUST have your YM Offshore or higher, along with experience operating large/fast tenders and if possible, experience with taking delivery of yachts.
• This position requires extensive previous experience as you will need to be approved by the vessel's insurance to be successful. Please do not apply if you do not match the criteria.
• This position is open to a couple – Captain and Stew. Ideally, the Stew will have a minimum of a years’ experience.
• There is a very competitive salary on offer, which will be discussed further during an initial interview.
• You must be available from 16th June to be considered.

Bosun/OOW – 60m – Busy Charter

• Busy 60m Private/Charter yacht are looking for a Bosun/OOW to join them 24th June ready to hit the ground running for a charter!

• Med/Caribbean Cruising with both seasons being busy with a mixture of private and charter usage. On average they are completing between 6-8 weeks each season

• This is a well-known charter yacht with a big presence in the charter market which has been built over years of successful trips!

• Excellent crew, senior team and lovely owner

• They are looking for an experienced Bosun, someone who has recently qualified, keen to get exposure to the bridge but also very comfortable on deck running a team to high standards

• Must hold OOW 3000, have excellent references, longevity and have solid tender driving skills

• Lovely crew, great dynamic and vibes and ran extremely well

• On offer is a salary of 5000 Euros, 5:1, 13th month discretionary bonus, excellent tips with an even split and 2 return flights along with MLC medical

Deckhand – 70m Private – World Cruising

Posted Date Tue 11 Jun 2024

Closing Date Tue 25 Jun 2024

• 70m Private Dual-Season M/Y is looking for a Deckhand to join them by Mid July.
• This is an incredible opportunity for someone looking to log some extensive sea time in an expedition-style, off-grid cruising programme.
• The vessel has a genuine off-the-beaten-track itinerary with plans to travel throughout Central America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. With this in mind, you must have no reservations about vaccinations.
• The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years of experience on a 50m+, only candidates with 1 years proven longevity on their CV will be considered.
• Having your YMO in hand would also be hugely appealing, however you must be competent driving large tenders. Any other skills or qualifications would also be beneficial.
• Due to the vessel's itinerary, you must have a B1B2 visa in hand, unfortunately, this is non-negotiable.
• On offer is a competitive salary DOE and a 3:1 rotation. As well as excellent training and bonus schemes.

Bosun – 80M – Private – Rotational 2:2

Closing Date Sun 07 Jul 2024

• 80m Dual season Private Motor yacht is looking for a Bosun to join them 8 th August ready for a 5-day hand over period with the rotational Bosun

• Incredible opportunity to work with a well-established team on a prestigious build yacht with excellent Captains and Chief officers

• The position has become available due to internal promotion, and they are looking to add a driven and motivated Bosun to their excellent existing deck team

• Must have prior lead hand/Bosun experience, can be coming from similar or slightly smaller yachts, good leadership skills, able to lead a large team and have excellent guest interaction skills

• The yacht runs a dual season cruising both Med and Caribbean with steady owner usage across both seasons

• They are looking for a well presented, driven and motivated Bosun with a good all-round skillset including solid maintenance knowledge, excellent operational experience and able to lead from the front. Must be strong with instructing/teaching and able to pass on maintenance and tender driving knowledge to the junior members of the deck team

• Helicopter deck operational experience would be advantageous

• It is essential you have proven longevity and supported by excellent references and good longevity! They are looking for longevity within the bosun role and someone with very high standards

• On offer is an above industry standard salary range which will depend on experience, 2:2 rotation, superb bonus and training package which will be discussed during initial interview.

2nd Stew / Masseuse

Posted Date Mon 10 Jun 2024

Closing Date Sat 29 Jun 2024

2nd Stew / Masseuse required for 50m MY 

• We are looking for a 2nd Stew to join this 50+m MY. It would be a real bonus if you had massage skills too! 
• This is a Med based yacht, winter TBC 
• Private yacht which will be busy through summer 
• Candidates will have a couple of solid years experience on board yachts and be ready to join within a week
• Nice owners & good Captain 
• Salary 4500 EURO & 42 days leave 

Closing Date Tue 30 Jul 2024

Purser required for fantastic, world cruising fleet! 

• We are looking for a Purser to join this lovely fleet. You will have a least 1 year in the Purser role on board yachts
• The yacht is very well set up so you will be walking into an organised and process driven office! 
• There are a few yachts within the fleet so you must be happy moving around where required 
• World cruising which will likely see 1 of the yachts heading to the Pacific 
• Fantastic crew on board, we are looking for someone fun & full of energy to fit in 
• Start – flexible – early July is ideal
• Salary DOE 
• Excellent training package on board 
• Discretionary gratuities when guests are on board 

Captain – 28m Private – Fulltime

Posted By Simon Ladbrooke

Closing Date Mon 24 Jun 2024

We are looking for a Captain to join a 2022 launched 28m private yacht in Spain immediately. 

This is a fulltime position for a yacht that cruises the Western Med for the summer and winters in Spain. 

Experienced yacht owner who uses the yacht for him and his family over the summer months. 

The yacht operates with 4 crew in total. Captain, Deckhand/Engineer, Chef & Stew. The Deckhand/Engineer is currently on the yacht and this will be his 3rd season with the program. 

The yacht is currently in Spain and will operate mainly around the Balearics, France, Sardinia and potentially the Adriatic. You should have extensive cruising experience of these areas. If you can speak some Italian then that would be a massive plus! 

The owner likes to be presented with options when using the yacht, so we are looking for a Captain who is proactive and has plenty of local contacts. 

The owner tends to use the yacht during the season for 2-3 day trips most weekends. He is by no means a liveaboard owner during the summer. The winter months will usually consist of 5 day working weeks,  working 08:00 – 16:00. 

The salary on offer is €8,000.

60 days of paid leave. 

Immediate Start. 

Chief Stew required for lovely 80m new build yacht launching Spring 2025 

• We are looking for an established Chief Stew to join this beautiful build in the final stages, before launch
• You will join the yacht as Chief Stew, in a full time role, moving to a 2:2 rotational position after launch 
• Us owners, family with 3 children – aged 7-13
• Very active family, very approachable, enjoy excursions off the yacht etc 
• The yacht will be world cruising for the first 2 years with the guests on board a lot. They will come and go, specifically when the yacht is cruising to new destinations and they will enjoy short holidays off the yacht, depending on location eg. Safari etc 
• They would like to recruit a bright, fun Chief Stew, with a good personality that has a love for yachting! You will then be involved in recruiting your new team 
• This is the owners 2nd yacht and as they have stepped up in size, they would like to step in service too. They would like a Chief Stew that can adapt to a family BBQ on the beach and then a formal dinner, tasting menu with wine pairing etc 
• We would like a candidate that has good solid yachting experience, someone that has shown longevity in their previous roles and is committed to another yacht long term 
• Full time in yard with a raised salary 
• After launch 2:2

Closing Date Mon 22 Jul 2024

Chief Stew required to join this fantastic 80+m MY having an extensive refit! 

• This is a wonderful opportunity to get some build/refit experience under your belt whilst still maintaining a full rotation
• Candidates will join the yacht in Northern Europe where it will remain for the next year
• Your role as Chief Stew will be mainly office based, overseeing the interior projects, dealing with contractors, liaising with other crew in the fleet and the owners 
• During the yard period, the yacht will be down crew numbers however, when she goes operational again, you will need to recruit a large team
• As the Chief Stew, some of your role will include keeping crew morale up! Weekly dinners out, organising courses for the crew etc whilst in the yard 
• All crew live in shoreside apartments, you will be responsible for liaising with the landlords and doing weekly apartment inspections 
• Yard experience is a MUST! 
• Salary DOE & additional daily allowance for food/drink etc in the apartments 

Rotational Chief Engineer – 55m – Worldwide cruising

Posted Date Wed 05 Jun 2024

Closing Date Wed 19 Jun 2024

An opportunity has become available to join a lovely 55m Northern European build yacht as rotational Chief engineer.

• The yacht is in great condition and was launched last year. 
• Fantastic itinerary planned, worldwide – Norway, SE Asia, Australia and more. 
• Rotational: 9 weeks on / off. 
• Y1, SV Chief 9000kW or Chief Engineer Unlimited ticket required. 
• They are looking for a candidate with proven longevity and recent experience as Chief Engineer on 50 – 65m yachts. 
• Salary is €9,000 – €10,000 based on experience + 13th month bonus.
• Start date is August 2nd. 

4th / Tender Engineer – 100m+ – 4:2 rotation / dual season

We're working with a 100m+ Northern European build yacht who are looking for a 4th engineer to join their crew.

• If you hold an EOOW Unlimited ticket from a commercial background and are looking for your first yacht, this will be considered. 
• If you do not have an EOOW ticket, you must hold an Engine Room Watch Rating III/4 or III/5.
• The vessel is dual season, spending time between the Mediterranean and Caribbean, however it will also go further afield. 
• Start date is September.
• Salary is $4,500 – $5,000 (DOE) + 13th month bonus. 
• Rotation is 4:2.

Chief Officer – 80M+ – World Cruising

Posted Date Fri 31 May 2024

• 80m+ World Cruising Private Motor yacht are looking for an experienced Chief officer to join them mid-August 24
• OOW Unlimited required as min, CM Unlimited preferred
• Incredible program which runs as part of fleet
• They are looking for a versatile, driven and committed experienced Chief officer with solid large yacht background and experience running a team of 8+ on deck
• Yacht background required showing progression through the ranks
• Excellent operational experience required – Heli Ops and Diving qualifications would be advantageous
• Interesting upcoming itinerary including Patagonia and Antarctica
• Salary on offer is above industry standard, extremely generous bonus package, unlimited training budget along with time for time rotation – full package to be discussed during initial calls

2nd Officer – 60m – Dual season

Posted Date Tue 28 May 2024

• 60m Dual season Private Motor yacht are looking for a 2nd officer to join them early July 2024

• This is a fantastic opportunity to work with established Captains, excellent senior team and a well run yacht with a nice owner

• They are looking for a hands on newly qualified OOW ideally with a Bosun background who is able to lead from the front and willing to learn the bridge side of the role

• The yacht has a varied cruising itinerary this Summer with cruising around the Baltic. Yard period for 3 months during September-November and then onwards to the Caribbean for the Winter

• The role is split between bridge and deck, but someone hands on with crew training and being present on deck will be required

• The yacht runs with a superb senior team who are willing to pass on knowledge, provide training and allow you to grow into a solid 2nd officer!

• Tight knit crew who are all active, social and like to spend time exploring in the places they visit. The crew get lots of weekends off!

• On offer is a salary of 6000-6500 USD DOE, 5:1, 13th month bonus and discretionary unlimited training budget

Chief Officer – 60m – Private/Charter

Posted Date Fri 24 May 2024

• 60m Private/Charter dual season Motor yacht are looking for a Chief Officer to join them at the end of June/early July

• Extremely well-run yacht with excellent Captains and a superb rotational partner • They are looking for an experienced Chief officer holding minimum of CM3000

• Varied cruising itinerary including some interesting locations

• Extremely tight knit crew and great dynamics – you need to be able to slot in seamlessly!

• Fitness/water sports orientated crew, active owner who enjoys water sports

• You will need a solid knowledge of ISM, good team management skills whilst being an excellent right-hand man to the Captain

• Mixture of Private and owner usage

• On offer is a time for time rotation (10:10), salary DOE and follows industry standard – Full package TBD during initial calls

• Please only apply online to register your interest. Due to large number of applications expected it will not be possible to respond to everyone – Thanks!

HOH – Private – 90 days

Posted Date Wed 22 May 2024

HOH required for 80m MY

• We are looking for an experienced HOH to join this world cruising private MY as HOH 
• Candidates will have strong experience and be passionate about the HK department 
• You will work with the Interior Manager running the interior and be responsible for your admin 
• Start in the Med in the coming week or so. The yacht has an exciting future with world cruising 
• You will be responsible for 3 HK and the Laundry Master
• Lovely crew on board 
• 4500 EURO – 90 days leave to be taken when the Boss is not on board 

Chase Boat Captain – Semi Land Based position – Incredible opportunity!

Posted Date Mon 29 Apr 2024

• Incredible opportunity for a Chase Boat Captain looking for a stable work/life balance based in the Bahamas for 6+ months of the year
• This is unique position working for a lovely, water sports mad owner who spends 6 months of the year in the Bahamas with his family
• They are looking for a driven, organised and motivated Chase boat Captain to oversee a fleet of 2 boats including a 40ft triple outboard chase boat and a Wake surf boat
• Accommodation provided in the Bahamas along with use of a company truck
• The owner does have a 35m yacht which also spends half of the year in the Bahamas and the other half in the Med. There is the potential for a new yacht to be purchased in the near future which will be based all year round in the Bahamas. Career progression will be potential for the right candidate.
• Flexibility to be able to travel with the owner for tender driving and water sports purposes in both the Med and USA
• A good basic understanding and hands on skillset with engineering would be advantageous and a proven background in driving large tenders is essential!
• You need to be self motivated as you will be expected to manage your own work load. What is essential is that the tenders are in top condition and ready to go for the owner at a drop of a hat!
• Hands on skills with towing/reversing trailers would be advantageous but support can be provided
• Water sports experience specifically wake surfing would be a bonus – the wake surf boat is quite high tech but pretty easy to use in terms of setting up for wake surfing
• On offer is a negotiable package with a starting salary of 5500+ USD. Salary and leave are both negotiable and will be discussed during interview stages
• Visas/residency for the Bahamas can be arranged for tax purposes

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Commander of the Galley

The chef is responsible for preparing and serving meals for the guests and crew., how to become a yacht chef.

To work as a chef on a superyacht, you will typically need the following qualifications and skills:

• A professional culinary education or a relevant professional cooking experience.
• Professional culinary qualifications, such as a City and Guilds Diploma or a culinary degree.
• Experience working in a busy kitchen and knowledge of different cooking techniques and styles.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and the ability to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
• Experience working with high-end ingredients and equipment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability, as superyacht chefs are often required to prepare meals for guests with a wide range of dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Good English language skills, as it is the most common language used on board the yacht.
• A valid ENG1 medical certificate, which is required for all professional mariners in the UK, is issued by a doctor who is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificate, which is required for all professional mariners in the UK, and is issued by the MCA.
• An approved food safety certificate, such as a Food Hygiene Certificate level II or III is required for all professional chefs.
• Ships cook certificate is required for all yachts that are commercially registered (chartering) private yachts, depending on their flag, may also require it.
• A valid seaman’s book or a discharge book, which is issued by the flag state, to prove your sea-going experience.

It is worth noting that requirements for yacht chefs can vary depending on the yacht flag and the area in which you plan to operate, so it is essential to check the specific regulations and requirements.

Yacht Chef FAQs

What are the qualifications and experience required to be a chef on a superyacht?

A culinary degree or professional culinary training is typically required. Experience working in a professional kitchen, preferably in a fine dining or luxury setting, is also preferred.

STCW certification and food hygiene certification are also required.

What are the main responsibilities of a chef on a superyacht?

Planning, preparing and serving meals for guests and crew Managing the kitchen and food budget Maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and equipment Purchasing and maintaining inventory of food and supplies

How does the chef interact with the rest of the crew and guests?

The chef works closely with the rest of the crew, particularly the stewardess, to ensure the smooth running of the dining service and to meet the needs and requests of guests. The chef also interacts with guests to take meal orders, discuss dietary needs and preferences, and receive feedback on meals.

How does the chef plan and prepare meals for guests and crew?

The chef plans menus based on guest preferences and dietary needs, as well as considering factors such as the yacht’s location and seasonal ingredients. Meals are prepared using the yacht’s kitchen equipment and facilities and may include both formal, plated meals and more casual, buffet-style options.

What is the typical schedule of a chef on a superyacht?

The schedule of a chef on a superyacht can be demanding and may include long hours, particularly when the yacht is hosting guests. The chef may be required to work early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.

How does the chef handle special dietary requirements and requests from guests?

The chef works closely with the guests to understand their dietary needs and preferences and to accommodate them in meal planning and preparation. The chef must be able to adapt to different dietary restrictions and allergies and prepare meals that are safe and appealing for guests.

How does the chef manage the kitchen and food budget?

The chef is responsible for managing the budget for food and supplies and for ensuring that the kitchen operates within that budget. The chef must be able to plan and purchase ingredients and supplies effectively and efficiently.

What are the everyday challenges of being a chef on a superyacht?

Limited kitchen space and equipment can be a challenge for chefs on superyachts. The chef must be able to adapt to the needs of guests, including dietary restrictions and allergies, which can be a challenge. Working in a confined space for extended periods of time can be a challenge for some.

How does the chef handle emergencies or equipment failures in the kitchen?

The chef must be able to handle emergencies or equipment failures effectively and efficiently, such as having backup plans in case of equipment breakdown or food spoilage. The chef is also responsible for ensuring that all kitchen equipment is in good working condition and properly maintained.

What is the typical salary range for a chef on a superyacht?

The most experienced yacht chefs working on 100-metre-plus (328-foot) yachts earnt a monthly average salary of around €8,000-plus (c. $8,715) per month in 2021, while a sous chef on the same sized vessel earnt on average €4,000 (c. $4,357) to €7,000 (c. $7,626) per month. Third chefs typically earnt around €3,500 (c. $3,813) per month.

At the other end of the spectrum, on vessels below 30 metres (98 feet), a head chef earnt between €4,000 (c. $4,357) to €4,500 (c. $4,902). This typically represents a starting salary for chefs without yachting experience, and they would usually run the entire kitchen without any additional support from qualified chefs.

Yacht Chef Jobs Available

Experienced male Chef required for a stunning 30m new build motor yacht, seasonal position.

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• Galley Department

About the Chef

The chef aboard a yacht is a professionally trained culinary expert that is in charge of all guest and crew meals, provisioning and complete management of the galley. Effective organization of the galley involves a wide range of skills including but not limited to meal planning, provisioning, food safety and hygiene as well as administration and inventory. This position requires strong communication skills, extensive food/nutrition knowledge and creative plate presentation. Typically, the successful candidate will have at least two years working aboard a yacht of similar size in addition to shore side experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Provisioning of all food items
• Guest and crew meals and nutrition
• Food safety and storage standards
• Adhering to budget
• Galley and food inventory
• Galley safety and sanitary standards
• Management of other galley staff

Required Skills

• Vast knowledge of produce and ability to provision in obscure parts of the world
• Ability to provision to a budget
• Knowledge of nutrition, diets and allergies, food safety and storage
• Menu planning, varied repertoire and wine knowledge
• Excellent creativity and presentation skills
• Excellent communication skills and positive attitude
• Organized, time management and adaptability
• Accounting and computer skills
• Ability to overcome seasickness

Salary Modifiers

• Specialty cuisine experience/certification (i.e. vegan, macrobiotic)
• Experience provisioning in designated cruising area
• Resume “wow” factors (i.e. culinary competition winner, Michelin star head chef position)
• Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, executive chef.