How to Get Started as a Yacht Chef: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Ashley Pearce
- Oct 27
- 5 min read
If you’re a chef who loves travel, thrives under pressure, and wants to earn serious money doing what you love, the yachting industry might just be the best move you’ll ever make.
Working as a yacht chef means cooking at a high level while traveling the world. You’ll explore beautiful destinations, work with luxury ingredients, and be part of a tight crew that operates some of the most exclusive vessels on the planet. It’s intense, rewarding, and pays incredibly well.
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Why Yachting is a Game-Changer for Chefs
Let’s be honest — chefs on yachts earn substantially more than most land-based chefs. Salaries typically range from €4,000 to €12,000 per month, and that’s before you factor in charter tips, which can easily add another €50,000 a year. For many yacht chefs, total annual earnings hit around €150,000 — and that’s tax-free if you’re working offshore.
On top of that, you’re living rent-free, your food is covered, and your day-to-day life involves cooking for high-net-worth guests in some of the most stunning locations on earth. You’ll never look at a restaurant kitchen the same way again.
The Three Certifications You Need
Before you can step foot on a yacht, there are three non-negotiable certifications you’ll need. Don’t overcomplicate it — focus on these three:
STCW Basic Safety Training
This 5-day course teaches you the basics of sea safety — firefighting, first aid, personal survival, and security awareness. It’s mandatory for everyone working at sea. You can do it at most maritime training centers across Europe and the US.
ENG1 Medical Certificate
This is your seafarer’s medical check, issued by an MCA-approved doctor. It proves you’re fit to work at sea and lasts for two years. You’ll need this before you can even start your STCW course.
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
A short, online course you can do in a day. Every yacht chef needs this, no exceptions.
Optional (for later): Ship’s Cook Certificate
Not required when you’re starting out, but once you’ve got a few seasons under your belt, you might want to consider it. It’s useful if you plan on working on larger yachts or vessels under certain flags (like the UK or Cayman).
The Qualities of a Great Yacht Chef
Beyond cooking ability, captains are looking for chefs who are safe, reliable, and fit in with the crew. Remember — you’re a crew member first, and a chef second.
That means:
The captain and other crew need to know they can rely on you in an emergency.
You’re expected to be calm, respectful, and professional — no ego, no shouting, no “Gordon Ramsay” energy.
You’ll be part of a small team living and working together in close quarters, so your attitude is just as important as your food.
Other essential qualities include:
The ability to cook high-level dishes in small spaces
Understanding of dietary requirements and allergies
Strong communication with the interior team
Creativity with global ingredients and limited provisioning options
Discretion when cooking for private clients
Building Your Yacht Chef CV
Your CV is your ticket to getting hired. It needs to be clean, concise, and yacht-ready. A few things to keep in mind:
Professional headshot – This is essential. A professional, friendly photo in a clean chef jacket. No sunglasses, hats, or selfies. Captains want to see who you are.
Personal details – Include your name, contact info, nationality, passport, and current location.
Certifications – List your STCW, ENG1, and Food Hygiene Level 2 clearly near the top.
Experience – List your chef positions with bullet points highlighting responsibilities and cuisines. If you’ve worked in fine dining or private households, emphasize that.
References – At least two, ideally one hospitality employer and one from a senior colleague or mentor.
Keep it simple – Use one page if possible, two at most. Captains look through hundreds of CVs, so make it easy to read.
Finding Yacht Chef Jobs
Once your certifications and CV are ready, it’s time to find your first job. There are three main routes:
1. Apply through agencies
Start with Chefs on Purpose International (CHOPI) — we’re a chef-led yacht recruitment agency helping chefs transition into the yachting world. You can apply directly through our website:
Once registered, we’ll connect you with yachts looking for chefs, help refine your CV, and guide you through your first interviews.
2. Use social media
Most yacht chef jobs are shared in Facebook and WhatsApp groups, not on public job boards. Search for groups like Yacht Chef Jobs, Superyacht Chefs, and regional yachtie pages. Once inside, network with other chefs — they’ll often add you to private WhatsApp groups where jobs are posted daily.
3. Dockwalking
If you’re in a yachting hub like Antibes, Palma, or Fort Lauderdale, walk the docks. Bring copies of your CV and introduce yourself politely to crew members. It might feel old-school, but it’s still one of the best ways to land your first job.
Private vs Charter Yachts
There are two main types of yachts you might work on:
Private yachts – Owned by one individual or family. You’ll get to know their preferences and have more stability and downtime between trips.
Charter yachts – Booked by different guests every week or two. It’s faster-paced but you’ll earn a lot more in tips.
For new chefs, charter yachts are often a great starting point. You’ll gain experience quickly, learn flexibility, and make solid money during the busy season.
What to Expect Onboard
The galley is small, space is limited, and you’ll likely be cooking for both guests and crew. It’s not glamorous behind the scenes — you’ll be managing stock, provisioning in foreign countries, cleaning constantly, and juggling meals for guests with dietary requests. But once you find your rhythm, it’s an incredibly rewarding role.
Expect long hours when guests are on board, but also incredible moments — swimming off the back of the yacht in the Caribbean, sunrise provisioning runs in Italy, and plating dishes against ocean backdrops.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Starting out in yachting can be overwhelming. Here are some common traps to avoid:
Applying without your certs – Don’t waste time applying until you’ve got your STCW, ENG1, and Food Hygiene Level 2.
Bad photo or CV – No photo, poor formatting, or missing information can cost you the job.
Underestimating sea life – Seasickness, small galleys, and constant cleaning are part of the job. Be realistic.
Wrong attitude – The biggest red flag for captains is ego. Stay humble, hungry, and eager to learn.
Weak references – Your references are everything in this industry. You’ll rarely get an in-person trial, so captains rely heavily on what your previous employers say about you.
If you’re just starting out, ask former employers to write written references — a short paragraph or two about your professionalism, work ethic, and personality. Keep them ready to send with your CV.
Networking and Growth
Networking is your golden ticket. Most yacht jobs come through referrals, so build connections early:
Join yacht chef Facebook and WhatsApp groups
Attend yachting events and crew meetups
Keep in touch with other chefs, captains, and recruiters
Keep your CV and references updated after each job
Once you’ve got your first role, make a good impression. Work hard, stay positive, and build relationships. Every yacht chef who’s gone on to earn six figures started with that first entry-level job and a willingness to learn.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into yachting as a chef isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll earn more money, see more of the world, and cook at a level that pushes you creatively every day.
If you’re serious about getting started, get your STCW, ENG1, and Food Hygiene Level 2, build your CV, and apply through Chefs on Purpose International. Once you’re in, your world opens up.
As an extra gift ive provided a free E-Book on how to get started and get your cetficates even if you dont have the cash right now. Get the Galey Confidential E-Book Below!
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