About Being a Yacht Chef

Being a chef on a luxury yacht can be a rewarding job. The roles on board can vary from cooking for the crew members to cooking for the rich and famous. The chefs position depends on the amount of training and experience.

• Training is required to be a chef on a luxury yacht.  Chefs are required to have a culinary degree or formal training.  The cost of charting a yacht is very expensive and therefore, expectations are very high.  This includes the quality of the food and food presentation.  On board larger yachts, the senior chef can have a small team working under him.


• Working as a chef on board a yacht is a world away from dry land.  Other skills are needed to work at sea.  Organizational skills are key as the kitchen has been well stocked for the time at sea.  The chef cannot run to the store if an item is missing for a certain recipe.  The chef has to have a mariner certification, which includes marine fire fighting and first aid.  This is an international legal requirement to work at sea.


• Join a number of crew agencies when you start looking for work.  They can be joined online or in person at popular yachting locations.  You will have to make a portfolio of your menus ready to looked at including photographs to show your presentation skills and a current resume.


• Enjoy your new career.  Salaries depend on your experience and nature of the charter.  The jobs sounds glamorous but remember there is a job to be done.  Working long hours is something you will have to do.  The chef will be cooking all hours of the day and night.  Being a chef has its advantages like the room and board are covered free of charge.  When you get the chance to explore, you will see some of the most exclusive resorts in the world.