Required for anyone working in the galley or serving guests.
2 hours
17 AUG 2026
Certification
MCA
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
Worldwide
Where your certificate is accepted. Check with your flag state for specific approvals.
Suitable For
Professional restaurant and hotel chefs
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
No yachting experience required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
8 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
5 years
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
Legally Required for Galley Crew
Includes STCW and Food Hygiene Level 2—mandatory certifications for any cook working professionally at sea.
Recognised for Larger & Commercial Yachts
PDSD qualifies you to work on ISPS-compliant vessels, often required for senior roles like chefs on charter or >500GT yachts.
Tender Licence for Provisioning
Powerboat certification enables you to handle provisioning runs independently—an essential responsibility on many yachts.
Trusted, Versatile Crew Member
With safety, hygiene, security, and tender skills, you’re seen as a reliable, self-sufficient professional by captains and recruiters.
Career
growth
& Salary Impact
Superyacht chefs earn between $3,300 and $8,200+ per month, depending on the yacht’s size and culinary expectations. Salaries are highest on 60m+ yachts, especially those running busy charters. Chefs with fine dining or private villa experience often start higher and can earn additional tips from guests.
Current Role
With this certification
Yacht Chef
+$2,800
Restaurant Chef
Yacht Chef
+$3,500
Sous Chef
Head Chef
+$4,300
Private Villa Chef
What You’ll
Learn
Galley Safety & Food Hygiene Compliance
Understand best practices for food handling, storage, cross-contamination prevention, and maintaining galley hygiene under maritime regulations.
Maritime Safety & Emergency Procedures
Complete the full STCW safety training covering survival, fire prevention, first aid, and security awareness—essential for all professional yacht crew.
Security Duties as a Senior Crew Member (PDSD)
Train to perform designated security duties under the ISPS Code, a must-have for senior roles like chefs on vessels over 500GT or charter yachts with commercial status.
Tender Operation for Provisioning Runs
Earn your IYT Powerboat & RIB Master license to independently manage provisioning trips, tender logistics, and crew support tasks—common responsibilities for yacht chefs.
0
100
What’s Included
Professional-grade firefighting and sea survival equipment for all STCW modules
Comprehensive course materials
Coffee station and light snacks available throughout the day
Free rescheduling up to 7 days before course start
Shower facilities and fresh towels provided
PREREQUSITES
Minimum age
16 years old
Language Requirement
A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English
Meet Your
Instructors
Frequently
Asked Questions
Who is the Superyacht Chef Essentials Package for?
This package is designed for aspiring yacht chefs and land-based chefs who want to transition into yachting.
It’s ideal for chefs from restaurants, hotels, resorts, or private catering with little or no yacht experience.
Do I need yacht experience to become a superyacht chef?
No yacht experience is required.
This package teaches the specific skills, standards, and certificates yacht captains expect from an entry-level yacht chef.
Why should I choose a chef package instead of just STCW?
STCW only covers safety and emergencies, not food or galley work.
A chef package certifies on paper that you understand food hygiene, yacht operations, and galley standards, which is essential for chef roles.
It gives employers proof, not assumptions.
How much do entry-level superyacht chefs earn?
Entry-level yacht chefs typically earn USD 4,000–6,000 per month, depending on yacht size and experience.
On charter yachts, tips can significantly increase income.
Is Food Hygiene Level 2 important for yacht chefs?
Yes. Food Hygiene Level 2 is essential for anyone preparing or handling food on board.
It meets international food safety standards and is often required by flag states and management companies.
Is this package suitable for solo or small-crew yachts?
Yes. Many yachts operate with one chef handling all galley duties.
This package prepares you for the responsibility and independence required in those roles.
Do I need a visa to take the Superyacht Chef course in Thailand?
Most students attend on a tourist visa, which is sufficient for training.
If needed, Galileo Maritime Academy can provide a letter of enrolment.
Are tattoos or piercings an issue for yacht chefs?
Generally less than for interior crew.
However, good hygiene, cleanliness, and professional appearance are essential in galley roles.
Will this package guarantee me a job as a yacht chef?
No course guarantees employment.
However, this package gives you the certificates, compliance, and yacht-specific understanding captains expect when hiring a chef.