How the galley career works
The galley department is primarily culinary-skill-led. Unlike deck or engineering, there is no MCA Certificate of Competency ladder for yacht chefs. Career progression is driven by cooking ability, the range of cuisines and dietary requirements you can handle, references from captains and owners, and a track record on progressively larger and more demanding yachts.
The statutory requirements that do apply are clear. STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 seafarer medical are mandatory for all professional crew. Food Safety Level 2 is required under UK food hygiene law for anyone who regularly handles food professionally. The MCA Ship's Cook Certificate applies when specific vessel conditions are met, see below.
Entry level for yacht chefs, typically on vessels up to 40m where the chef may be the sole galley crew member. Food Safety Level 2 is required under UK food hygiene law for all food handlers. Allergen awareness training (Natasha's Law) is also required. On vessels with fewer than 10 crew or those not operating beyond 60 miles from a UK safe haven, no MCA Ship's Cook Certificate is required. City and Guilds 706/1 is the industry-standard entry culinary qualification.
Sea time: no MCA minimum, experience-driven progressionThe sole culinary crew member on a medium yacht (typically 30m to 50m), responsible for all meals from crew mess to guest dining. The MCA Ship's Cook Certificate is required when both conditions are met: the vessel carries more than 10 seafarers AND operates beyond 60 miles from a UK safe haven (per MSN 1846 (M)). A sole chef on a 40-person superyacht will need it; a sole chef on a 6-crew yacht operating inshore will not. Verify the current conditions at gov.uk.
Sea time: 12 or more months galley experience (industry norm)The second chef on a two-person galley, typically on 50m or larger yachts. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) food safety management is expected at this level. NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery and specialist training in patisserie or pastry are valued differentiators for sous chef positions on larger yachts.
Sea time: 2 or more years galley experience (industry norm)The top galley role on most superyachts. Head Chef on a 70m or larger yacht is a senior management position with full responsibility for all catering, provisioning, budget, and galley staff. Food Safety Level 3 is the expected standard at this level. A culinary diploma from a recognised school (Ashburton, Leiths, Tante Marie, Le Cordon Bleu) is a significant differentiator for Head Chef positions on the largest yachts. The "Executive Chef" title is sometimes used on 80m or larger vessels with multi-person galley teams but is not a standard industry designation.
Sea time: 3 or more years progressive experience, typically at Sous Chef level firstShip's Cook Certificate, the two conditions: the MCA Ship's Cook Certificate (MSN 1846 (M)) applies only when BOTH of these are true: (1) the vessel operates beyond 60 miles from a UK safe haven, AND (2) the vessel carries more than 10 seafarers. A yacht that never ventures offshore, or one with 8 crew, does not trigger the requirement. Verify the current exact wording at gov.uk/guidance/ships-cooks-and-catering-certificates before relying on this.
What actually moves galley careers
More than any other department, galley careers advance on the strength of:
- Culinary range, the ability to handle multiple dietary requirements simultaneously (vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free, religious restrictions) to a high standard
- Menu development, demonstrating creativity and the ability to develop bespoke menus based on owner preferences and seasonal produce
- Owner references, a direct reference from an owner or captain on a prestigious yacht is the most powerful career tool available
- Provisioning ability, knowing how to source quality provisions across Med, Caribbean and Pacific markets without advance notice
- WSET wine knowledge, valued on larger yachts where the chef may advise on wine pairing or manage the cellar alongside the interior team
How much do superyacht chefs earn?
A talented chef is one of the most sought after roles on board, and pay reflects it:
| Role | Indicative monthly pay |
|---|---|
| Crew / junior chef | €3,500 to €5,000 |
| Sole chef | €5,000 to €7,500 |
| Head chef | €6,500 to €12,000 |
Indicative monthly ranges in euros, the industry standard currency. Pay scales with vessel size, rotation and flag, and excludes tips and bonuses. Figures are blended from published 2026 yacht crew salary guides (YPI Crew, Foreland Marine and others); always confirm current rates before relying on them.
Where to train: superyacht chef and galley courses
Cheffing at sea pairs professional culinary skill with maritime food-safety and ship's cook certification. Compare providers, dates and locations in the YachtSync training directory.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do I need to become a superyacht chef?
STCW BST and ENG1 are mandatory. Food Safety Level 2 and allergen awareness are required by law. The MCA Ship's Cook Certificate applies when the vessel carries more than 10 seafarers and operates beyond 60 miles from a UK safe haven. Browse relevant training in the Training Directory.
When do I need the MCA Ship's Cook Certificate?
When both conditions apply: more than 10 seafarers on board AND operating beyond 60 miles from a UK safe haven (per MSN 1846 (M)). If either condition is not met, the certificate is not required. Verify current requirements at gov.uk.
Do I need culinary qualifications to become a yacht chef?
No statutory culinary qualification is required. In practice, Food Safety Level 2 is required by law and City and Guilds 706/1 or equivalent is the standard entry-level culinary certificate. At more senior levels, a culinary diploma from a recognised school is a significant differentiator.
Is Head Chef the highest galley role?
Yes, on most yachts. Head Chef is the standard top-of-ladder title. "Executive Chef" is sometimes used on 80m or larger vessels with multi-person galley teams but is not a standard industry designation.
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Related: All career pathways · Deck career path · Engineering career path · ETO career path · Interior career path · STCW guide · ENG1 guide