Venture Blog

THE SHIP'S COOK CERTIFICATE 

If a life as a yacht chef sounds like the perfect blend of adventure and cuisine, there’s one key qualification you need to have under your belt: the Ship's Cook Certificate. If you're already a professional chef looking to transition to the yachting industry this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Ship’s Cook Certificate, why it’s essential for yachts, and how to get it.

What is the Ship’s Cook Certificate?

The Ship's Cook Certificate (SCC) is a legal requirement for anyone working as a chef on a commercial yacht or vessel with 10 or more crew members. This certification ensures that you’re equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and hygienically prepare meals while at sea. It’s not just about being a good chef—it’s about understanding the specific challenges of cooking on a moving vessel and keeping your crew well-fed and safe.

The certification process is designed to confirm your culinary skills as well as your understanding of food safety, galley management, and nutrition—all tailored to the unique environment of a ship’s kitchen (or "galley," in nautical terms).

Why Do You Need a Ship’s Cook Certificate?

While your experience in a professional kitchen might be enough to land you a job in a restaurant, working on a yacht comes with its own set of rules and requirements. According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, vessels with 10 or more crew members must have a certified ship’s cook on board. This means if you’re looking to cook for larger superyachts or commercial vessels, the SCC is non-negotiable.

For smaller yachts or vessels with fewer than 10 crew members, having an SCC is often seen as a bonus. It demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to upholding industry standards, which can make you stand out when applying for positions.

But the SCC is about more than just ticking a legal box—it’s about safety. Yachts face unique challenges when it comes to food storage, hygiene, and cooking in potentially rough seas. This certification proves you can handle the demands of the job and keep your crew healthy and happy with well-prepared meals, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

What Does the Ship’s Cook Certificate Involve?

Earning your Ship's Cook Certificate is a blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge, ensuring you’re not just a good chef but also prepared for the specific environment of a yacht galley. Here’s what you can expect from the process:

1. Proof of Culinary Experience

To be eligible for the SCC, you’ll need to demonstrate professional cooking experience. This can typically be met through:
Holding a recognized culinary qualification, like an NVQ in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
Providing evidence of 6 months of sea service as a cook on board a vessel, or 12 months of professional cooking experience on land.

2. Proof of Culinary Experience

Food hygiene is paramount when you're responsible for feeding an entire crew for extended periods at sea. As part of the SCC requirements, you’ll need to complete a

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene course (or equivalent), which covers:

• Safe food storage
• Preventing cross-contamination
•  Correct handling of food

3. Completion of an MCA-Approved Cookery Assessment

The key to receiving your Ship's Cook Certificate is passing a practical cookery assessment from an MCA-approved training provider. During this assessment, you'll be tested on your ability to prepare and cook a variety of meals under realistic conditions, which might include:

• Cooking in a small or confined space (typical of a yacht galley)
• Demonstrating time management by preparing meals within a specific timeframe
• Adhering to food safety and hygiene standards
• Showing proficiency in nutrition and menu planning for the crew’s health and well-being
• Once you’ve successfully completed the assessment and provided evidence of your professional experience, you’ll be awarded your Ship’s Cook Certificate.

Where Can You Get a Ship’s Cook Certificate?

Only training centers approved by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) can offer the Ship's Cook Certificate course and assessment. Fortunately, these centers are available worldwide, particularly in popular yachting hubs like the UK, France, Spain, and the United States.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of obtaining a Ship's Cook Certificate can vary depending on the training center and location. Typically, you should expect to pay between €1000and €1,500 for the entire process, including the food hygiene course, practical assessment, and any administrative fees.

Do You Need Any Other Certifications?

If you're aiming for a position in yachting, the Ship’s Cook Certificate is just one part of the puzzle. You’ll also need the STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), which is mandatory for all crew members working on yachts and commercial vessels. This training includes essential safety skills like firefighting, first aid, and survival techniques, ensuring that you're prepared for emergencies at sea.

In addition, you to have an ENG1 Medical Certificate or equivalent, proving that you’re physically fit to work on board.

What to Expect Working as a Yacht Chef

Working as a chef on a yacht is no ordinary culinary job. You’ll be responsible for:

• Menu planning: Not just creating delicious meals but ensuring you account for dietary restrictions and preferences of both crew and guests.
• Provisioning: Sourcing and storing ingredients in remote locations, often with limited resources. This requires strong organization skills and the ability to get creative with your ingredients.
• Galley safety: Managing the galley during rough seas, securing equipment, and ensuring that cooking areas remain safe and clean even in challenging conditions.
• Cooking under pressure: Yacht owners and guests expect gourmet-level meals, often with last-minute requests or changes. You’ll need to be flexible and able to deliver high-quality dishes with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

What If You Don't Have an SCC?

If you're cooking on a smaller yacht (with fewer than 10 crew members), the Ship’s Cook Certificate may not be a legal requirement—but it can still give you a competitive edge. Yachting is a highly competitive industry, and showing you’ve taken the extra step to earn your SCC demonstrates that you're serious about your role and dedicated to safety and professionalism. It’s also worth noting that many employers may still prefer or require their yacht chefs to be SCC-certified, even on smaller vessels.