Galley department

Culinary excellence at sea:
crafting unforgettable dining experiences

The galley department
blueprint

The Galley Department is responsible for providing high-quality meals and exceptional dining experiences for yacht owners, guests, and crew. From gourmet cuisine and menu planning to food safety and provisioning, the galley team ensures that all meals are prepared to the highest standards. This guide outlines the key galley positions, their responsibilities, required skills, and career progression from entry-level Crew Chef to the top position of Executive or Head Chef.

Hierarchy & Career
Progression

Crew Chef
Sous Chef
Head Chef / Executive Chef

Crew chef (entry-level position)

Responsible for preparing nutritious and well-balanced meals
for crew while maintaining a clean and organised galley

Main duties:

Meal Preparation - Cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the crew, ensuring variety and meeting dietary preferences

Menu Planning - Creating diverse, nutritious meal plans that cater to crew preferences and dietary restrictions.

Galley Maintenance - Keeping the workspace clean, sanitized, and organized to meet yacht safety standards. Occasional guest support

Food and Hygiene - Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, following HACCP guidelines, and adhering to food safety regulations.

Skills required:
  • Strong work ethic and ability to follow instructions
  • Excellent attention and cleaning skills
  • Good relationship with the crew to keep them well fed
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Food Hygiene Level 2 & 3
  • Ship’s Cook Certificate > 10 crew

Sous chef

A Sous Chef on a yacht is the second-in-command in the
galley, supporting the Head Chef in all aspects of meal
preparation and kitchen operations. A Sous Chef is a vital
part of the galley team, ensuring smooth operations, high
culinary standards, and seamless service onboard.

Main duties:

Food Preparation & Cooking – Assisting in creating high-quality dishes, plating, and ensuring consistency in presentation.

Menu Planning & Execution – Collaborating with the Head Chef on meal planning and adapting menus to guest preferences and dietary needs.

Provisioning & Inventory Management – Ordering, stocking, and managing fresh ingredients while maintaining proper storage and rotation.

Galley Hygiene & Safety – Ensuring cleanliness, organiszation, and adherence to HACCP food safety standards.

Supervising Junior Galley Staff – Managing kitchen assistants, ensuring efficiency and teamwork.

Assisting with Guest & Crew Meals – Preparing meals for both guests and crew as required, particularly during busy periods or when covering for the Head Chef.

Flexibility & Adaptability – Adjusting to last-minute requests, dietary restrictions, and changing schedules.

Skills required:
  • Extensive cleaning and housekeeping knowledge
  • Ability to manage and train interior crew
  • Strong time management and organisational skills
  • Attention to detail, especially in caring for luxury items
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Food Hygiene Level 2

Head chef or executive chef

Responsible for leading the galley and delivering
exceptional, high-quality cuisine for both guests and crew

Main duties:

Menu Planning & Execution – Designing creative, diverse menus tailored to guest preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients.

Food Preparation & Presentation – Cooking and plating gourmet meals to the highest standards, ensuring consistency and quality.

Provisioning & Inventory Management – Sourcing, ordering, and managing fresh ingredients while staying within budget and ensuring proper storage.

Galley Hygiene & Safety – Maintaining strict hygiene standards, adhering to HACCP regulations, and ensuring cleanliness in the galley.

Supervising & Training Staff – Managing the galley team, including the Sous Chef and Crew Chef, delegating tasks, and ensuring smooth operations.

Adapting to Guest Preferences & Special Requests – Customizing meals for dietary restrictions, theme nights, or last-minute requests.

Managing Workload & Schedules – Coordinating meal timing with guest activities, crew schedules, and special events.

Skills required:
  • Advanced cooking techniques across multiple cuisines (French, Mediterranean, Asian, etc.)
  • Fine dining presentation and plating skills
  • Knowledge of dietary restrictions and nutritional needs (vegan, gluten-free, keto, etc.)
  • Menu planning and creativity
  • Provisioning and budget management
  • Supervising and training Sous Chefs and Crew Chefs
  • Managing multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Food Hygiene Level 2 & 3
  • Ship’s Cook Certificate > 10 crew

galley department career
progression guide

The yacht galley team offers an exciting career path for passionate chefs and culinary professionals who thrive in a luxury hospitality environment. If you enjoy fine dining, working with high-quality ingredients, and delivering exceptional meals, this career is for you. If you are ready to secure a job as a Crew Chef, Sous Chef, or Head Chef, submit your CV and culinary certifications to yacht recruiters who specialise in galley roles. They can help you prepare for interviews and find the right yacht position.

Yacht galley
progression route

Candidate must

Be 18 years of age or over
Hold a valid ENG1 or equivalent
Hold STCW Basif Safety training and updates

Master
200 GT
COASTAL
/
UNLIMITED
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
OOW
CoC
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Chief Mate
ENDORSEMENT *3
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Master
CoC*4
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Master
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Crafting
your cv

When completing your online profile with us, it is important to select only the positions for which you are genuinely qualified to work onboard. Choosing roles that align with your skills and experience will increase your chances of attracting the right employers. While it may be tempting to select multiple positions, we recommend limiting your choices to no more than three or four. Listing too many roles can create confusion for potential employers and may impact the accuracy of our search results, making it harder for you to stand out for the positions that best match your qualifications

Sample CV
Keep it simple
Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4, including your photograph (in colour, face on, without sunglasses).
Easy access
Your CV should be in a PDF format to ensure it can be opened easily by all employers.
Keep it current
List all recent contact information, references and work history.
Be personal
Including a personal statement, along with a clear objective can help distinguish you from other candidates and helps prospective employers grasp your long-term goals.
The error of your ways
Don't give employers an excuse to dismiss your CV, review and spell check it!

Is a career in the galley
department right for you?

The yacht deck department offers an exciting career path for those who love the ocean, enjoy physical work, and have strong leadership potential. From starting as a Deckhand to becoming a Captain, there are clear steps for career progression.

If you’re ready to secure a job on a yacht, submit your CV and certificates to yacht recruiters who specialize in placing crew members. They can guide you through job interviews and help you find the right yacht position.

Start your journey with us?

Whether you're building a top-tier crew or seeking your next role, our expert recruiters are here to connect talent with opportunity. Reach out today!