GALLEY CHEF CAREER PATHWAY | CAPE TOWN

Galley Chef Career
Pathway In Cape Town

Combining internationally recognised certifications with specialist interior crew training and personalised career guidance, this programme equips you with the skills, professionalism and confidence expected by captains, recruiters and yacht owners worldwide.

In-person at the V&A Waterfront | Beginner friendly | Accommodation available

What Does a
Superyacht Chef Do?

A good Chef is well-presented, has a love for fine cuisine and has a strong ability to plan ahead. The attitude and art of good service is something that takes training and practice. The position requires a blend of responsibility, maturity and self-discipline along with good communication skills and the drive to provide exceptional service.

Is the Chef Pathway Right for You?

This pathway suits you if you:

Have a passion for food, cooking and creating exceptional dining experiences
Thrive in a fast-paced, creative and hands-on environment
Have an eye for detail and take pride in presentation and quality
Want to take your culinary skills beyond traditional restaurants and kitchens
Dream of combining your culinary career with travel and adventure

Whether you’re an aspiring chef or an experienced culinary professional looking for a new challenge, this pathway prepares you for the unique demands of cooking aboard luxury superyachts, where exceptional standards, creativity and versatility are essential.

Inside the Superyacht Chef Pathway Course

A structured programme combining classroom learning and hands-on training, built around what is expected of galley crew.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY
TRAINING

The STCW safety foundation required to work on yachts.

POWERBOAT
HANDLING

Tender driving and boat handling skills (RYA Powerboat Level 2).

RADIO &
RADAR

Communication and navigation awareness.

FOUNDATIONAL
LEARNING

For absolute beginners who want to learn the fundamentals

GALLEY CHEF
SKILLS

From provisioning, passage planning and port stops to galley hacks and menu planning.

CAREER
GUIDANCE

Yacht CVs, interviews, crew agencies and the job search.

CAREER PATHWAYS

SUPERYACHT CHEF CAREER

STCW incl DSD
Chef Foundation Course
IAMI GUEST Superyacht Galley Chef Course
Food Health & Safety Level II
RYA Powerboat Level II
RYA PWC (Jet Ski)
SAMSA VHF Radio
Introduction to Barista

PRICE : R69 145

CHEF / STEW CAREER PATHWAY

Everything in the CHEF package PLUS:

PRICE : R78 745

What you'll leave with

Individual Superyacht courses

Already have some qualifications? Fill the gaps with focused courses in safety, powerboat handling, personal watercraft, radio, radar, diesel engine and practical deck skills.

RYA courses are proudly powered by Ocean Star Sailing Academy.

Training
at the V&A
Waterfront

Train in the heart of Cape Town’s yachting community, with dedicated instructors who bring more than 12 years’ experience as superyacht crew. Self-catering student accommodation is available on site for in-house courses, subject to availability.

After your course

We help you understand what comes next: How to write a yacht CV, prepare for interviews, work with crew agencies, and where and when to look for work. Being at the V&A Waterfront also puts you close to local networking and daywork opportunities.

Student Stories

Hear from students who have trained with SYTA and taken their next steps in the superyacht industry.

“I have only good things to say about this academy and all the staff. They have been outstanding in every way and I would not hesitate to come do more courses here. I would highly recommend this sailing school to anyone that I come across that is interested in joining the yachting industry.”

"Highly recommend this academy!!! I did the Deckhand course & stayed at the crew house. I was so impressed by the facilities and the way the instructors and management treat all the students. The crew house is a fantastic opportunity for anyone that needs to get used to living in close proximity with others, you create beautiful connections with people & learn what it will be like living on a yacht. Liz & Vee manage the crew house incredibly - they are so approachable and easy to communicate with."

"The most fun I've had in a long time. The staff is suppeerrr friendly and help wherever they can. All the instructors as well. Much love to this place would recommend them 100%."

"I’m currently attending the Superyacht Training Academy and I’m having such a good time! The courses I’ve done so far have been excellent and very educational, although it’s a lot of work it’s been super fun! I’m staying in the crew house and I came here from Zimbabwe knowing absolutely no one, but I’ve easily managed to make some awesome mates who I’m sure I’ll stay in touch with for a very long time."

GALLEY CHEF FAQ'S

Do I need experience to become a Superyacht galley chef?

No. Our Career Pathways are designed for both beginners and land-based chefs who would like to do a land-to-yacht conversion.

How long is the Chef Career Pathway?

4 weeks, in person at the V&A Waterfront.

How is working as a superyacht chef different from working in a restaurant?

Unlike a traditional restaurant kitchen, superyacht chefs must deliver exceptional cuisine within the limited space and resources of an onboard galley. You’ll need to master provisioning, menu planning, dietary requirements and food safety, often while catering to the changing preferences of high-end guests.

Can I work my way up to Head Chef on a Superyacht?

Absolutely. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you could begin as a crew chef, sous chef or sole chef on a smaller yacht before progressing to more senior positions.

Can parents or sponsors get information?

Yes. Request course information and we’ll send everything you need to make an informed decision.

Request A Galley Chef Course

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Start your galley career

Get the full course outline, costs and upcoming dates for our next Chef Course intake.

GALLEY CHEF CAREER PATHWAY | CAPE TOWN

Galley Chef Career
Pathway In Cape Town

What Does a
Superyacht Chef Do?

Is the Chef Pathway Right for You?