Not starting from scratch — building on what you know.
“The smart crossover for experienced professionals.“
Get internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on training and job placement support to cross between shore and sea based job opportunities.
Accreditations: Highfield, SAMSA, STCW • Internationally Recognised • Career Transition Specialist Track
Career Bridging Programme – Package
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Why This Career?
Industry Gap
South Africa has thousands of qualified land-based chefs and hospitality workers who don’t realise their skills transfer directly to maritime. And hundreds of maritime cooks who could earn more in land-based hotels during off-season — if they had the right bridging certificates.
The Crossover Advantage
You don’t start over. You add the missing pieces. A land chef adds STCW and Ship’s Cook certification. A maritime cook adds Highfield Food Safety and customer service. Both become dual-employable.
The Lifestyle
Work seasonally at sea, then return to land-based roles during the off-season. Or transition permanently from kitchen to galley (or vice versa). Flexibility is freedom.
Security
Dual employability means never being without work. When the cruise season ends, the hotel season begins. When yachting slows, restaurants ramp up.
Work.
Travel.
Earn.
Grow.
Your Adventure Starts Here.
Included in this career package
The training required by various industries and ships can vary depending on the type of ship, the position you’re applying for, and the company’s specific requirements. Make sure you enrol for the correct courses:
We recommend first checking with your recruitment agent or the company to confirm exactly which STCW certificates are required for your role. This will help ensure that you complete the appropriate training and avoid paying for any courses that may not be necessary.
From training to your first pay-cheque at sea. We guide you every step of the way.
Course 1
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting A-VI/1-2 (3 Days)
Course 2
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities A-VI/1-4 (2 Days)
Course 3
Personal Survival Techniques A-VI/1-1 (2 Days)
Course 4
Medical First Aid (Including Elementary First Aid) STCW A-VI/4-1 & STCW A-VI/1-3 (4 Days)
OR
Elementary First Aid STCW A-VI/1-3 (2 Days)
Course 5
Passenger Ship Crowd Management – STCW A-V/2, para 1 & 2 (1 Day)
Course 6
Designated Security Duties STCW A-Vl/6-2 (2 Days)
OR
Security Awareness Training STCW A-VI/6-1 (1 Day)
Course 7
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF) (1 day)
Course 7
Ship’s Cook – MLC Reg 3.2 para 3 (20 Days)
Is this for me ?
Entry Requirements:
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Must be 18 years or older
Previous experience in land-based hospitality OR maritime catering is required.
Additional Requirements:
An ENG1 medical certificate may be required if you plan to transition into a sea-based role. Be willing to adapt to different hospitality and working environments. Be prepared for the possibility of seasonal or contract-based work.
Where can I work ?
From Galley to Kitchen:
- Hotels and restaurants in PE, Cape Town, St Helena Bay, and Hout Bay
- Coastal lodges and guest houses
- Catering companies
- Resort F&B operations
From Kitchen to Galley:
- Cruise ship galleys
- Private yacht galleys
- Offshore catering
- Commercial vessel ship's cook roles
What Will My Training Look Like ?
Your existing experience matters. We’ll focus on what you already know and identify the skills you still need to develop. This helps you avoid unnecessary training, focus on your skills gaps and prepare efficiently for your next career step.
Possible Bridging Career Ladders
Use your Skills. Grow your Career. Succeed on Land or at Sea
Additional Services
- Skills gap assessment (free — we evaluate what you already have)
- Tailored training plan (you only pay for what you need)
- Dual-market CV preparation
- Introductions to both maritime and land-based recruiters
- Alumni network access
- Lunch during training days
Useful Tips
- Work hard — transitioning careers requires humility and hustle
- Be early — prove your work ethic in your new environment from day one
- Understand project management — managing your own career across two industries requires planning
Invest in your Future
Payment Options
- Option #1 - Full upfront booking and payment – You Save as above.
- Option #2 - We can structure a deposit + Monthly installments; some discount applies.
- Option #3 - We can structure a deposit + Quarterly installments; some discount applies.
Loan Calculator
Ready to Launch
Take your first step towards your international career. Contact us and a career consultant will get back to you. All inquiries are responded to during regular business hours (Mon-Fri).
Your contact information is only used for the purpose intended and in accordance with our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I earn less if I move from sea-based to land-based work?
Not necessarily. Salaries vary depending on your role, experience, qualifications, employer and location. Land-based opportunities in hotels, restaurants, lodges and other hospitality environments can offer competitive career opportunities, while also providing the option of building experience locally.
Do I have to start at the bottom when changing career paths?
Not necessarily. Your previous experience and skills can be valuable when moving into a new role. Your starting position will depend on the employer, role requirements, qualifications and relevant experience.
Can I work both at sea and on land?
Yes. Having experience and skills in both environments can give you greater career flexibility. You can explore sea-based opportunities when contracts are available and consider land-based hospitality roles when you are between contracts, depending on your circumstances and available opportunities.
Which career path pays better?
There is no single answer. Maritime and land-based roles can offer different benefits depending on the position and employer. Sea-based roles may offer opportunities to earn in foreign currencies and may include accommodation and meals, while land-based roles can provide local experience, professional networks and greater continuity between contracts.
What is the benefit of completing this bridge programme?
The programme is designed to help you build on your existing experience, develop additional skills and broaden your career options across both maritime and land-based hospitality
Package – Terms & Conditions
- Up-front payment is required to qualify for the saving.
- Once courses are booked, our refund policy applies.
- You have six months from the date of payment/booking to complete the courses included in the promotion.
- Courses can be booked and completed at any time during your 6-month validity period; consecutive course bookings are not required.
- Contact our Career Guidance if you are unsure of anything.