Your entry into the galley of cruise ship dining.
” Safety-first. Skills-focused. Career-ready..”
Get internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on training and job placement support to work on cruise ships, worldwide.
Accreditations: STCW, Highfield • Internationally Recognised • Entry-Level Galley Track
Cruise Galley Starter – Package
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Why This Career?
Industry Gap
Every cruise ship galley needs entry-level staff who understand both kitchen basics and maritime safety. Most culinary schools don’t teach sea survival or crowd management. We do — in one integrated package.
The Crossover Advantage
You enter the cruise industry with a complete safety portfolio AND galley fundamentals. That means faster onboarding, better starting positions, and quicker promotion.
The Lifestyle
Start your culinary career at sea. Learn from international chefs. Visit ports around the world while earning a stable salary.
Security
Entry-level galley positions are the most accessible route into cruise ship careers. With complete certification, you’re ahead of general applicants.
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 (Selection)
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
Security Awareness Training STCW A-VI/6-1 (1 Day)
Course 7
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF Incl. at Sea) (1 Day)
Course 8
Ship’s Cook – MLC Reg 3.2 para 3 (20 Days)
Course 9
Highfield Level 2 Certificate for Kitchen Assistants (RQF) (10 Days)
Is this for me ?
Entry Requirements:
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Must be 18 years or older
An interest in building a career in culinary and maritime hospitality. No previous kitchen or culinary experience is required for this entry-level pathway.
Please note: some ships and employers require crew members to be 21 years or older.
Additional Requirements:
You may need to meet the medical fitness requirements for sea-going employment, including an ENG1 medical where applicable. Cruise ship medical with all the inoculations. Basic physical fitness to work safely in a busy kitchen environment. Be comfortable working in hot, busy and sometimes noisy kitchen environments. Be willing to follow strict food safety, hygiene and sanitation procedures.
Where could I work ?
- Galley utility/pot wash on cruise ships
- Prep cook/commis chef
- Buffet attendant
- Provisions assistant
- Land-based hotel kitchen entry roles
What Will My Training Look Like ?
Your training combines maritime safety with introductory culinary and galley skills. The programme is designed to help you build a strong foundation for a career in maritime culinary and hospitality environments.
Ship Galley Career Ladder
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Additional Services
- Galley safety and hazard awareness certification
- Knife skills and mise en place introduction
- 0Recruitment partner introductions
- Alumni network access
- Lunch during training days
Useful Tips
- Work hard and stay willing to learn — Galley work can be demanding, but every shift is an opportunity to build your skills and experience.
- Be punctual and prepared — Kitchen preparation often starts before service, so arriving on time and being ready to work is essential.
- Keep your workspace clean and organised — Good hygiene, cleanliness and organisation are essential in any professional kitchen.
- Work well as part of a team — A galley depends on good communication and teamwork to keep food preparation and service running smoothly.
- Manage your time carefully — Learn to work efficiently while maintaining food quality, hygiene and safety.
- Follow instructions and safety procedures — Listen carefully, ask questions when you're unsure and never compromise on food safety.
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
Do I need to know how to cook?
No previous professional cooking experience is required for this entry-level pathway. An interest in food and a willingness to learn are helpful. The training provides a foundation in galley safety, food hygiene and basic culinary practices.
Is this only for cruise ships?
No. Depending on your qualifications, experience and the requirements of the employer, the skills gained may also be useful when exploring opportunities in offshore catering, ferry services, coastal vessels and other maritime hospitality environments.
How physically demanding is the work?
Galley work can be physically demanding. You may spend long periods standing, work in hot and busy environments, and sometimes need to lift or move kitchen equipment and supplies. Good physical fitness, teamwork and safe working practices are important.
What skills will I develop?
You’ll build foundational skills in food safety, kitchen hygiene, galley safety, teamwork and working safely in a maritime environment. These skills can help prepare you for entry-level opportunities and further culinary training.
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.