Catering in Maritime in New Zealand
Chefs, Cooks, and Caterers at Sea
What Roles Exist in Maritime Catering?
- Ship’s Cook / Maritime Chef – Planning menus, cooking meals, managing supplies
- Catering Officer / Chief Cook – Overseeing galley operations and food safety
- Galley Hand / Steward – Assisting in meal prep, cleaning, and supporting hospitality tasks
- (Non-MLC Vessels operating in New Zealand Waters)
Working on Domestic Vessels
- Experience in food preparation and safe food handling
- Basic STCW training or equivalent safety induction (depending on the vessel's size/type)
- A current Certificate of Medical Fitness for Seafarers
- Training in fire prevention and first aid may be required depending on your role
Working on Foreign-Going Vessels or MLC-Compliant Ships
For New Zealand-flagged ships operating internationally—or those where the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) applies—the standards for catering crew are stricter.
To work as a Ship’s Cook under MLC rules, you must:
- Hold a Ship’s Cook Certificate issued by Maritime New Zealand or a recognised equivalent
- Have completed training in catering health and hygiene
- Meet MLC 2006 standards, which cover food quality, nutritional value, hygiene, and proper accommodation
Key points:
- The Ship’s Cook Certificate is mandatory unless the vessel is operating with fewer than 10 crew or the voyage is short
- Maritime NZ may recognise qualifications from other STCW-compliant countries
- You’ll also need to hold a valid STCW Basic Training Certificate and Medical Certificate
Pathways Into the Industry:
Many maritime chefs start with commercial cookery experience and build on that with safety training and sea time. If you’re interested in working on MLC-compliant vessels, you may need to complete additional assessments or obtain a recognised ship’s cook qualification.
Suggested first steps:
- Gain commercial kitchen or hospitality experience
- Undertake STCW Basic Safety Training
- Get a Seafarer Medical Certificate
Ship’s Cook Letter of Confirmation, apply directly with MNZ.
Join our community of maritime professionals
Tips for Success
Build a Strong Foundation in Commercial Cookery
Start with a qualification or experience in commercial kitchens. Even if formal training isn’t always required for domestic vessels, operators will expect:
- Safe food handling knowledge
- The ability to plan meals for a crew
- Time and portion management
- Clean and organised kitchen habits
A Level 3–4 NZ Certificate in Cookery or equivalent will give you a good base
Understand Food Safety at Sea
Galley operations must meet strict hygiene standards—especially on MLC-compliant ships. Familiarise yourself with:
- Maritime-specific food safety protocols
- Working with limited storage or ingredients
- Managing dietary requirements in remote environments
- Clean water and waste systems on board
Consider doing a refresher or advanced food safety course, ideally with a maritime context.
Complete Basic Maritime Safety Training
To work on most vessels, you’ll need STCW Basic Safety Training (or domestic equivalent). This includes:
- Sea survival techniques
- Fire prevention and firefighting
- First aid
- Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
Many New Zealand training providers offer this as a 5-day block course. Manaaki Marine can recommend providers and offer discounted training to out candidates.
Get Tour Medical Fitness Certificate
All crew, including cooks and caterers, must be medically fit to work at sea. You’ll need to pass a Maritime New Zealand-approved Seafarer Medical Examination.
Know the Difference: Domestic vs MLC-Compliant Vessels
- Domestic Vessel – (ferries, workboats, tourism vessels) are more flexible in their crew structures and requirements.
- MLC-compliant vessels – (foreign going or large NZ-flagged ships) require a Ship’s Cook Certificate, recognised by Maritime New Zealand.
Get Comfortable with Life at Sea
Working on a ship is not like working on land:
- You will be away from home for weeks or months
- Work shifts can be long, and space is tight
- You’re part of the crew – everyone plays a role in the safety and teamwork.
Not sure it is for you? Speak with others who’ve done the job. Look for short-term domestic roles first.
Stay Organised and Adaptable
Cooks at sea need to:
- Plan menus for extended voyages
- Adapt to limited ingredients
- Maintain order in a small, moving kitchen galley
- Work under pressure – especially in rough sea
Register with a Maritime Recruitment Specialist
Once you’ve completed the basics, connect with a recruitment agency like Manaaki Marine. We work directly with operators needing cooks and catering crew – especially those who understand life at sea.
Stay Current
Maritime regulations change, and so do operator expectations. Keep your:
- Certifications up to date
- Medical fitness valid
- First aid current
- STCW / Ship’s Cook credentials recognised by MNZ
STCW Safety Training
Looking to kickstart or refresh your maritime career? Training 4 Safety in Whangārei, New Zealand offers all the essential STCW Basic Safety Training you need to succeed at sea—including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Firefighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. They also deliver Advanced Firefighting for those progressing to higher certification.
Book directly with Training 4 Safety and mention Manaaki Marine at registration to receive a 5% discount on your course fees.
