Catering in Maritime in New Zealand

Chefs, Cooks, and Caterers at Sea

Catering plays a vital role in the health, wellbeing, and morale of crew onboard. Whether you’re whipping up meals on a small workboat or managing a full galley on a foreign-going vessel, New Zealand’s maritime sector offers rewarding roles for culinary professionals keen to take their skills to sea. 

This page outlines the requirements for working in catering roles onboard New Zealand-flagged vessels—both domestic and foreign-going, including those where the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) applies. 

What Roles Exist in Maritime Catering?

Depending on the size and type of vessel, catering roles at sea might include: 

Working on Domestic Vessels

If you’re working on a domestic commercial vessel, the requirements are more flexible compared to international ships, but you still need to meet key standards for health and safety, food hygiene, and medical fitness. 

Requirements may include: 

Many smaller vessels won’t require formal qualifications – but experience in commercial kitchens or hospitality, a good attitude, and safety awareness go a long way. 

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: 

Key points: 

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: 

Ship’s Cook Letter of Confirmation, apply directly with MNZ.

Join our community of maritime professionals

Tips for Success

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 

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. 

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.

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.

Medical Certificates for Seafarers

  • 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. 

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.  

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 

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. 

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. 

Get Qualified. Get Confident. Get Onboard