Starting your first international yacht chef contract is an exciting milestone—and preparation is key to your success. While luxury yachts offer world-class kitchens and stunning destinations, life onboard means working in tight quarters, with limited space and long days at sea.
Packing the right gear can make the difference between thriving and scrambling once you’re aboard. Here’s what every yacht chef should bring for their first contract.
First International Yacht Chef Contract: Know Before You Go
First International Yacht Chef Contract: Clarify the Basics First
Before packing, confirm with your recruiter or captain:
- Will uniforms be provided?
- Is bedding and laundry service available onboard?
- Are toiletries or crew amenities supplied?
- What electrical outlets are used (EU/US/UK)?
Working with an experienced recruiter like The Chef Agency will help you get these questions answered early.
Essentials for Every Yacht Chef
First International Yacht Chef Contract: Travel-Ready Culinary Tools
Pack only what you truly need and use regularly:
- Your favorite chef’s knife (with protective case)
- Small knife roll with paring knife, fish spatula, peeler, tweezers
- Handheld microplane or grater
- Digital thermometer
- Small kitchen notebook and pen
Tip: Many yachts are fully equipped—bring only personal tools that improve your efficiency.
Uniforms and Professional Attire
Bring:
- Two to three chef’s jackets (if not provided)
- Black or dark kitchen pants
- Non-slip chef shoes
- Shorts, polos, or crew T-shirts for casual galley service
Keep uniforms crisp and neutral—yacht culture values a clean, understated look.
Galley Survival Items
Consider packing:
- A durable water bottle
- Headlamp (for night provisioning or late-night galley work)
- Reusable coffee cup
- High-quality apron
- Mini first-aid kit (blister plasters, personal medications)
Life onboard means long days—you’ll appreciate these creature comforts.
Clothing and Personal Items
First International Yacht Chef Contract: Think Minimal and Functional
Space is limited in crew cabins. Pack:
- Lightweight casual clothing
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable shoes for ports and downtime
- Minimal toiletries (refillable bottles are ideal)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Layer for All Climates
Even in warm cruising areas, nights at sea can be chilly:
- Fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof layer
- Versatile activewear
Tip: On many yachts, crew rarely wear loud logos—choose neutral, simple styles.
First International Yacht Chef Contract: Electronics and Communication
Stay Connected
Pack:
- International power adapter
- Smartphone with unlocked international roaming
- Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones (cabins can be noisy)
- Small external hard drive or cloud access for recipes and notes
Confirm with the yacht whether WiFi is available and what’s allowed.
Final Touches
Documents and Admin
Don’t forget:
- Valid passport with extra pages
- STCW certification
- Medical fitness certificate
- Vaccination records
- Visas as required for cruising areas
Make copies or scan these—if you lose your originals, backups can be a lifesaver.
Personal Mementos
Photos or small keepsakes help make your cabin feel more like home—just be selective. Space is at a premium.
Final Thoughts
Your first international yacht chef contract is the start of an incredible culinary adventure. Pack light, pack smart, and arrive prepared to deliver the five-star experience your clients expect.
For access to exclusive yacht chef placements—and expert guidance on what to expect—work with a specialist like The Chef Agency, trusted by UHNW clients and yacht captains worldwide.