Esca Academy provides yacht chef training built for the realities onboard

ESCA prepares chefs for the operational realities of working at sea. This is not a generic cookery course. It is structured training built around how yachts actually function. 

Yachting is a professional environment where you live where you work, contribute to a team, and operate to high standards. Long hours, confined spaces and variable schedules are part of the role. Understanding this context is essential before stepping on board. 

We explain how the galley fits within the wider yacht structure, from deck to interior. So chefs understand hierarchy, accountability, and how their decisions impact the entire vessel. A yacht operates as a closed system; poor organisation or weak communication affects everyone. 

Training covers galley systems, provisioning discipline, structured menu planning, decision-making under constraint, and professional conduct. Chefs are prepared not just to cook well, but to operate reliably.

ESCA will prepare you and ensure you have all the necessary certifications to be ready to step on board. You'll have an online yacht ready portfolio, CV, visas and access to 24-hour support when you're on board. 

ESCA doesn't just place chefs, we make sure they have all the support they need whilst keeping in touch with both captain and chef to ensure a smooth transition 

Aligned with IAMI GUEST industry standards, our academy delivers training that reflects recognised operational expectations. Completion confirms exposure to those standards. Representation is conditional on demonstrated readiness.

Our core curriculum

Our training covers essential operational discipline: 

● Galley systems management 

● Structured provisioning

● Menu planning

● Refined plating & presentation

● CV, portfolio & visas

● Professional conduct and chain of command

● Looking after your crew and living on board

● Financial management

The goal is to ensure chefs are not only skilled at cooking but are also consistently reliable operational members of the crew.

  • Maritime culinary training

    The ESCA Academy offers highly specialised training, designed to prepare chefs for the unique operational environment of working on a yacht. This is not a standard cookery course, but structured training focused on yachting industry realities.

  • The yachting context

    Yacht work is a demanding profession that requires high standards, teamwork, and an understanding of the challenges inherent in living where you work. Trainees must be prepared for long hours, confined spaces, and unpredictable schedules.

  • Operational integration

    A core focus of the syllabus is understanding the galley's function within the complete vessel structure (Deck, Interior, and Galley). Chefs learn about hierarchy, accountability, and how their performance and decisions affect the entire, system of the yacht.

Register your interest in yacht chef training

If you’d like to be notified when the next programme opens, register your interest below and we’ll contact you with course details, dates, and availability.