All roles/Galley/Galley Steward
Galley
Galley Steward
The Galley Steward keeps a large yacht's galley clean, stocked and running, handling the washing up, basic prep and hygiene so the chefs can cook for guests and crew without stopping.
- Department
- Galley
- Reports to
- Head Chef
- Yacht size
- 70m+
- Contract
- Seasonal or permanent
- Starting pay
- €2,500 per month
What the job is
A Galley Steward works in the galley of a large yacht, usually 70m and above, where the brigade is big enough to need a dedicated support role. You wash pots, pans and guest china, scrub down stations, empty bins and keep the galley to the hygiene standard the flag state and the Head Chef expect. It is physical work done in a small, hot space, often for long hours during charter.
Beyond cleaning, you are an extra pair of hands for the chefs. You peel, chop and portion, check in provisions, rotate stock in the walk-in fridge and dry stores, and label everything with dates. On some yachts you help set up the crew mess at meal times and keep it tidy. Good Galley Stewards learn the chefs' habits and have the right tray or pan ready before anyone asks.
The role is a common way into yacht cooking for people with some kitchen experience but no yachting history, and a route on board for crew who want to move from interior to galley. Chefs notice who works cleanly and pays attention. Many Galley Stewards move up to Commis Chef within a season or two, especially if they pick up prep skills and complete further food safety training.
What makes a good one
- Strict food hygiene habits
- Basic knife and prep skills
- Stamina for long, hot shifts
- Organised stock rotation
- Calm under service pressure
A day in the life
- 06:30Start in the galley, unload the overnight dishwasher run and wipe down all surfaces before the chefs arrive. Set up the crew breakfast in the mess.
- 07:30Wash breakfast pans as the Sous Chef cooks guest breakfast. Keep the pass clear and send clean plates back to the line.
- 09:30Check in a provisioning delivery on the dock with the Head Chef. Weigh, date and store fish, produce and dairy, rotating older stock to the front.
- 11:00Prep for lunch: wash salad leaves, peel vegetables and portion fruit for the guest deck. Clean the walk-in shelves while it is quiet.
- 13:00Lunch service for twelve guests and the crew. Run the dishwasher constantly, hand wash delicate glass and crystal, and keep floors dry.
- 15:00Deep clean the extraction filters and degrease the ovens. Fill in the cleaning and fridge temperature logs.
- 16:30Break and a short rest in your cabin before evening service.
- 18:00Set up for a seven course dinner. Prepare garnishes the Chef de Partie asks for and stack warmed plates ready for each course.
- 21:30Wash up after dinner, clean every station, take rubbish and recycling to the bin store and leave the galley ready for the morning.
Pay by country
Monthly salary, paid in EUR or USD on most yachts, for 70m+ yachts in 2026. Food and accommodation included. Charter tips are shared with the whole crew and can add a full month's pay or more over a busy season.
- France and Monaco
- €2,500 – 3,200
- Spain
- €2,500 – 3,200
- Italy
- €2,500 – 3,200
- United Kingdom
- £2,100 – 2,700
- USA (Florida)
- US$2,700 – 3,500
- Caribbean
- US$2,700 – 3,500
- UAE
- AED 9,900 – 12,800
- Australia
- A$4,200 – 5,400
- New Zealand
- NZ$4,600 – 5,900
Required
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG1 medical
- Food Safety Level 2
- PDSD
Recommended
- Food Safety Level 3
- Ship's Cook Certificate (MCA)
- NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery
- Medical First Aid
- Previous restaurant or hotel kitchen experience
Visas
- Schengen
- US B1/B2
- C1/D
- Australian MCV
Where it leads
Galley Steward jobs open now
Questions crew ask
Do I need to be a trained chef to be a Galley Steward?
No. Most yachts want some kitchen or hospitality experience and good hygiene habits, but formal culinary training is a bonus rather than a requirement.
Is it just washing up?
Washing up and cleaning are the core of the job, but you also prep, store provisions and support the chefs during service. The more reliable you are, the more cooking you will be trusted with.
How quickly can I move up to Commis Chef?
Often within one or two seasons if you show good prep skills and work cleanly. Some yachts promote from within, others expect you to apply for a Commis role on a different boat.