As of the 7th August 2014 all chefs aboard commercial vessels who cook for 10 or more crew will be required to hold an official Ship’s Cook Certificate in addition to their Food Safety Certificate.

In addition to the Ship’s Cook Certificate, as of 7th August 2014 the Food Hygiene Certificate is also required to be held by all chefs aboard commercial vessels to which the MLC code applies. In order to comply with this regulation, Roger Towner confirmed that the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, course accreditation No: 500/5186/6 is an MCA accepted qualification.

More information about this certificate and a list of the nearest approved training centres in the UK can be found online here.

List of Ship’s Cook Certificate courses:

• IFS Belgium NV 
• South Tyneside College 

For more information on general seafarer rights see https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-working-and-living-rights