IFS Ship Cooks’ Training And Support Programs.

Are you usually intrigued by the culinary arts and would love to take that a notch higher by practicing in a marine vessel’s galley? Read on to learn how IFS conducts ship’s cook training.To become a shipcook requires learning a unique set of skills and competencies. That's why we’ve compiled this guide to let you in on a bit of ship cook training programs.

How do you become a ship’s cook?

To become a ship cook, you need to have attained at least 18 years of age and have a minimum of a month’s demonstrable experience serving at sea. In addition, you should pass an examination administered by a competent authority or an accredited training school. The IFS ship cook training adheres to the guidelines outlined by the Maritime Labour Organization (2006) and the International Labour Organization. The training is designed for all chefs and cooks going onboard. After training and upon successful assessment, trainees are awarded the ship cook’s certificate. The ship cook’s certificate is mandatory for all chefs operating on commercially registered vessels with ten or more crew members. To qualify for the ship’s cook certificate, one must complete the Basic Safety Courses of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). Ship cooks are required to complete the following standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping (STCW) courses:

• Personal Survival Techniques
• Elementary first aid
• Personal safety and social responsibility
• Fire prevention and fire fighting
• Security Awareness

Ship cooks should also have basic communication and calculation skills for maximum efficiency in the galley.

Types of Ship Cooks

As in any other field, ship cook jobs follow a specified chain of command. This ensures that there is optimal efficiency in the ship’s galley, especially where multiple people are working in the galley.The first in the galley hierarchy is the Chief Cook. The chief cook ensures that menus meet the highest standards, and he also delegates work to other ship cooks. The subsequent positions include those of the assistant chief cook, the first cook, and the second and third cooks. Some ships have a party chef, popularly known as the “Chef de Partie," whose role usually is to plan parties and buffet meals onboard the ship.Inexperienced cooks start by being trainee cooks or third cooks and work up the ranks.

Is there a difference in skills and training between merchant and offshore cooks?

Whether working on offshore or merchant vessels, ship cooks must acquire the necessary skills and training to assist in the day's operations. All food handlers must be trained and instructed on food handling and preparation.The number of ship cooks onboard the vessel, however, may vary depending on the number of crew, intended voyages, and adherence to rest-hours requirements.

 IFS ship’s cook training

IFS offers ship cook training in its training centers in Bataan, in the Philippines, and in Antwerp, Belgium.Aspiring ship cooks can sharpen their skills and earn their certifications at IFS's state-of-the-art training facilities.

The IFS Star-Award System

In recognition and appreciation of our Chief Cooks efforts, IFS rolled out the star award system.The number of stars a Chief Cook earns is dependent on the good appraisals that they secure and their years of experience.At the end of each year, the deserving Chief Cooks are awarded a star and an accompanying reward. To be eligible for the star award system, Chief Cooks must belong to the IFS Cooks Club and be working for an IFS-catered vessel. The training equips ship cooks with end-to-end competencies, enabling them to handle all galley operations, from sourcing supplies to food supply management. The ship cooks are trained to adequately cater to crew members with diverse food needs based on their cultural, religious, and dietary needs.IFS training focuses on several components that include practical cooking and serving, food storage, food and personal hygiene practices, stock control, and environmental protection. The cooks are also trained in cooking under unforeseen circumstances, such as rough weather, while onboard.Upon completion of training, trainees are assessed on their practical skills, written skills, and soft skills, after which they are awarded the chief cook certification if successful.The assessment is conducted in a controlled environment and ensures that cooks are thoroughly prepared for life onboard the vessel.

Post-Training Support For IFS Chief Cooks

Training is one component of the IFS program. IFS recognizes the importance of post-training support in evaluating and reinforcing the knowledge acquired.Following training, cooks receive assistance via HACCP forms, digital cookbooks, IFS app recipes, menu and order planning tools, and onboard best practices guidelines.