Galley Assistant – Cruise Kitchen Helper and Utility Staff
Blue Horizon Maritime
Available Locations:
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Job Description
Job Summary
Blue Horizon Maritime is seeking dependable, safety‑minded Galley Assistants to support our culinary operations at sea. You will ensure the galley (kitchen) is impeccably clean, well‑stocked, and compliant with food safety standards, while assisting chefs and cooks with basic food preparation, dishwashing, waste segregation, and equipment sanitation. This is an excellent entry‑level, shipboard role for candidates who want to build a long-term career in cruise hospitality or culinary services.
Key Responsibilities
- Sanitation & Hygiene
- Wash, sanitize, and store dishes, pots, pans, trays, and utensils according to company and HACCP standards.
- Deep-clean galley areas, work surfaces, decks, bulkheads, refrigerators, and equipment.
- Adhere to strict cleaning schedules, chemical handling procedures, and cross-contamination controls.
- Food Preparation Support
- Assist with basic prep (peeling, chopping, portioning, labeling) under chef supervision.
- Refill mise en place stations and buffet lines as directed.
- Properly receive, date, rotate, and store provisions (FIFO).
- Waste Management
- Segregate, compact, and dispose of food waste and recyclables in accordance with environmental policies (MARPOL) and company procedures.
- Stock & Inventory
- Transport food items and supplies between storage areas and galleys safely.
- Report low stock, damaged goods, or equipment faults promptly.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Follow shipboard safety policies, including PPE use and safe lifting.
- Participate in safety drills, emergency musters, and mandatory trainings.
- Maintain compliance with STCW, MLC 2006 rest-hour rules, and company SOPs.
- Teamwork & Service Excellence
- Collaborate with chefs, stewards, and utility teams to meet service timelines.
- Uphold brand standards to deliver a clean, efficient, guest-centric culinary operation.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong understanding (or willingness to learn) of HACCP/food safety and sanitation procedures.
- Ability to lift, push, and carry up to 25–30 kg, stand for extended periods, and work in warm, high‑pressure environments.
- Basic English communication skills (verbal and written); additional languages are a plus.
- High attention to detail, reliability, punctuality, and a positive service attitude.
- Valid passport with minimum 12 months’ validity.
Experience
- 0–2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen, hotel/restaurant stewarding, catering, or similar utility role preferred.
- Cruise or maritime experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
- Prior exposure to industrial dishwashing equipment and chemical handling is a plus.
Working Hours
- Shipboard roles typically operate on a rotational schedule (e.g., 8–10 hours per day, 7 days a week) with rest periods as per maritime regulations (e.g., minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period, in line with MLC 2006).
- Split shifts and peak-service coverage (breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night) are common.
- Contract lengths usually range 6–9 months onboard, followed by shore leave.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Food safety & hygiene: Basic HACCP principles, safe food handling, temperature controls.
- Cleaning & sanitation: Knowledge of approved chemicals, dilution ratios, MSDS.
- Operational discipline: Ability to follow SOPs, checklists, and cleaning schedules.
- Safety-first mindset: Understanding of PPE, safe lifting, and hazard reporting.
- Team collaboration: Works harmoniously in multicultural, high-volume environments.
- Time management: Prioritizes tasks to meet tight service deadlines.
Benefits
- Competitive, tax-free shipboard compensation (details shared during the selection process).
- Free accommodation and meals onboard.
- International travel and the opportunity to visit ports around the world.
- Medical insurance and shipboard medical care while on contract.
- Uniforms and laundry provided onboard.
- Structured training & clear career paths (e.g., progression to Commis/Cook, Demi Chef de Partie, or Galley Supervisor roles).
- Paid repatriation flights at contract completion as per company policy.
- Multicultural work environment and professional networking opportunities.
Why Join Blue Horizon Maritime
- Be part of a globally recognized cruise operations team committed to safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.
- Fast-track your culinary career with hands-on experience in high-volume, international kitchens.
- Gain international sea-time experience with industry-leading standards and mentorship.
- Work in a collaborative, diverse environment where hard work is noticed and rewarded.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application package:
- Updated CV/Resume highlighting kitchen/utility/cleaning experience.
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months).
- STCW Certificates (if available) & Seafarer’s Medical (e.g., ENG1 or equivalent). If you don’t have them yet, you may still apply—guidance will be provided.
- Police clearance / background check (or readiness to obtain).
- Vaccination records as per company/flag-state requirements.
- Submit your application:
- Send your CV and documents to the Blue Horizon Maritime recruitment team via the company’s careers portal or designated email (subject line: “Galley Assistant Application – [Your Name]”).
- Selection process:
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview and a basic hygiene & safety screening.
- Successful candidates will receive guidance on medical, visa (e.g., C1/D, where applicable), and documentation requirements before embarkation.