Cruise Culinary Services Programme

What will I learn?

Embark on a transformative culinary journey with our accredited programme. The Higher Certificate in Culinary Skills is your first step into the dynamic world of professional cooking. This programme ignites a passion for food and creativity, blending essential culinary theory with intensive, hands-on kitchen experience.
Students will master the art of food preparation, explore modern and classical cooking techniques and gain insight into the rhythm and discipline of a professional kitchen. Beyond cooking, learners develop an understanding of kitchen management, menu planning, food and beverage pairing, and the visual artistry of food presentation.

By the end of the programme, graduates are equipped with the confidence, creativity and technical expertise to thrive in restaurants, hotels and other culinary environments — ready to turn their passion for food into a rewarding career.

Programme content includes:

• Nutrition and Menu Planning – Principles of nutrition, menu design, costing, recipe scaling and special diets.
• Cooking Methods and Techniques – Knife skills, stocks, soups, sauces, flavour profiling and kitchen safety.
• Culinary Skills & Food Styling – Prepare cold foods, breakfast dishes, salads, vegetables, grains, meats, poultry, seafood and plated meals with creative presentation.
• Baking and Pastry Skills – Learn to bake breads, cakes, cookies, pies, tarts and desserts, with a focus on attractive presentation.
• Wine and Beverage Service – Explore wines, cocktails, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages, with correct service techniques and legal compliance.
• Food Service Management – Understand kitchen management, food safety, stock control, teamwork and financial basics.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – Gain real-world experience in a professional kitchen through a structured workplace placement.
• The operational environment of cruise liners and how it differs from land-based hospitality operations.
• Culinary trends and innovations within the cruise industry.
• Maintaining food safety and health on a ship.
• Procurement, cost control and logistics of storing and managing supplies on a ship.
• Service styles across multiple buffet venues and events.
• Guest satisfaction and specific dietary requirements.
• Acknowledge and work with multicultural teams onboard.
• Food sustainability.

What qualification will I gain?

Upon successful completion graduates will receive:

• Higher Certificate in Culinary Skills (SAQA ID No: 124974, NQF Level 5)
• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Safety Courses:
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/1-2)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-VI/1-4)
• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
• Passenger Ship Crowd Management (STCW A-V/2, para 1 & 2)
• Designated Security Duties (STCW A-Vl/6-2)

*Gauteng Students to Note:

• Students will be required to travel to Durban for a week do the practical Seafarers safety courses of the programme (travel, food and accommodation cost not included in the programme).
• Seafarers specific Safety Courses: Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques and First Aid.
• Maritime Partners are regulated by an accrediting body and training is to take place at a registered site of delivery.