If you are working within the yacht catering industry, you will know that keeping on top of food safety and hygiene is a top priority. Not only is it essential to keep your guests and crew healthy, but it is also a legal requirement. This is why the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has strict regulations in place for food safety on board yachts.
Meeting these regulations consists of undertaking MCA-approved training for food safety and hygiene. Our job at Axtell Food Safety is to deliver training that certifies your yacht chefs and crew to the highest food safety standard. We will explain everything you need to know about the courses and how to book your training.

Our Glossary of Courses:
All of our qualifications are accredited by Highfield Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The following courses are recognised by MCA.
Course | Duration | What is Involved |
Level 2 Award in Food Safety (RQF) | 1 day | This is an introductory training course that provides yacht chefs and crew with industry-standard material, video content and interactive demos that allow your staff to provide an excellent standard of health. |
Level 2 Award in Food Safety Refresher (RQF) | Half day | Our refresher course provides pre-existing certificate holders with an expert food hygiene certificate renewal. |
Level 3 Award in Food Safety (RQF) | 3 day | Level 3 is suitable for food handlers who have the responsibility of supervising yacht food safety, especially sous chefs, head chefs, supervisors and managers. |
Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety (RQF) | 5 day | For further qualification, you can opt into our 5-day training course which is designed for students looking to deliver food hygiene training. |
Remote Food Safety Training
If you have an upcoming voyage and urgently require an MCA-approved training qualification, we can help. We can offer an on-demand service with a selection of dates and times. Our training is delivered live through an interactive Zoom session. Regardless of time zones, students can book courses at their convenience through our food safety online course dates.

What Topics Are Covered?
Our informative course will provide yacht chefs and crew with essential industry material and training which covers the following topics:
- Bacterial risks in microbiology
- Spoilage prevention and preservation methods
- Control of foodborne illness and prevention
- Dangers and steps to avoid contamination
- Personal hygiene for food handlers
- Food establishments and equipment standards
- Pest control in the food and culinary industry
- Effective cleaning and disinfection practices
- Enforcing food safety regulations and laws
Once the course has been completed, you will be able to implement your new skills to provide the highest standard of health and safety for your guests and crew alike. You will be accredited with a digital certificate known as the Certificate of Competency (CoC) that is mandatory to present; should you wish to handle food on an MCA-approved yacht or superyacht.
Unlike other food safety and hygiene courses, our MCA-recognised program is remotely invigilated and the course is listed in the latest MCA guidance.
Learn more about the recognised qualifications in food hygiene.
Book Your MCA-Approved Food Safety Course
Finding the right MCA-approved training provider can be a challenge. At Axtell Food Safety, we offer a selection of courses that can be delivered in-house, at your premises or remotely on a Zoom call for your employees.
Whether onsite or online, we can deliver an interactive training session that will be accredited through an online exam. Our remote courses can be accessed from anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Get in touch today or book your online course for a date and time that suits you.