A New Specialized Training Program in Shipboard Cooking Available Soon in Quebec

Quebec City, October 13—The Comité sectoriel de main-d'oeuvre de l'industrie maritime (CSMOIM) is proud to announce the completion of a specialized training program in shipboard cooking. This innovative initiative aims to meet the sector's needs by supporting the development of skills specific to the shipboard cook profession.

Made possible through financial support from the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity (MESS) via the Fonds de développement et de reconnaissance des compétences de la main-d'oeuvre (FDRCMO) and the Impulsion-Compétences program of the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT), the training program is based on the needs expressed by the industry.

Resulting from close collaboration between the CSMOIM, culinary training experts from the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) and experienced ship's cooks, this 70-hour specialized training program will enable learners to acquire skills directly tailored to the realities of working at sea, combining theory with practice.

A Concrete Response to the Needs of the Maritime Sector

Currently, there are no specialized training programs in Quebec designed to adequatly prepare chefs for the specific demands of the maritime environment. While institutional culinary programs help develop solid culinary skills, they do not address the specific realities of working aboard ships.

In response to this concern, the training program is designed for head chefs and second cooks already employed on ships, as well as individuals with significant training or experience in institutional cooking who wish to transition their careers to the maritime sector.

Thus, given the shortage of qualified ship's cooks and impeding retirements, developing this training program was a priority for the sector. The program will help facilitate the transition of cooks from the land-based culinary sector to the maritime industry while enabling currently employed cooks to strengthen their skills.

''This training program represents a significant step forward that will benefit the entire maritime industry in Quebec. It will allow us to meet employers' needs, equip the workforce, and promote a profession that is essential to the well-being of crews.''—Manou Bernard, Executive Director, CSMOIM

''The ITHQ Center of Expertise is proud to make its know-how available to the maritime industry. In collaboration with experienced ship's cooks, our experts have applied their expertise to the unique realities of working at sea to design a customized training program anchored in the practical demands of the profession. This approach allows us to instill, within a very specific professional context, the same commitment to rigor, quality, and excellence that guides our teaching and our work with professional communities.''—Marie-Josée Denis, Director, ITHQ Center of Expertise

Training Tailored to the Unique Realities of Life at Sea

The training content was developed with the support of an advisory committee and experienced ship's cooks, and the selected areas of focus reflect the daily challenges encountered on board and include, in particular:

• Task and menu planning
• Budget management and inventory control
• Waste management and reducing food waste
• Compliance with hygiene and food safety standards
• Leadership and professional autonomy
• Adapting  meals to accommodate allergies, intolerances, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and religious beliefs

The training will also address several fundamental differences between working onshore and at sea, particularly in terms of autonomy, logistics, safety, nutrition, procurement, and management in isolated, mobile, and multicultural environments.

Significant Benefits for the Entire Industry

In addition to supporting workforce development, this project aims to increase crew satisfaction by improving the quality of onboard food services. It will also help boost the appeal of the maritime sector, foster workforce retention, support the competitiveness of maritime employers, and, above all, recognize and promote the expertise of ship's cooks and the professionalization of their trade.

The CSMOIM will release further details regarding the course content, participation modalities and registration over the coming months.

Stay tuned by visiting the CSMOIM training calendar!

*Developed in response to the needs expressed by the maritime industry, this specialized training program is designed to prepare participants for the operational, interpersonal, and organizational realities of working in a ship's galley. It will enable participants to acquire knowledge and skills tailored to the maritime environment and will facilitate their successful integration into ship crews. This specialized training program will serve as a supplement to maritime certification programs and will not lead to a cook's certificate issued by Transport Canada, which may be required depending on the type of vessel and the position held.