A background in service
Business ownership and directorship at Ambercap, 1996–2008, followed by international client relationships, 2013–2025. These roles inform my approach to organisation, communication and attentive service.
Food portfolio
CANAPÉS
THE PERSON BEHIND THE PLATE
Meet the Chef
Talya Berkow
Thoughtful food. Elegant presentation. A personal approach.
I’m Talya, based in Cape Town, South Africa. My cooking brings together Mediterranean warmth, Asian flavours and South African influences, with attention to both the plate and the people around the table.
I want each menu to feel considered: a satisfying breakfast, a fresh lunch, and a dinner that makes the evening memorable. My portfolio presents my own dishes and food photography.
Explore a sample week →
Maritime preparation
STCW courses completed, alongside Highfield Level 2 Food Safety for Catering, radio-course training, and SAMSA and ENG 1 medical certificates. Ship’s Cook Certificate pending; the course begins 1 November 2026.
Qualifications & documents →Menus with a personal touch
My interests include Asian fusion, Mediterranean, Spanish, Japanese and South African cooking. Menus are discussed around guest preferences and the practical arrangements of each opportunity.
FOR CAPTAINS & RECRUITERS
Qualifications & Documents
Completed training, food safety qualifications and seafarer medical certificates.
Select a qualification to view its certificate. Public copies hide private details; originals are available on request.
STCW training
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
STCW A-VI/1-2 · Issued 8 July 2026. Valid until 7 July 2031.
View certificate →Personal Survival Techniques
STCW A-VI/1-1 · Issued 10 July 2026. Valid until 9 July 2031.
View certificate →Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
STCW A-VI/1-4 · Issued 5 July 2026.
View certificate →Elementary First Aid
STCW A-VI/1-3 · Issued 2 July 2026.
View certificate →Designated Security Duties
STCW A-VI/6-2 · Issued 30 June 2026.
View certificate →Food safety & additional training
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF)
Awarded 8 August 2026.
View certificate →Radio Operator - Short Range Certificate
Course completion, 23 August 2026.
View certificate →Seafarer medical certificates
Seafarer Medical Certificate
SAMSA certificate. Valid until 8 June 2028.
View certificate →Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG 1)
MCA certificate. Valid until 8 June 2028.
View certificate →Ship’s Cook Certificate
Course begins 1 November 2026. The certificate has not yet been obtained.
CV & supporting documents
Please contact Talya for her CV and original certificates.
Request documents →LET’S TALK
Contact
For private yacht chef opportunities and recruitment enquiries.
Your next conversation
Please include the role or opportunity, proposed dates, location and any guest dietary requirements in your enquiry.
Email Talya →View qualification status →