SPS Maritime Ltd

SPS Maritime Ltd provides ship management and crew management services for Schmidt Ocean Institute’s 110 m oceanographic research vessel Falkor (too). Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) is a U.S. non-profit private operating foundation established in 2009 to advance oceanographic research. SOI
brings together advanced science and state-of-the-art technology to achieve lasting results in ocean research, to catalyze open sharing of the information, and to communicate the resulting knowledge to audiences around the world.

SOI is devoted to the inspirational vision of the Founders that the advancement of technology and open sharing of information will remain crucial to expanding the understanding of the world’s ocean. SPS Maritime Ltd and SOI are equal opportunity organizations and they strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and therefore SOI aims to use their resources to generate greater impact through their work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

R/V FALKOR (too) – Hiring Job Description – Chef

Tendering:
Start date for tendering position: 08 May 2025
End date for tendering position: 22 May 2025
During the tendering time frame we will collect CVs.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be held in the week after the tendering end date.
Start date of employment: 9th July 2025

What we offer:

  • Position: Chef
  • Permanent
  • Work Place: Research Vessel Falkor (too) – www.schmidtocean.org .
  • Rotation: approximately 2 months on/off (dependent on vessel schedule).
  • Paid leave: 1 days paid leave accrued per 1 day worked.
  • Medical Insurance: Yes
  • Flights: Economy flight from home airport to vessel and return paid by Company.
  • Accommodation: You will be assigned a cabin with an en suite bathroom. This cabin may have double occupancy.
  • Contract: Seafarers Employment Agreement as per Maritime Labor Convention.
  • Employment Company: SPS Maritime Ltd – a Cayman Islands company.
  • Vessel Flag: Cayman Islands
  • Probation period: 3 months.
  • Training: The Company provides training based on position, vessel requirements and other factors.
  • Interesting deep sea ocean science work on a 110 m length research vessel (worldwide operations).
  • A high quality of life on board with a wide variety of food and recreational facilities.
  • Ever-changing challenges in varying scientific cruises with international teams of scientists.
  • Working with an international and enthusiastic crew who have a good team spirit and positive “can do” attitude.

Job Description:

  • Reports to the Head Chef and Purser.
  • As part of a galley team within the Interior Department, catering for up to 70 crewmembers and scientists, on science cruises that remain at sea for up to 40 days.
  • Meals are served in one common mess room. (All of the crew and scientists eat together buffet style).
  • Prepare meals for occasional BBQs and VIP events.
  • Provide a well balanced menu and ensure all dietary requirements / requests are met.
  • Assist the Head Chef with provisioning of the vessel.
  • Clean cooking utensils and crockery, galley spaces and storerooms.
  • Plan menus and place orders together with the head chef.
  • Expected to work within a given budget and be accountable for all purchases and efficient, non wasteful use of provisions (budget is controlled by the Purser).
  • Maintain the highest standard of personal hygiene throughout the galley, scullery and storerooms.
  • Prepare all meals, including carrying to and from the servery and ensuring presentation is to a high standard.
  • Serve meals and clean dishes.
  • Ensure proper care, control and use of dry and refrigerated stores.
  • Maintain the company’s high food safety standards.
  • Ensure garbage separation (recycling) and removal of garbage from the galley and provision stores.
  • Able to work in extreme environments (rough weather conditions expected).

What we look for:

  • Enthusiastic, safety conscious team worker who shares the team spirit on board.
  • Ability to conduct tasks independently and to a high professional standard.
  • Positive attitude towards other crewmembers, scientists and guests (it is extremely important that the candidate will fit in with the crew), and an overall appreciation and support of the objectives of other shipboard departments.
  • Ability to work extended hours and remain flexible, within MLC requirements, while at sea in remote locations on at-sea voyages of up to two months in duration.
  • Goes the “extra mile” to adapt to the special demands of a research vessel on every cruise.
  • Interest in oceanographic science and a positive attitude towards the marine environment.
  • Thinks outside the box; new ideas and initiatives which are realistic and viable are always welcome.

General Requirements for all crew:

  • Valid STCW95 Basic Safety Training
  • Valid Seafarers Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1 or equivalent recognised by Cayman Islands)
  • Seafarer Discharge Book
  • Passport
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
  • Good communication skills, including English language speaking and comprehension
  • Negative drug test result on first day of employment
  • Clean Criminal Record
  • Clean background check verified prior to employment

Specific requirements for this position:

  • Previous work experience on cruise ships, large yachts and offshore subsea construction/ diving / W2W vessels.
  • Ships’ Cook Certificate
  • Food Handler Permit

Experience Desired: (It is understood applicants may not have experience of the complete list.):

  •  A diverse cuisine background and cooking skills.
  • The ability to create both hardy and healthy dishes.
  • Baking experience and skills.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter expressing interest and a comprehensive resume / CV that clearly illustrates why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Submit to jobsatsea@schmidtocean.org and falkorcrewing@schmidtocean.org