Tom Van Zeller's profile picture
Yachtee crew profile

Tom Van Zeller

@TvZ

Michelin Trained Chef with Yachting Experience

Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom
Available in < 1 week
Job Preferences
Head Chef

About

I am a Michelin trained chef with six years of experience in the yachting industry. I have a kind and friendly demeanor, a professional attitude, and excellent communication skills. I am dedicated to delivering a wide range of world cuisines to a high and consistent standard.

Personal Details

GenderMale
ResidenceUnited Kingdom

Career Objective

I am looking for a long-term position as a head chef on a private or charter motor vessel, where I can utilize my culinary skills and experience to create exceptional dining experiences.

Passports

United Kingdom

Visas

B1/B2

Hobbies & Interests

I enjoy traveling and exploring different cuisines, which has greatly influenced my cooking style.

Experience

Temp Head Chef

Jul 2025 - Aug 2025
M/Y Stella Maris

Short notice, 24 day charter, Sardinia - Malta. Consistently produced a very broad repertoire of excellent, very fresh, beautifully presented food. Seasoned charterers who were extremely complimentary. Plated meals for parties up to 20 guests, Last minute changes, family style lunches & intimate dinners. Joined the vessel to find the galley in a very sorry state. Plenty of hard work carried out to return a sense of professionalism to the department. Kept a close eye on expenditure, maintenance & hygiene procedures.

Temp Head Chef

May 2025 - Jun 2025
M/Y 777

Last minute assignment for ultra demanding Boss trip in very remote areas around Madagascar. Primary Guest owns Michelin Starred restaurants, expectations for food standards was exceptionally high. Despite huge challenges, very limited resources & complex logistics, I was able to produce consistent creative solutions to maintain a high standard of excellence.

Head Chef

Mar 2024 - Apr 2025
M/Y C

Very busy, family orientated, private & back to back charters. Consistent high praise from all guests during Mediterranean & Caribbean/Bahamas seasons. Very high profile guests have rebooked for summer 2025. Managed several large galley projects; New ovens, hobs, countertops. All equipment. Implementation of hygiene procedures & protocols. Second place MYBA Genoa Yacht Show chef competition 2024. Vessel due 5 year survey winter 2025 (7 months Barcelona).

Certifications & Qualifications

Other

STCW Basic Safety Training
ENG 1 Medical Fitness Certificate
Food Hygiene Level III
Ships Cook Certificate
Culinary Trained
Food Hygiene Level II
Food Hygiene
Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
NVQ 2 Food Prep & Cooking

Languages

EnglishNative

References

3 references

Full reference details available through an employer account