Steward Department Courses

Galley Operations

This four-week course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department.

Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center UA Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA

Certified Chief Cook

This course consists of six two-week, stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook Course (FSM 203) is to provide steward department personnel with an understanding and knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and the preparation and service of soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood.

Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time

Advanced Galley Operations

This course consists of four one-week modules (totaling four weeks). The course provides students with a thorough grasp of the advanced baking knowledge and skills required of a member of the steward department.

Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center Certified Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time

Certified Chief Steward

The Certified Chief Steward course is a 12-week course for members of the steward department. The course is presented in eight modules. Each module is assessed independently of the others. Modules may be taken in one-week increments with breaks between. This course trains stewards to take charge of a production galley, plan and prepare meals, and supervise employees in galley operations for a period of not less than 28 days. On meeting the minimum requirements for Certified Chief Steward, culinary students will be competent to take charge of a production galley. The Certified Chief Steward course stresses the competencies related to the supervision of the galley, menu planning, requisitioning of supplies, inventory control, and sanitation.

PPrerequisites: Advanced Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time

The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the industry or the national interest. Seafarers should continue to consult each monthly edition of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date course schedule.

For additional information, contact the Paul Hall Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; telephone (301) 994-0010. Please note that students should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates.

In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computer courses will be self-study.