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Entry Level Vessel Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Peace, Inc

PROCESSOR

Seattle, WA · On-site

We are looking for entry level and experienced crew members to work on board our vessels. This ... PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION All employees must be able to: -Board and exit the vessel by ...

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Entry Level Vessel Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do entry level vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level vessel cook in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a ship cook make?

An entry-level vessel cook typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on the vessel type, location, and experience. Compensation often includes room and board, with additional pay for overtime and certifications such as STCW. Salaries can increase with experience and additional responsibilities onboard.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level vessel cooks on large ships or offshore platforms can earn around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and certifications like STCW. These roles often require maritime training, safety certifications, and working in demanding environments, but they do not typically require a college degree. High-paying maritime jobs depend on experience, certifications, and the type of vessel or platform.

What are entry level vessel cooks?

Entry level vessel cooks are individuals responsible for preparing and serving meals on ships, boats, or other marine vessels. They typically assist more experienced cooks or chefs in meal preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met at sea. Their duties may include chopping ingredients, cooking basic dishes, and cleaning up after meals. Entry level vessel cooks play a vital role in supporting the crew's well-being during voyages. This position often requires adaptability, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in a confined, moving environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Entry Level Vessel Cook, and how do they contribute to the overall operations onboard?

As an Entry Level Vessel Cook, your daily tasks usually include preparing meals for crew members, maintaining cleanliness in the galley, and assisting with inventory management. You’ll often follow menus planned by the head cook or steward and ensure that food is stored and prepared safely, even in challenging sea conditions. This role is essential for maintaining crew morale and energy, as well-nourished team members are crucial for smooth vessel operations. You'll work closely with other cooks, stewards, and sometimes deckhands, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Can you get a job on a ship with no experience?

Entry level vessel cook positions often require some basic culinary skills and the ability to work in a maritime environment, but prior experience is not always mandatory. Employers may provide on-the-job training and may require certifications such as STCW safety training. Starting in entry-level roles can lead to gaining experience and advancing in maritime careers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Vessel Cook vs Entry Level Steward?

AspectEntry Level Vessel CookEntry Level Steward
CertificationsFood Handler's Permit, Basic Safety TrainingFood Handler's Permit, Basic Safety Training
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, kitchens at seaOnboard ships, crew accommodations
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, maintaining kitchen cleanlinessCleaning, assisting in food service, maintaining crew areas
Industry UsageMaritime, cruise lines, cargo shipsMaritime, cruise lines, cargo ships

Both roles are entry-level positions onboard ships, requiring similar certifications and working in maritime environments. The Vessel Cook focuses primarily on meal preparation and kitchen management, while the Steward handles cleaning, assisting with food service, and maintaining crew accommodations. These positions are essential for supporting crew welfare and are commonly searched together by those interested in maritime hospitality careers.

How do I become a cook with no experience?

To become an entry-level vessel cook with no experience, focus on gaining basic cooking skills through home cooking or culinary classes, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety training. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so demonstrating a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic can help you start in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Vessel Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Vessel Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and, in some cases, a food handler’s certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective time management help ensure smooth operations in the often confined and fast-paced environment of a vessel kitchen. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining meal quality, meeting dietary needs, and supporting the crew's well-being during voyages.
More about Entry Level Vessel Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Vessel Cook jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Vessel Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Cook jobs? The most popular types of Vessel Cook jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Vessel Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Vessel Cook jobs are:
Entry Level Vessel Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Vessel Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
PT Ship Cook - Marine Technology

PT Ship Cook - Marine Technology

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC • On-site

$18.55/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $18.55 Hourly
Location : Wilmington - Downtown Campus, NC
Job Type: Part Time Staff
Job Number: 21-00310
Division: Career & Technical Education
Department: Marine Technology
Opening Date: 03/15/2022
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
DEFINITION
Work under the Captain's supervision on CFCC ship training voyages preparing and serving meals. Maintain food and cleaning supplies and keeping up with pantry supplies.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
  • Receives general supervision from the Captain
  • Exercises no supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Prepare three meals each day ship is underway.
  • Keep the galley and pantry area in a clean and orderly manner.
  • Buy or order food within budget constraints.
  • On occasion prepare meals for someone with special dietary needs, vegetarian, etc.

Other Important Functions:
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
  • Safe food handling and galley hygiene practices.
  • Understanding of shipboard sanitation practices.
  • Be able to recognize problems with galley equipment.
  • Perform stock control.
  • Be able to have meals prepared on time. If necessary due to ship the ship's schedule have meals earlier or later than posted times. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Basic mathematical skills.
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Ability To:
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Understand and follow written instructions.
  • Prepare meals in a shipboard environment.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
  • Interpret and apply CFCC goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
  • Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
    1. Making observations
    2. Reading and writing
    3. Communicating with others
    4. Operating assigned equipment
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
    1. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
    2. Operating assigned equipment
    3. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
    4. Working under harsh weather conditions
    5. Loading ships stores
  • Maintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:
    1. Making sound decisions
    2. Responding to questions
    3. Demonstrating intellectual capabilities

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Minimum Education/Training:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Transportation Worker Identification Card
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a U.S. Passport
  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification

Minimum Experience:
  • Work in a commercial kitchen preparing meals.
  • Comfortable being on the water in various sea states

Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills:
  • Associate degree or training in Culinary Arts.
  • At least 100 days of sea time, preferably working or serving in the stewards department on an oceanographic research vessel or some other ocean going vessel.
  • Have or ability to obtain U.S. Merchant Mariner's Document for entry level positions.
  • STCW certification.

Supplemental Information
Special Instructions to Applicants:
  • Upload copy of ServSafe Certification to application
  • This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.
  • Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If highest level of education is High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.
  • Candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
  • To claim veterans' preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to Human Resources during the application process. Human Resources will verify eligibility.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Cape Fear Community College, its faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees are fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities. The College does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees in any programs and activities provided on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender (including gender identity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), disability, religion, age, genetic information, veteran status or any other protected status as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and any other applicable statutes and CFCC policies.

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