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

As of Jun 5, 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.

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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Intermediate & Experienced Inland Deckhand

Intermediate & Experienced Inland Deckhand

Kirby Corporation

Channelview, TX • On-site

$228/day

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Deckhand participates in the general maintenance of an inland pushboat and barges, works with lines and hard rigging and observes the transfer of products on the barges.

This positions is for those with a minimum of 6 months experience working on an inland pushboat.  Those with limited or no experience should apply for the Entry Level Inland Deckhand position.

Responsibilities

SAFETY

  • Inland Deckhands are responsible for supporting the vessel master in the safe and efficient operation of Kirby's boats and barges.
  • Kirby employees are responsible for the adherence to safety rules, and safety instructions from Managers and Supervisors as a requirement for employment with Kirby.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Attach and remove line and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks
  • Handle lines 4 to 8 times during loading and discharging in order to adjust for the changing height of the barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel
  • Maintain vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, washing the vessel, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting
  • Make minor repairs using tools such as hammers, fire axes and ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing clothes)
Qualifications

EXPERIENCE

  • Basic computer skills knowledge required.
  • 12 months of consecutive work experience preferred.
  • 6 months minimum experience on an inland pushboat required

EDUCATION

  • High School or GED required

WORK CONDITIONS

  • Must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family.
  • Work schedule and hours determined by boat.  Typical work schedule is  a 2 for 1 schedule up to 30 days, with a 12 hour work shift including holidays.
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold.
  • Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
  • Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.

COMPENSATION

  • $228+/DAY, PLUS BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION/401K, ETC.)

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid TWIC card must be in hand prior to applying. Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
  • Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
  • Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements
  • Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
  • Valid state issued birth certificate required.
  • Valid social security card required
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
  • Must be able to meet standards of Criteria Skill Assessment (online)
  • Must be able to read and write English
  • Ability to understand written and verbal orders
  • Must not be color blind

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Walk - Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
  • Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
  • Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
  • Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet, and carry weight while climbing
  • Grip/Hold/Pull - Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs
  • Lift - Must be able to lift 75lbs.
  • Lift & Carry - Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs for approximately 350 feet
  • Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners credential. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
  • Hearing - Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
  • Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
  • Smell - Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
  • Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 75%
  • General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
  • Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear, personal flotation device, rubber gloves and boots. 
  • Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment
Employment Type: OTHER

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