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Freelance Cargo Ship Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Cargo Ship Cook information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do freelance cargo ship cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance cargo ship cook in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance cargo ship cook do?

A Freelance Cargo Ship Cook is responsible for preparing meals for the crew and, occasionally, passengers on a cargo ship. They plan menus, order and manage food supplies, and ensure that meals are nutritious and meet any dietary requirements. As freelancers, they are typically hired on a contract basis for specific voyages or periods. The cook also ensures that the galley (ship's kitchen) is kept clean and adheres to health and safety regulations while at sea.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance cargo ship cook?

To thrive as a Freelance Cargo Ship Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a maritime cook certification such as the Ship's Cook Certificate. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with maritime food safety regulations is essential. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial for managing meal planning and catering to an international crew in a confined environment. These skills ensure nutritious, safe meals and contribute to crew well-being and operational efficiency during long voyages.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance cargo ship cooks, and how can they be managed?

Freelance cargo ship cooks often face challenges such as limited access to fresh ingredients, adapting menus to diverse crew preferences, and working in confined galley spaces. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, creativity with meal planning, and the ability to work independently for long periods at sea. Building good communication with crew members helps cater to dietary needs, while advance provisioning and efficient storage ensure meals remain nutritious and varied throughout the voyage.

What is the difference between Freelance Cargo Ship Cook vs Cargo Ship Steward?

AspectFreelance Cargo Ship CookCargo Ship Steward
CredentialsCooking certifications, maritime safety trainingHospitality or maritime safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard cargo ships, kitchensOnboard ships, passenger or crew areas
Employer & Industry UsageHired by ship owners or agencies for specific voyagesEmployed by shipping companies, handling crew or passenger services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Freelance Cargo Ship Cook specializes in preparing meals onboard cargo ships, often hired on a contractual basis, while a Cargo Ship Steward handles hospitality and crew services, often as a full-time employee. Both roles require maritime safety knowledge and relevant certifications, but their primary responsibilities differ—cooking versus crew support and passenger services.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship Cook jobs?

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What states have the most Freelance Cargo Ship Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Cargo Ship Cook jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Cargo Ship Cook jobs are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Cargo Ship Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Steer, navigate, maneuver, and operate tug and barges in a safe and efficient manner.

  • Monitor deck operations, including loading and unloading of equipment, goods, and cargo, and manage shipboard documents.

  • Manage, train, assess, and discipline the vessel's crew, and perform safety drills and emergency handling.


Job description

Company Description: John W. Stone Oil Distributor, LLC is the local leader in dockside, mid-streaming, and offshore fueling along the Mississippi River, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Venice, Louisiana, and into the Gulf of Mexico.

Position: Captain.

Worksite: Inland Tug and Barges.

Work Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off.

Home Port: Located in Gretna, Louisiana.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma (or Equivalent).
  • Reliable Transportation to and from Work.
  • Basic Computer Skills.
  • Valid Driver's License.
  • Acceptable Driving Record.
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Valid United States Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
  • Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Master of Towing Upon Great Lakes, Inland Waters and Western Rivers.
  • At Least Five Years of Work Experience as a Master of Towing on a Vessel of No Less than 200 Gross Tons.

Essential Job Duties:

  • Steer, navigate, maneuver, and operate tug and barges, together their appurtenances, in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Set courses and determine voyage plans.
  • Monitor deck operations, including the loading and unloading of equipment, goods, and cargo.
  • Complete, manage, and maintain shipboard documents, including vessel logs, voyage plans, daily checklists, JSAs, incident reports, and the like.
  • Ensure that the vessel is fully stocked with all necessary equipment, supplies, stores, and the like.
  • Create and submit requisitions for equipment, supplies, stores, and the like.
  • Record and report daily inventories of product and stores.
  • Manage, train, direct, assess, evaluate, and discipline the vessel's crew, including Deckhands, Tankerman, Appreciate Mates, and the like.
  • Perform basic first aid as needed.
  • Monitor and ensure the vessel's seaworthiness.
  • Use a computer and various computer programs.
  • Order groceries.
  • Drive crew changes vans.
  • Complete and submit various forms of paperwork.
  • Work, communicate, and interface with crewmembers, customers, office personnel, contractors, inspectors, auditors, government agencies, and other entities and people, some of which may speak a foreign language.
  • Perform drills.
  • Handle emergencies.
  • Conduct Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
  • Undertake action to ensure the overall safety and protection of people, property, and the environment.
  • Report incidents, including illnesses, injuries, property damage, and pollution.
  • Inspect the tug and barges, their appurtenances, and other equipment.
  • Ensure that the tug and barges, their appurtenances, and all other equipment is maintained in every way.
  • Ensure that the tug and barges, their appurtenances, and all other equipment is kept in good working order and condition.
  • Ensure that sanitary living and working conditions are maintained.
  • Communicate via a VHF radio.
  • Cook and prepare meals.
  • Troubleshoot problems.
  • Live and work in close quarters onboard a vessel in harsh weather conditions for weeks at a time.
  • Adhere to, comply with, and enforce company policies and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including United States Coast Guard Regulations, the company's Safety Management System (SMS), and the vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI).

Physical Requirements: All offers of employment are conditioned on passing a drug screen (a DOT test, and a non-DOT hair test) and a fit-for-duty physical examination.

John W. Stone Oil Distributor, LLC is an EOE, including disability/vets.