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Maritime Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vessel Chef

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$300 - $425/day

At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational ... The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the ...

Sous Chef

New York, NY ยท On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

Sous Chef Department: Galley Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: Global Reporting To ... Candidates who hold this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

Sous Chef

New York, NY ยท On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

Sous Chefs control mise-en-place during preparation and frequent tastings, driving consistency ... Candidates who hold this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

ABOUT THE ROLE The Sous Chef works alongside the Head Chef to prepare every guest and crew meal on ... STCW Maritime Security Awareness (MSA) required. * USCG Medical Certificate required. * Current ...

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

LUMCON is expanding its programs through the opening of a maritime research and outreach facility in Houma (Blue Works). POSITION OVERVIEW: LUMCON is seeking a Chef for the RV Pelican. LUMCON vessels ...

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$190 - $200/day

ABOUT THE ROLE Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker - a true dual role. You'll work ... Maritime Security Awareness - required * STCW Basic Safety Training - preferred * Vessel Sanitation ...

ABOUT THE ROLE Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker - a true dual role. You'll work ... Maritime Security Awareness - required * STCW Basic Safety Training - preferred * Vessel Sanitation ...

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$190 - $200/day

ABOUT THE ROLE Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker -- a true dual role. You'll work ... Maritime Security Awareness -- required * STCW Basic Safety Training -- preferred * Vessel ...

Demi Chef de Partie

New York, NY ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Demi Chef de Partie Department: Galley Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: Global ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

Demi Chef de Partie

New York, NY ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Regularly seeks guidance from the Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in executing production according to ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

LUMCON is expanding its programs through the opening of a maritime research and outreach facility in Houma (Blue Works). POSITION OVERVIEW: LUMCON is seeking a Chef for the RV Pelican. LUMCON vessels ...

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Regularly seeks guidance from the Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in executing production according to ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

$18 - $22.75/hr

Regularly seeks guidance from the Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in executing production according to ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

$18.25 - $23/hr

Regularly seeks guidance from the Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in executing production according to ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Regularly seeks guidance from the Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in executing production according to ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Regularly seeks guidance from the Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in executing production according to ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

Chef De Partie

New York, NY ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.25/hr

Chef De Partie Department: Galley Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: Global Reporting ... Candidates holding this certification demonstrate compliance with international maritime standards ...

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Maritime Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do maritime chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for maritime chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Maritime Chef vs Marine Steward?

AspectMaritime ChefMarine Steward
CertificationsFood safety, HACCP, maritime cooking certificationsFood safety, HACCP, maritime safety certifications
Work EnvironmentShip kitchens, cruise ships, offshore vesselsShip dining areas, cruise ships, offshore platforms
Job FocusPreparing and managing shipboard mealsManaging dining services and guest experience

The Maritime Chef primarily focuses on preparing and managing meals aboard ships, requiring culinary skills and safety certifications. The Marine Steward, on the other hand, oversees dining services and guest satisfaction in maritime settings. While both roles work in ship environments and share safety certifications, the Maritime Chef emphasizes cooking and kitchen management, whereas the Marine Steward concentrates on service and guest experience.

What are some unique challenges maritime chefs face compared to land-based chefs?

Maritime Chefs often work in confined galley kitchens with limited storage and equipment, requiring creativity in meal planning and efficient use of ingredients. They must adapt to variable sea conditions, which can make cooking physically demanding during rough weather. Additionally, Maritime Chefs are responsible for catering to diverse crew preferences and dietary restrictions, sometimes for extended trips where resupplying is not possible. Teamwork with the crew and flexibility are essential, as menus may need to change based on available provisions and voyage length.

What is a maritime chef?

Maritime Chefs are professional cooks who prepare meals on ships, such as cargo vessels, cruise ships, oil rigs, and other marine vessels. They are responsible for planning menus, ordering supplies, cooking meals for the crew and passengers, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met at sea. Maritime Chefs often work in challenging conditions, adapting to limited resources and space, and must be versatile in preparing a variety of cuisines. Their role is essential for maintaining crew morale and health during long voyages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a maritime chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maritime Chef, you need formal culinary training, food safety certification, and experience in preparing diverse menus, often with limited resources at sea. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and maritime health regulations is crucial. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication help you manage meal planning and work within a multicultural crew. These skills ensure safe, nutritious meals and smooth operations, supporting morale and health on board.
More about Maritime Chef jobs
What states have the most Maritime Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Maritime Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Maritime Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Vessel Chef

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$300 - $425/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Location: Varies

Department:Marine Transportation

Reports to: Mark Kuehn, Food Services Director

Schedule: Full-time; minimum 40 hours per week and as needed for projects. Long hours, short notice travel, weekend duties. May involve travel to several locations and extended stays outside of home port.


Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.

THIS ROLE:

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the facility and off-shore during jobs as needed. He/she will be responsible for menu planning, ordering, and purchasing food and drink items to provide 3 meals per day for the crew while ensuring the highest standard of quality. In addition, the Chef will be responsible to maintain the inventory of snack items, plates, cups, and utensils and ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness and organization in the Galley on the vessel and off-shore. The Chef will provide oversight and guidance to all vessel cooks and boat crews by assisting with menu planning, shopping and safe sanitary practices.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Purchase all items required for meal preparation and serving
  • Use your experience and creativity to plan menus for Shoreside and offshore meals
  • Prepare and serve meals in a timely manner and according to the meal schedule
  • Ensure cleanliness of the meal preparation workspace and serving area
  • Manage the inventory of food, snacks and drinks to ensure adequate supply and minimize waste
  • Train vessel cooks and boat crew members in safe food handling, meal preparation and sanitary practices
  • Track and report expenditures to accounting using Excel
  • Washing dishes, cooking and serving utensils, and linens
  • Maintain conference room reservations on Outlook
  • Menu planning and meal preparation for crew and off-shore staff as needed

WHO YOU ARE:

  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential)
  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an TWIC
  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an AB (Able-bodied seaman) endorsement, limited or unlimited.
  • Possession of, or ability to acquire an STCW endorsement.
  • 5 years of experience as a cook in a commercial setting
  • 3 years of experience as a prep cook
  • Maritime or cruise industry experience preferred
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Culinary program certification preferred
  • SERV Safe food handler certification required
  • Valid Driver's License with clean driving record required
  • Ability to travel and live on board a vessel for extended periods of time

Mental Aptitudes Required:

  • Self-motivated team player with a strong work ethic
  • Must be able to get along with office staff and vessel crew members
  • Must be able to effectively communicate both written and verbally
  • Confidence to initiate correspondence with crewmembers and staff
  • Must always follow all Company and United States Coast guard rules and regulations
  • Must comply with all work rules, including those that pertain to safety and health

Physical Aptitudes Required:

  • Must meet "fit for duty" requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test)
  • The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces.
  • Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within the
  • Ability to stand and walk on nearly a constant basis; ability to work long hours each
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to work when exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels, and potentially hazardous equipment.

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including Medical (Dental, Vision, STD & AD&D/Life Insurance at no cost for employee's coverage) with additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.