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Maritime Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vessel Cook

Harahan, LA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals. When you join ACBL... American Commercial Barge ...

Vessel Cook

Paducah, KY

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals. When you join ACBL... American Commercial Barge ...

Vessel Cook

Convent, LA

$15 - $18.75/hr

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals. When you join ACBL... American Commercial Barge ...

Vessel Cook

Cairo, IL

$14 - $17.50/hr

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals. When you join ACBL... American Commercial Barge ...

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN

$15.25 - $19/hr

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals. When you join ACBL... American Commercial Barge ...

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals. When you join ACBL... American Commercial Barge ...

Cook-Fisher (Charter)

AK · On-site

$500/day

... Charter Cook for a NOAA scientific research charter operating in the Bering Sea. We are ... a maritime environment United States Seafoods is a growing company offering competitive ...

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Maritime Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do maritime cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for maritime cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges Maritime Cooks face compared to onshore cooking roles?

Maritime Cooks often prepare meals in compact, moving kitchens where space is limited and conditions can be unpredictable due to weather. You may need to work with limited ingredients for extended periods, requiring creativity and excellent planning to keep the menu varied and nutritious. Additionally, you will need to adhere strictly to maritime safety and hygiene regulations and sometimes manage supply inventories in remote locations. Working at sea can be physically and mentally demanding, but it's also rewarding for those who enjoy teamwork, travel, and supporting crew welfare. Successful Maritime Cooks are resourceful, resilient, and able to thrive under changing circumstances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Maritime Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maritime Cook, you need solid culinary skills, strong knowledge of food safety practices, and experience preparing meals in challenging or mobile environments. Familiarity with galley kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications such as STCW Basic Safety Training are often required. Organization, adaptability, and clear communication are standout soft skills for this role. These strengths are essential because a Maritime Cook must safely and efficiently prepare meals for crew and passengers while coping with limited space, supplies, and the unique demands of life at sea.

What is a Maritime Cook job?

A Maritime Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals for crew members aboard ships, offshore platforms, or other marine vessels. They ensure that food is nutritious, meets dietary requirements, and is prepared safely in often challenging environments. Duties include menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Cooks must adhere to maritime food safety regulations and may also assist in general galley operations. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential for this role.

More about Maritime Cook jobs
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What job categories do people searching Maritime Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Maritime Cook jobs are:
Vessel Cook

$13.50 - $17/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Vessel Cook
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Traveling on waterways
Job Type: Full-Time
Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland waterways? American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals.
When you join ACBL…
American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River.  We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team. 
What you will be doing... Your IMPACT 

  • Create diverse and nutritionally balanced menus that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and baked goods for the vessel crew, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.
  • Follow strict food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure the well-being of the crew.
  • Keep the galley clean and organized, maintaining kitchen equipment in good working order.
  • Foster a positive dining experience and accommodate special requests when possible.
  • Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained.
  • Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location.

 What we are looking for...

You will need to have:

  • ServeSafe Certification.
  • Proven experience as a cook or chef of 3+ years.
  • Must be able to remain on vessel for 28-day rotating assignments.
  • Must be able to obtain required Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card by time of interview.
    Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.
  • Knowledge of maritime catering and provisioning.
  • Strong culinary skills with the ability to adapt to various cuisines.
  • Understanding of food safety standards and practices.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Flexibility to work in a confined and dynamic environment.
  • Commitment to safety and crew well-being.

Even better if you have:

  • Previous Cooking experience in the maritime industry.
  • Culinary degree or relevant certification.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL …

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Supportive and inclusive crew atmosphere.
  • Opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a unique environment
  • Access to fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Commitment to safety and quality cuisine.