1

Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with the following endorsements: * International and national ... Housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and painting * Perform duties as directed by the Master and deck ...

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA

$63K - $87K/yr

About this Job The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Board of ... Five years of experience cooking in a service-oriented establishment. Hold a ServSafe Food Handler ...

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Anchored by a first-rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in ... Five years of experience cooking in a service-oriented establishment. * Hold a ServSafe Food ...

... cooking oil (UCO), tallow, and distillers corn oil--to supply ExxonMobil's refining and ... Knowledge of marine, truck, and rail logistics for liquid commodities. * Prior experience in an ...

... used cooking oil (UCO), tallow, and distillers corn oil-to supply ExxonMobil's refining and low ... Knowledge of marine, truck, and rail logistics for liquid commodities. * Prior experience in an ...

... used cooking oil (UCO), tallow, and distillers corn oil-to supply ExxonMobil's refining and ... Knowledge of marine, truck, and rail logistics for liquid commodities. * Prior experience in an ...

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with the following endorsements: * International and national ... Housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and painting * Perform duties as directed by the Master and deck ...

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with the following endorsements: * International and national ... Housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and painting * Perform duties as directed by the Master and deck ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Merchant Marine Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do merchant marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine 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 do marine chefs get paid?

Marine chefs, also known as ship cooks, typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month depending on experience, vessel type, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on the employer, voyage length, and the region of operation, with benefits often included. Experience, certifications such as STCW, and the ability to work in a maritime environment influence earning potential.

What is the salary of a cook in the merchant navy?

A merchant marine cook typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, rank, and voyage length. Salaries can vary based on the shipping company, vessel type, and certifications such as STCW. Crew members also often receive benefits like room, board, and travel allowances.

What is a Merchant Marine Cook job?

A Merchant Marine Cook is responsible for preparing meals for the crew aboard commercial or government-operated ships. They manage food inventory, ensure sanitary kitchen conditions, and plan nutritious menus suitable for long voyages. The cook must work in a confined space, often under challenging conditions, while adhering to safety regulations. Depending on the vessel, they may also accommodate dietary restrictions and assist with general galley duties.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like for a Merchant Marine Cook?

Merchant Marine Cooks generally work onboard ships, often following a rotational schedule such as several weeks or months at sea followed by time off. The work environment includes a compact galley where teamwork and efficiency are essential, as you may be preparing three meals daily for the crew with limited resources. The role requires adaptability, as supply limitations and rough weather can impact meal planning and preparation. You’ll collaborate closely with other ship personnel, including engineers and deckhands, to ensure mealtimes align with operations and crew needs. This unique setting offers both challenges and the opportunity to build strong camaraderie among the crew.

How much does a cook get paid on a cruise ship?

A merchant marine cook on a cruise ship typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, rank, and the cruise line. Compensation often includes room and board, and cooks may work 8-12 hour shifts in a maritime environment that requires food safety certifications and teamwork.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Merchant Marine cooks typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are more common in specialized roles like senior offshore drilling personnel, certain executive positions, or highly experienced consultants. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve working in high-risk environments or on specialized projects. Most jobs with daily pay of $2000 or more are in industries like oil and gas, finance, or executive management.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience in preparing large-scale meals, and often a ServSafe certification or maritime food handler's credential. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety regulations specific to maritime environments is essential. Excellent organization, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for consistently providing nutritious meals in challenging, confined, and sometimes unpredictable sea conditions.

More about Merchant Marine Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine Cook jobs? Cities with the most Merchant Marine Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Cook jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Merchant Marine Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

MV Cook/Deckhand - UIC Bowhead Transport Company, LLC

UIC Alaska

Anchorage, AK

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview

UIC Bowhead Transport Company, LLC seeks an MV Cook/Deckhand to serve a dual role onboard BTC vessels, supporting both galley operations and deck operations as assigned by the Vessel Master. This position is responsible for preparing and serving home-style meals for crew members and occasional guests, while also assisting with deck duties including line handling, watch standing, security rounds, and emergency responsibilities. This role requires adaptability, strong teamwork, and the ability to perform in Arctic marine conditions.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

Cook Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and serve three balanced meals daily for crew and occasional guests
  • Follow established recipes and develop recipes when improvisation is required
  • Maintain overall sanitation, cleanliness, and upkeep of galley equipment, lockers, and storerooms
  • Ensure food safety compliance, preventing contamination and maintaining proper food storage temperatures
  • Manage food requisitions, inventory, and provisions once delivered onboard
  • Properly store, label, and rotate food items
  • Ensure dining areas (salads, desserts, beverages, condiments) are prepared prior to meal service
  • Maintain sanitation standards and personal hygiene at all times

Deckhand Responsibilities:

  • Perform line handling including proper tying, throwing, coiling, and stowing of lines
  • Stand watch as assigned
  • Conduct deck and engine security rounds
  • Perform assigned security and emergency duties
  • Assist with vessel operations as directed by the Master or Mate
  • Adhere to Company policies, USCG regulations, and environmental regulations
  • Represent the organization professionally to guests, customers, and regulatory agencies

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of health codes, proper food handling, preparation, cooking, and storage temperatures
  • Strong understanding of galley safety procedures
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills
  • Ability to resolve issues quickly and professionally
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
  • USCG Rating as Ordinary Seaman (OS) or Able Bodied Seaman (AB)
  • STCW endorsement including Basic Safety Training
  • Valid TWIC Card
  • Minimum two (2) years Chef/Cook experience with shipboard experience

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
  • Ability to perform prolonged standing, sitting, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and reaching
  • Full range of motion of extremities and spine
  • Good balance and coordination on uneven and slippery surfaces
  • Ability to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees
  • Ability to step 2 feet horizontally and vertically when transferring between vessels and docks
  • Ability to lift: 
    • 65 lbs floor to knuckle (daily)
    • 65 lbs floor to waist (daily)
    • 30 lbs floor to shoulder (daily)
    • 10 lbs floor to crown (daily)
  • Ability to carry 30 lbs for 30 feet
  • Ability to perform medium-heavy labor in extreme weather conditions while wearing required PPE

Environmental Conditions:

  • Work in confined and cramped spaces
  • Arctic marine environment including extreme cold, wind, icing, moisture, and wave action
  • Exposure to fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, and gases
  • Constant engine, blower, and exhaust noise
  • Irregular visibility conditions (fog, darkness)
  • Vessel vibration
  • Frequent hazards including hypothermia, slips, falls, lifting injuries, and pinch points
  • Continuous hazard awareness required
Employment Type: FULL_TIME