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Vessel Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Commercial Barge Line

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

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 ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Harahan, LA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

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 ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Paducah, KY

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

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 ...

Goodwin Marine Services

Vessel Cook

Hull, MA · On-site

$350/day

Goodwin Marine Services is looking for a talented and dependable Vessel Cook to join our crew in Hull, MA. This is a unique opportunity to bring your culinary skills aboard and play a vital role in ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Vacherie, LA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

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 ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Cairo, IL

$14 - $17.50/hr

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 ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

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 ...

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Vessel Cook

Convent, LA

$15 - $18.75/hr

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 ...

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Description Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 ...

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when ...

United States Seafoods LLC

Cook - Fishing Vessel - Daily

AK · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

A qualified vessel cook should have previous experience working in remote locations, and on a vessel out at sea. United States Seafoods fishes from January to November. Total crew size is 50 -70 ...

Edison Chouest Offshore

Cook (Vessel)

Golden Meadow, LA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

HSE Responsibilities The cook will: * Document and notify supervisor immediately of any accidents/illnesses/vessel incidents/near misses/etc. * Participate and supervise the company's safety programs ...

Edison Chouest Offshore

Cook (Vessel)

Golden Meadow, LA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

HSE Responsibilities The cook will: * Document and notify supervisor immediately of any accidents/illnesses/vessel incidents/near misses/etc. * Participate and supervise the company's safety programs ...

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Vessel Cook information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a vessel cook?

Vessel cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals on ships, boats, or other marine vessels. They plan menus, order provisions, and cook meals for the crew and sometimes passengers, ensuring food safety and nutritional standards are met. Vessel cooks often work in compact, challenging environments and must be able to adapt to limited resources and rough conditions at sea. Their role is crucial for maintaining crew morale and health during long voyages.

What does a vessel cook do?

A vessel cook works in a galley on an offshore oil rig, cargo ship, or commercial ship, such as a cruise line. You may help oversee several onboard deckhands who assist in the galley, prepare and maintain kitchen equipment and supplies, and participate in food preparation and cleanup. In addition to your daily responsibilities in the kitchen, you may also assist with other aspects of ship maintenance or operations, especially those that relate directly to the kitchen and its equipment. On a large cruise line, you may also have customer service duties such as meeting with passengers to discuss dietary restrictions.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience preparing meals in a maritime or remote environment, often supported by certifications like STCW Basic Safety Training or a Food Handler's Certificate. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and maritime safety procedures is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for managing meal preparation and collaborating with crew under challenging conditions. These abilities ensure nutritious, safe meals and smooth operations that contribute to crew morale and overall vessel efficiency.

What are some common challenges vessel cooks face when preparing meals at sea, and how can they overcome them?

Vessel cooks often encounter challenges such as limited storage space, restricted ingredient availability, and the need to prepare meals in rough sea conditions. To overcome these challenges, cooks must be highly organized, creative with meal planning, and skilled at adapting recipes based on available supplies. They also need to adhere to strict food safety standards and work efficiently in a compact galley, often preparing multiple meals daily for a diverse crew. Teamwork and clear communication with the crew are essential to ensure dietary needs are met and operations run smoothly.

What is the difference between Vessel Cook vs Marine Cook?

AspectVessel CookMarine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, maritime trainingFood safety certifications, maritime training
Work EnvironmentOn ships, boats, or offshore vesselsOn ships, boats, or offshore vessels
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, offshore industriesMaritime, shipping, offshore industries
Job FocusPreparing meals for crew and passengersPreparing meals for crew and passengers

The terms Vessel Cook and Marine Cook are often used interchangeably, both referring to culinary roles on ships or offshore vessels. While their responsibilities and work environments are similar, the terminology may vary by employer or region. Both roles require maritime safety certifications and focus on providing meals in a maritime setting.

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Vessel Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Vessel Cook

American Commercial Barge Line LLC

Saint Louis, MO

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

American Commercial Barge Line rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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.

What American Commercial Barge Line employees say

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