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Vessel Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ... As a prep cook, you will prepare food for our events, including cutting, chopping, peeling, etc ...

Food and Beverage - Prep Cook

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that ...

Food and Beverage - Prep Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ... As a prep cook, you will prepare food for our events, including cutting, chopping, peeling, etc ...

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ... As a Prep Cook, you will prepare food for our events, including cutting, chopping, peeling, etc ...

Lead Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ... Perform all functions listed in the Cook . Lead by example at all times. * Be prepared to begin ...

Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ... A Cook will prepare food for our events, including cutting, chopping, peeling, etc. and plating ...

Food and Beverage - Cook

Marina Del Rey, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ... A Cook will prepare food for our events, including cutting, chopping, peeling, etc. and plating ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Perform work as directed by captain of vessel. Job includes pulling heavy lines, climbing onto and ... Cook meals for crew members and prepare grocery orders and supply requisitions. Check engine room ...

Vessel Cook information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel cook in California is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Cook jobs in California?

The most popular types of Vessel Cook jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Cook jobs in California?

For Vessel Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vessel Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Vessel Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Vessel Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Vessel Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,390 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

SIO Research Vessel Deck Crew - Per Diem - 136617

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$25 - $52.16/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 20 days ago


University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Payroll Title:
FIRST OFCR PD Department:
NIMITZ MARINE FACIL Hiring Pay Scale
$25.00 - $52.16 / Per Hour Worksite:
Various Appointment Type:
Per Diem Appointment Percent:
25-100% Union:
B6 Contract Total Openings:
50 Work Schedule:
Variable, Variable at Sea, Variable at Sea
#136617 SIO Research Vessel Deck Crew - Per Diem
Extended Deadline: Mon 9/7/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
DESCRIPTION
Embark on an Adventure with Scripps Institution of Oceanography!
Do you have a passion for the sea and an adventurous spirit? Are you ready to support groundbreaking oceanographic research while traveling to locations across the globe? If so, we invite you to become part of our team at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where you will be an essential part of our mission to advance knowledge of the world's oceans and the Earth.Position: Per Diem Ship Crew Member Pool Must be able to go to sea for extended periods; typical deployments average two to three (2 - 3) months.
About Us: At the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, we are at the forefront of ocean and earth science research, education, and public service. Our institution is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the deep and making groundbreaking discoveries. Our research covers a vast array of disciplines, including physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans and Earth.
Our impressive fleet of oceanographic research vessels is among the largest academic fleets globally. The Scripps Fleet includes the following:
  • R/V Roger Revelle: Our flagship global-class research vessel.
  • R/V Sally Ride: A cutting-edge ocean-class ship.
  • R/V Robert Gordon Sproul: A versatile regional-class vessel conducting short missions off the U.S. West Coast.
Both R/V Roger Revelle and R/V Sally Ride meet tonnage requirements for maintaining and upgrading unlimited licenses.
Available Positions: We are continually accepting applications for a per diem pool of candidates to be used on an "as needed" basis throughout the year for the following ships' crew positions:
  • 1st Officer (Title Code: 4306) Range: $52.16 - $75.98
  • 2nd Officer (Title Code: 4307) Range: $47.05 - $68.55
  • 3rd Officer (Title Code: 4308) Range: $41.91 - $61.06
  • Seaman (Limited or Unlimited) (Title Code: 4304) Range: $32.36 - $47.13
  • Ordinary Seaman (Title Code: 4305) Range: $25.00 - $36.42
  • Marine Cook and Sr. Marine Cook (Ordinary Seaman/Wiper Endorsement) (Title Codes 4300 & 4299) Range: $26.58 - $38.72 and $33.58 - $48.92
Ongoing Opportunity:
This posting will remain open as a pool for candidates throughout the year on an "as-needed" basis. Candidates will be contacted directly if a hitch opens up.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you're seeking a flexible, short-term opportunity that makes a difference and fuels your adventurous spirit, apply today! Join the per diem pool at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and be a vital part of our mission to explore and understand the world's oceans.
Thank you for considering Scripps Institution of Oceanography as your next adventure. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for these exciting opportunities, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • A valid U.S. Passport
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard documentation and endorsements for the specific position, including:
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the following endorsements:
    • VPDSD Endorsement (Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties)
    • STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) for watch standers
    • RFPNW/RFPEW (Ratings Forming Part of Navigational/Engine watch)
    • OICNW/OICEW (Officer in Charge of Navigational/Engineering Watch, for Officers ONLY)
  • Medical Certificate (with valid STCW and National Expiration Dates)
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.
  • Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $111,082 - $161,820 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $53.20 - $77.50
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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