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Vessel Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Vessel Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$300 - $425/day

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the ... Train vessel cooks and boat crew members in safe food handling, meal preparation and sanitary ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Vessel Chef

Long Beach, CA

$300 - $425/day

The Chef has responsibility for proper planning, preparation, and cooking for all meals at the ... Train vessel cooks and boat crew members in safe food handling, meal preparation and sanitary ...

Hornblower

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 ...

Hornblower

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 ...

Hornblower

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 ...

Hornblower

Prep Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21/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 ...

Hornblower

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 ...

Hornblower City Cruises

Cook

San Francisco, CA

$18.75 - $23.50/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 ...

Hornblower

Food and Beverage - Cook

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$19/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 ...

Hornblower

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 ...

Hornblower

Food and Beverage - Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/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 ...

Savage

Able Bodied Seaman - Marine

Miami, FL · On-site

Travel assistance to & from vessel paid for by employer * A culture that appreciates team members ... Housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and painting * Perform duties as directed by the Master and deck ...

Amnav Maritime LLC

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

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 ...

AmNav Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

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 ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (NorCal)

Oakland, CA · On-site

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 ...

Foss Maritime

Senior Deckhand (LA/LB)

Wilmington, CA

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 ...

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Vessel Cook information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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.
More about Vessel Cook jobs
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:
Vessel Cook jobs near you
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.

Vessel Chef

Curtin Maritime

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$300 - $425/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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.

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