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Vessel Cook Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Vessel Cook information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel cook in Minnesota is $17.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.85 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Vessel Cook jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Vessel Cook jobs in Minnesota? For Vessel Cook jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vessel Cook jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Vessel Cook jobs in Minnesota are:
Vessel Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Cook job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,114 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Second Cook (Steward Assistant) Immediate Opening

Http://www.keyship.com/

Duluth, MN • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Purpose/Summary: The second cook assists in the preparation of meals each day for the crew.

Essential and Major Duties:

  • Supports the preparation and cooking of breakfast, assists with the preparation of lunch and dinner under guide of Steward
  • Prepares salads, vegetables, fruits, and deserts; bakes bread and cookies
  • Receives and properly stores all grocery supplies
  • Inventories and rotates stock (including verification of expiration dates) of all food items in freezers, refrigerators, and dry storage areas

Other Functions:

  • Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of Galley and dining areas
  • Control of vessel linen - storage, vendor cleaning, and issuance to crew
  • Other maintenance and housekeeping tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Must hold the following Merchant Mariner Credentials:
    • Ordinary Seaman
    • Wiper
    • Steward's Department Food Handler
  • Must hold a ServSafe certification
  • Must hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Must be willing to live 7 days a week in a remote environment with limited access to medical supplies and medical personnel
  • Maintain licenses and qualifications as required by regulation, both current and future
  • Maintain good health in compliance with USCG NVIC 04-08 including US Coast Guard vision and hearing requirements
  • Must have written and verbal command of the English language

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Has at least 1 or more years of culinary background and experience

Physical Requirements:

Will be required to pass the Physical Standard as published in USCG NVIC 04-08. May be required to stand, sit, crouch or lay prone for long periods of time. Will work as necessary in confined or watertight spaces. May have to navigate tripping hazards, uneven and rolling decks, and climb both stairs and ladders. May be required to push, pull, lift, or hoist equipment up to or in excess of 127-157 pounds.

Work Environment:

As expected in the Great Lakes region, incumbent employee will be exposed to seasonal weather including below freezing in the winter to high and humid temperatures in the summer. Incumbent employee may also be exposed to loud sounds and be required to wear and use hearing protection as required. Certain cargo ships may contain salt, silica, coal, and other hazardous dusts that may be inhaled and require the use of a respirator.

Equipment:

Utilizes ovens, grills, and cleaning equipment. May be required to use work-type PFD/life jackets, SCBA/respirators, hard hats and eye protection.

Emergency Functions:

In emergency scenarios, may be required to perform emergency duties to save crew and ship. Responsible to be physically fit enough to perform the following non-extensive list of self-evacuation: use of escape trunks, indoor emergency panels, launch life rafts, close fire doors, firefighting, life safety, including donning self-survival equipment, fall protection, scuba, survival suit, and life jacket as the situation requires. May be required to abandon ship, jump overboard, swim, and row a craft.

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