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Vessel Cook Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cook 2026

Seattle, WA

$17 - $20.50/hr

Assistant cooks may work in many areas of the vessel including the galley, factory, freezer hold, deck, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload. Essential Duties: Assistant Cooks ...

Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Prepares and cooks a variety of meals and food options for vessel crews over 130 people. Reports to: Chief Steward Common Job Functions: * Cooks midnight meal and breakfast according to menu and ...

Cook

Seattle, WA · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

Description Prepares and cooks a variety of meals and food options for vessel crews over 130 people. Reports to: Chief Steward Common Job Functions: * Cooks midnight meal and breakfast according to ...

Cook 2026

Seattle, WA

$550 - $650/day

Regularly wipe down high touch points in common area of vessel with a bleach & water solution. Work ... While performing the duties of this job, cooks are regularly exposed to commercial cooking ...

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$190 - $200/day

The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ... Cooks and prepares food as a member of the galley staff, with primary responsibility for baking ...

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$190 - $200/day

The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ... Cooks and prepares food as a member of the galley staff, with primary responsibility for baking ...

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$190 - $200/day

The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ... Cooks and prepares food as a member of the galley staff, with primary responsibility for baking ...

Chef De Partie

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.25/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE As Chef de Partie aboard a Lindblad Expeditions vessel, you'll take a key role in the preparation of high-quality meals - with a special focus on cooking daily crew meals that are ...

Chef De Partie

Seattle, WA · On-site

$180 - $190/day

ABOUT THE ROLE As Chef de Partie aboard a Lindblad Expeditions vessel, you'll take a key role in the preparation of high-quality meals -- with a special focus on cooking daily crew meals that are ...

Chef De Partie

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.25/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE As Chef de Partie aboard a Lindblad Expeditions vessel, you'll take a key role in the preparation of high-quality meals - with a special focus on cooking daily crew meals that are ...

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$155 - $165/day

The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ... Minimum 1 year of recent cooking and/or food service experience. * Good verbal communication skills.

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ... Minimum 1 year of recent cooking and/or food service experience. * Good verbal communication skills.

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ... Minimum 1 year of recent cooking and/or food service experience. * Good verbal communication skills.

Shipboard Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$334 - $401/day

With cooking as only one aspect of this multi-faceted role, the Head Chef is also responsible for ... The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ...

With cooking as only one aspect of this multi-faceted role, the Head Chef is also responsible for ... The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ...

With cooking as only one aspect of this multi-faceted role, the Head Chef is also responsible for ... The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell ...

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Vessel Cook information

See Seattle, WA salary details

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How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel cook in Seattle, WA is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $21.88 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Cook jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Vessel Cook jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Cook jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Vessel Cook jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Cook jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Vessel Cook jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Vessel Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Vessel Cook job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,962 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$17 - $20.50/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Previous at-sea fish processor experience and current Alaska Food Worker card required.

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

General Description:
Assistant cooks work half of their shift as a fish processor and the other half assisting the cook with galley responsibilities. Galley responsibilities are assigned by the cook and may include meal and/or snack preparation, prep cook, cleaning, housekeeping and laundry duties for up to 38 crewmembers. Personal hygiene, food handling safety, and sanitation regulations in food preparation, service and storage must be followed. While working in the factory, assistant cooks may move raw fish through the various factory stations using machinery and conveyors, sort, cut fish, remove guts, pack fish into pans, place pans in and remove pans from freezers, remove blocks of frozen fish from pans, bag the blocks, and stack bagged fish in the vessel's freezer hold. Assistant cooks may also participate in the offload by stacking bags of frozen fish onto cargo nets for removal from the vessel, and backload supplies needed for the next fishing trip; this process may last longer than the regular 16.5 hours per day work schedule. Assistant cooks may also assist in cleaning and organizing the factory and other areas of the vessel, and perform other duties as directed. Assistant cooks may work in many areas of the vessel including the galley, factory, freezer hold, deck, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload.

Essential Duties:
Assistant Cooks must be able to:

  • As directed by the Cook, prepare and assist in preparation of foodstuffs in sufficient quantities according to number of persons to be served.
  • Assist Cook to ensure meals and snacks are served on time according to crew schedules.
  • Maintain a clean working environment in accordance with food safety regulations.
  • Regularly clean and sanitize all food preparation, storage and serving areas.
  • Enforce personal hygiene in accordance with food handling regulations.
  • Ensure housekeeping duties are performed as directed, including laundry and cleaning of bathrooms.

Work Schedule:

  • Typical work hours are 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week.
  • Work hours may be extended during offload or backload which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
  • Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant.  Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents. 

Work Environment:

  • While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees areexpected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
  • Employees will beexposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions;fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.

Requirements

Education, Experience:

  • Previous at-sea fish processor experience required
  • Current Alaska Food Worker card is required.
  • ServeSafe certification is desired.
  • Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
  • 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years. Work history must be provided during the application process. No exceptions.

Physical Demands:

All employeesmustbeableto:

  • BoardandexitthevesselbygangplankorJacob'sladderwithoutassistance.
  • Boardor exit askiffwithout assistance inallweatherconditions.
  • Ascendanddescendsteepstairwaysandladdersin alltemperatures.
  • Workat least16 hoursper day,7days perweekforthedurationof thecontract.
  • Performrepetitivetasksforextendedperiodsoftime.
  • Stand and walk; lift weights up to andover 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
  • Use fingers, hands and arms topush, pull and reach.
  • Bend and twist.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Worklong hoursinallkindsofweather.
  • Workinacold andwetenvironment.
  • Donlifejacket,lifevestand/orsurvivalsuitwithoutassistance.
  • Mustbeabletopasspre-employmentandrandomdrugtestsperUSCGregulations.
  • This job is designated by O'Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities:

All employees must be able to:

  • Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
  • Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Liveandworkwithothersinclosequarters.
  • Beaway frommedicalcareandsupervisionfor3+months at atime.
  • Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
  • Discern between various shades of color for identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms,and warnings.

Benefits

Compensation

  • Crew-share compensation
  • Average of $285 - $385 per day

Benefits

  • Medical insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
  • 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
  • O'Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

O'Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and
prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national
origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any
other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.


This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion,
termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.