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Vessel Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sause Bros Inc

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR

The Deckhand/Cook assists in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel ... Duties include vessel maintenance, and the daily deck operations, carried out in accordance with ...

Sause Bros

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

The Deckhand/Cook assists in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel ... Duties include vessel maintenance, and the daily deck operations, carried out in accordance with ...

Flagship Cruises & Events

Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Primary Purpose of Position The Cook at Flagship Cruises & Events plays a key role in supporting ... Working and collaborating with Vessel operations crew and front-of-house team to satisfy 100% of ...

Marquette Transportation Company LLC

Cook

Paducah, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Work closely with Captain to ensure vessel food budgets are maintained. * Operate standard cooking ... equipment and use kitchen and cooking utensils for large quantity food preparation. * Clean galley ...

Flagship Cruises & Events

Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Primary Purpose of Position The Cook at Flagship Cruises & Events plays a key role in supporting ... Working and collaborating with Vessel operations crew and front-of-house team to satisfy 100% of ...

Campbell Transportation Company INC

Cook

Paducah, KY · Remote

$16 - $20.25/hr

Position Summary The cook, under direction of the Captain and Hines Furlong Line operations ... Be well aware of your particular vessel budget, inventory, and how this pertains to your grocery ...

University of Miami

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

The Cook/Steward is responsible for the maintenance of living, cooking, and eating quarters aboard the UM research vessel, the F.G. Walton Smith (WS). The incumbent is responsible for the ordering ...

The University of Miami

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

The Cook/Steward is responsible for the maintenance of living, cooking, and eating quarters aboard the UM research vessel, the F.G. Walton Smith (WS). The incumbent is responsible for the ordering ...

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Vessel Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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 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 are vessel cooks?

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 cities are hiring for Vessel Cook jobs? Cities with the most Vessel Cook job openings:
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Vessel Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 79% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,873 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Deckhand/Cook

Deckhand/Cook

Sause Bros Inc

Coos Bay, OR

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description

General Description:

The Deckhand/Cook reports to the Master, and is responsible for preparing and providing meals for crewmembers, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and good housekeeping in galley and food storage areas. Responsible for ordering, inventorying, rotating, and stowing of stores as necessary. The Deckhand/Cook assists in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. Duties include vessel maintenance, and the daily deck operations, carried out in accordance with approved company policies and procedures.

Responsibilities/Performance Standards:

1. Provide meals daily at appropriate times, including meals for those standing night watches.

2. Manage food preparation and planning in an effective, economical manner providing high quality and minimizing waste.

3. Utilize company vehicles to get stores for vessels.

4. Clean up after every meal, including washing and stowing dishes and utensils.

5. Empty all garbage cans daily, sanitize as necessary. Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations.

6. Ensure galley, galley equipment, food and storage stores areas are clean, sanitary, and in good order. Communicate maintenance or repair needs to the Master.

7. Sweep galley deck daily or as necessary; swab daily with soap and water.

8. Keep refrigerators, freezers, and walk-ins clean and orderly. Rotate perishable food stocks as fresh stores are stowed.

9. Provide meals and refreshments for barge loaders, including night meals as requested.

10. Assist in performing deck work and line handling in making/breaking tow, mooring/un-mooring vessels and vessel maintenance when directed by the Master.

11. Assist during emergency operations as directed by the Master.

12. Ensure at the completion of the voyage that the galley is left clean and sanitary, and that up to date order and inventory lists are provided for the next cook/steward.

13. Maintain inventory on all supplies in the first aid kit on board assigned vessel.

14. Wear personal protective equipment as appropriate to safely complete job tasks.

15. Obtain proper endorsements within allotted time frame that is to be determined at time of hiring. Will be classified as a Cook/Steward until proper endorsements are obtained.

16. Act as lookout or helmsman. 

17. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Valid Merchant Mariner Credential with F/H endorsement 

2. Valid TWIC

3. AB endorsement

4. Valid Passport

5. STCW II/4, II/5, VI/6

6. Valid driver license

7. Food Handler certificate

8. One year documented cooking experience preferred

9. One year sea experience preferred

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