Everything You Need to Know About Ship's Cook Jobs

Are you interested in finding out more about different seafarer jobs? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a cook on a ship?

If you have an interest in all things culinary, love spending time in the kitchen and think you could transfer those skills to an ocean going vessel’s kitchen (or galley to give it its correct name) then keep on reading!

This is another article in our series of ‘what is a seafarer’s job?’ posts  in which we’ve been looking at different examples of maritime jobs.

We’ve already covered Able Bodied Seaman jobs, Ordinary Seaman jobs, Shipfitter jobs, Pumpman jobs, Motorman jobs, and Chief Marine Engineer jobs (to name just a few) and we thought it was about time that we took a closer look at one of the unsung heroes of the crew: the ship’s Cook.

We say unsung heroes, but on cruise ships and luxury yachts, a chef is one of the most praised people on board. On a cruise liner the chef and his or her team will be feeding hundreds of guests to a high standard, and on a superyacht that is typically chartered by mega rich guests, they will be serving up Michelin star level cuisine.

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However, on a container ship, cargo ship, ro-ro vessel, oil tanker, bulk carrier, heavy bulk carrier and all of the other vessels that transport the world’s goods the situation is slightly different.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Marine Pilot Jobs

The ship’s Cook is responsible for keeping the crew well fed and fueled with enough energy to carry out their strenuous and often physically demanding jobs.

This means that food is often more like sustenance and less like something served in a fine dining restaurant! And because the Cook isn’t usually the first crew member that springs to mind when you think of different examples of maritime jobs, they are often unfairly overlooked.

If you’ve always loved cooking but the thought of being stuck on land doesn’t appeal, it might just be that learning how to become a ship’s Cook could be the right career for you.

So let’s take a look at what you need to know about the person responsible for keeping the stomachs of the crew full!

What does a Ship’s Cook job entail?

As we’ve already mentioned, you don’t want to look like a complete rookie by calling the area where food is prepared and cooked on a ship the kitchen! It’s the galley.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Navigation Officer Jobs

If there is more than one person working in the galley, just like the other departments on a vessel, there will be a hierarchy.

In the Deck Department, for example, this starts at entry level cargo ship jobs such as Deck Cadet and Deckhand with a seafarer then working their way up to become an Ordinary Seaman, Able Bodied Seaman, Bosun, then Chief Officer or Chief Engineer and potentially even the ship’s Master.

In the Engine Department a budding seafarer will start life as an Engine Cadet or Electrical Cadet and then hopefully progress on to working as a Second or Chief Engineer or as a ship’s Electrician or Electro-Technical Officer.

In the galley - and this is wholly dependent on the type of vessel and how many passengers and crew, or just crew, are onboard - the hierarchy could look something like this:

• Third Cook
• Second Cook
• First Cook
• Assistant Chief Cook
• Chief Cook

However on vessels with a small crew (and this can even include large vessels) it is more likely that there will be just the one Chief Cook.

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As with other seafarer jobs, a budding Chief Cook will start out in that department’s version of an entry level cargo ship job, by first gaining their qualifications and documents through training, and then starting on the bottom rung by becoming a Trainee Cook or Third Cook.

On ship’s with a greater amount of crew and passengers - such as cruise ships - you may also find crew members such as Storekeeper, Chef de Partie and Pastry Chef.

Ship’s Cook job descriptions

So, if on larger vessels with more people onboard, what do all of these culinary wizards actually do? Let’s say we have a Third, Second, First, Assistant Chief and Chief Cook onboard. Here’s a brief summary of what they could all be doing.

• The Third Cook and Second Cook will assist the First Cook with meal preparation.

• The First Cook will have their own tasks but will also supervise the Third and Second Cook to ensure that they are preparing the meals correctly.

• The Assistant Chief Cook will - as the name suggests - assist the Chief Cook. This will include helping them to plan and organize menus and meals. They are also often tasked with making sure that meals are presented to the highest standards.

• The Chief Cook has ultimate responsibility for the entire galley operations. His or her cooking is of the finest quality and they bear the responsibility for ensuring that the menus and food served are up to scratch. They will also delegate jobs to the rest of the galley crew.

Again, keep in mind that this very much depends on the type of vessel and this hierarchy configuration is much more likely to be applicable to a cruise ship or even a ferry than to a container ship or oil tanker!

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What training and certification does a ship’s Cook need?

Of course knowing how to cook to a decent standard is pretty much a must when it comes to applying for ship’s Cook jobs!

But so too, usually, is a Ship’s Cook Certificate of Competency (CoC) and a Cook on a vessel will also need to hold a degree from a recognized culinary school or institute.

Some form of previous work experience is also usually required. However, some employers at shipping companies will only accept cooks who have sea time and previous ship’s Cook experience while others will be happy to employ qualified cooks and chefs who have worked in commercial settings such as hotels and restaurants.

Personality traits needed by ship’s Cooks

If you want to be any member of a crew working in seafarer jobs, there are a certain number of personality traits that you will need to possess.

Read more: Do You Have the Essential Skills & Personality Traits for Jobs at Sea?

Mental strength is probably the most important trait. You will need to be able to cope with a life at sea; specifically with being away from your family, friends and loved ones for months at a time.

If you think you can cope with that, and you can cook, you might well be suited to working in a Cook’s seafarer job!

How Martide can help you find jobs at sea

If you’re looking for your next seafarer job, Martide can help. We are always looking for candidates for seafarer jobs for all different seafarer ranks and positions.

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From Junior Electrician to Deck Officer to excavator driver to Steward, if you’re a qualified seaman we want to hear from you. We’re also looking for ship’s carpenters, waste operators, and plumbers.

Create an account with Martide, build your resume for a seaman, and start applying for jobs. Whether you’re looking for entry level cargo ship jobs such as Junior Engineer or Wiper jobs, or you’re a Master looking for your next contract, we would love to help you find employment. You should also download the free Martide seafarer job app.

It will help you stay one step ahead when it comes to finding jobs at sea and staying in touch with employers and manning agents. Download the app now from the App Store or from Google Play.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ship Cook jobs 

1. What does a Cook do on a ship? 

A Ship’s Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals for the crew (and sometimes passengers) while maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. They manage the galley - that’s the ship’s kitchen - making sure everyone is well-fed with nutritious, balanced meals no matter where in the world the vessel is sailing. 

2. What’s the difference between a Cook and a Chief Cook on a ship? 

A Chief Cook (or Ship’s Cook) oversees the entire galley, plans menus, orders supplies, and leads the catering team. On larger vessels, they might have assistant cooks or stewards helping with food prep, cleaning, and serving. On smaller ships, the Cook might handle everything solo - from meal planning to washing dishes. 

3. What kind of ships employ Cooks? 

Ship Cooks work across a wide range of vessels - from cargo ships and tankers to cruise ships, ferries, offshore vessels, and research ships. Anywhere there’s a crew that needs feeding, you’ll find a ship’s Cook at work. 

4. What qualifications do I need to become a Cook on a ship? 

To work at sea, you’ll need to complete STCW Basic Safety Training and hold a Ship’s Cook Certificate approved by your national maritime authority. Some companies also look for catering or hospitality qualifications and previous experience in a commercial kitchen. 

5. Do I need experience working at sea to get started? 

Not always. Many start out as a Messman, Steward, or Assistant Cook, gaining hands-on experience in galley operations before training and qualifying as a Ship’s Cook. Sea experience helps you learn how to manage cooking in small spaces and handle the challenges of working on a moving vessel. 

6. What skills make a great Ship’s Cook? 

Adaptability and organization are key. You’ll need to be able to plan menus around limited storage space, cook for multicultural crews, and keep calm under pressure. Good teamwork, hygiene awareness, and creativity also go a long way in keeping the crew happy and well-fed. 

7. What is life like for a Cook on board a ship? 

Busy, but rewarding! Ship Cooks typically prepare three main meals a day for the entire crew, manage stores and supplies, and maintain strict cleanliness in the galley. Days can be long, but the job offers steady work, great travel opportunities, and a close-knit community at sea. 

8. How much can a Ship Cook earn? 

Salaries vary depending on vessel type, experience, and nationality, but a qualified Ship’s Cook can earn between USD 2,000 and 4,500 per month. Cooks on cruise ships or offshore vessels often earn more, especially with additional certifications or experience. 

9. Is there career progression for Ship’s Cooks? 

Definitely! With experience, you can advance to Chief Cook, Catering Officer, or Chief Steward, or move into roles on cruise ships or offshore installations. Some Cooks also transition to shore-based catering management or maritime hospitality training. 

10. What’s the best part of being a Cook at sea? 

Most seafarer Cooks say it’s the satisfaction of keeping everyone on board healthy, happy, and fueled for their work - plus the bonus of seeing the world while doing what they love. Every day brings new challenges, new menus, and new horizons!  

Read the previous post in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Deck Cadet Jobs

Read the next post in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Marine Oiler Jobs

This blog post was first published on November 26th 2020 and last updated on November 16th 2025