How to Become a Ship’s Cook : Types of Galley Jobs

Out of the various jobs on ships, one of the most important and often neglected-to-mention professions is that of a ship’s cook. Deckhands are the ones who serve meals to people aboard a ship but the responsibility of making those meals falls on the shoulders of a ship’s cook. Hence, if one aims to pursue the career of a chief cook, it is very important to first understand as to how to become a ship’s cook.

In layman terms, the galley is what is generally known as the kitchen of the ship. There are various types of ship galley jobs on ships. Every such galley jobs on ship are unique and allow a person to gain a lot of experience and proficiency so as to advance in the hierarchy.

ship cook
Photograph by Shailesh Jani

The point of hierarchy is very relevant because just like in other areas of jobs on ship, even ship galley jobs follow a particular hierarchy. Every person aspiring to be a ship’s cook, after getting the necessary educational qualification, reaches the highest point in the galley only through the hierarchy.

The following points mentioned below will elaborate on the aspects of educational qualification, types of ship galley jobs, and the hierarchy that these jobs follow:

Educational Requirements: The basic requirement for having jobs on ship and in the galley is about knowing how to cook. This being the case, a person aspiring to be a ship’s cook has to have the necessary degrees from recognized institutions and universities that provide courses on culinary subjects. In addition to this, a person also needs to have a prior work experience for a minimum of at least two years. Experience is a very important factor because of the hugeness of the field where a person is required to work. An experienced person will know how to deal better with a larger crowd of people as opposed to someone who is completely inexperienced and unaware. Also, when it comes to experience, it has to be noted that certain ship galley jobs accept candidates who have experience in terms of restaurants and hotels on land while some strictly require a previous experience of working in a ship as the ship’s cook.

Types of Ship Galley Jobs: The aspect of hierarchy is a major factor that comes into place here. The sub-points of various jobs on ship pertaining to a ship’s galley, according to the hierarchy will help clarify further:

  • The Chief Cook: This is the highest level in the hierarchy of ship galley jobs. The chief cook is the one who is in-charge of the galley as a whole. He is also known as the Executive Cook. It is the chief cook’s responsibility to check for the menus and assign duties to other professionals working in the galley.
  • The Assistant Chief Cook: As the name suggests, the assistant chief cook is required to assist the chief cook in the planning and organising of meals and menus. Also the duty of the assistant chief cook extends to maintaining the presentation aspect of the meals and menus.
  • The First Cook: It is the duty of the first cook to oversee the preparation of meals and menus in the galley. The first cook is further assisted by the second and the third cook when it comes to the preparation of meals and menus.
  • Second and Third Cook: Their main duty extends to helping and assisting the first cook in the preparation of meals and thus ensuring uninterrupted flow of quality meals to the people aboard the ship.
  • The Party Chef: The more formal name for this professional is the ‘Chef de Partie.’ As the name suggests, the party chef is the one who is responsible for planning and managing party meals in a ship. Buffet meals also come under the purview of this particular ship’s cook.

These are the main jobs on ship in the ship’s galley. Some of the other jobs on ship include Cook Trainee, Assistant Cook Trainee, Storekeeper, Assistant Storekeeper and Pastry Man.

It needs to be noted that ship galley jobs are very lucrative and the pay is very high. This is a major attracting factor for being a ship’s cook. In addition to this factor, another USP of being a ship’s cook is the fact that the job offers a very high level of exposure to not just various places but also various dishes and cuisines in the world.

With so many benefits and features, there can be no denying that working on ship galley jobs is not derogatory but is a matter of dignity and appreciation. The shipping industry would not be as flourishing, popular and thriving without the added advantage of excellent chefs and cooks who prepare food for ship’s crew and passengers.

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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

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20 Comments

  1. i am a seafarer and based on my experience, it is not realy easy to work as a chief cook in ship,the moment you sign on on ship,there will be problems that you will encounter in the galley,such as the expired foods,canned goods.and meats, and sausages that were left by signed off cook.

    Three months provisions are very crucial..not in the quantity ,but in the quality of foods that were being delivered.mostly the fresh items and frozen products that have only one month left for expiration..if you dont take it..there will be not enough food..but if you accept it,the crew will react violently because they knew that those foods are expired..although it is written in the label as “best before”

    i just want to share my experience..because i was twice victimized by the unexperienced chief cooks,yes “cheap cooks” who gave me a real troubles.

    really,it is not easy to work as a chief cook.

  2. Is it true…. because in feature i can become a chief cook.. so tell me more about ur experience..please

  3. i am a seafarer and based on my experience, it is not realy easy to work as a chief cook in ship,the moment you sign on on ship,there will be problems that you will encounter in the galley,such as the expired foods,canned goods.and meats, and sausages that were left by signed off cook.

    Three months provisions are very crucial..not in the quantity ,but in the quality of foods that were being delivered.mostly the fresh items and frozen products that have only one month left for expiration..if you dont take it..there will be not enough food..but if you accept it,the crew will react violently because they knew that those foods are expired..although it is written in the label as “best before”

    i just want to share my experience..because i was twice victimized by the unexperienced chief cooks,yes “cheap cooks” who gave me a real troubles.

    really,it is not easy to work as a chief cook

  4. Just like everything else cooking has become a spellbinding and money making commodity
    Gone are the days of being a good cook, now you supposedly must have Master chef to boil some water.
    While the people who eat the food carry on like they could either do better or have never eaten before.

  5. Good day sir I am chief cook from Sri Lanka looking for job my mobile number +94772480772

  6. Hey guys, I’m seeking a job offshore and it’s nice that you guys can shear your experience with us , who is now seeking a career as a cook on ships and rigs. I love to cook and I can’t see myself doing anything other than that, it’s that bad. I worked on tugs and cruise ships before and the life is very hard, but yet still rewarding. Thanks and I look forward to hearing more about your experience out there. You can drop me and email to shear more if you like. email. rculpepper25@gmail.com and take care my fellow cook and chefs.

  7. Hi my name is Jonathan Johnson. I recently read your article about cooking jobs on ships in the hopes that it would lead me to where I can find jobs. I am currently awaiting my MMC to get on a ship. I have 13 plus years of cooking experience with experience in catering, fine dining and high volume. I also have some culinary education under my belt as well. If anyone can point me in the right direction or has a job available please contact me at Stormcrow689@yahoo.com I am eager and able to learn and be a real asset. Thanks for your time and any possible help.

  8. Hello sir I am Indian cook and 1 years hotel menegmannt course and 2 years experience and no Cdc no merchant Navy curse

  9. Hello sir i am prasanth south indian cook crafts men food production one year hotel management. & one year india hotel experience & 2 years Bahrain gulf. Hotel experience. My aims ship cooking job

  10. @Prashath: To work on ship, you need to undergo Basic STCW training and get a COC.

  11. I’m a professional chef who went to the chefs academy as well as owned his own restaurant and has worked in multiple restaurants. I’m a 54 year old american living in the philippines who is looking for a job as a chef if anyone is interested in my work experience and knowledge you can email me

  12. Hello my name is Johnny Thomas . I am a veteran Navy Mess SPECIALIST who love to cook and was working offsite as a night cook and day cook. I am interested in becoming a merchant marine cook I have my twic card still.

  13. hi i am from portugal and i would like to know which ferry company pays better to their cooks.
    Is the wage depends on the country company or the company itself. I thought that like norway and denemark have the biggest gross wage, the seaferes would earn the same. I JUST WANTED TO FIND SHIPPING COMPANIES WITH SMALL CONTRATS.

    THANK YOU

  14. Chef de partie is not a person who prepares party food.
    He is responsible for a section and is not an apprentice. ie larder, sauces, pans, grill.

  15. I am writing this for my son. He will completing B.Sc Hotel Management , Main CHEF in 2021. He wants to become Chef in Merchant Ship. Where is this course STCW conducting. I am from Kerala and presently serving in Army. So kindly intimate me .

  16. hi guys i am a chef and really interested in working in the ship any vacancy do let me know.

  17. Hi, my name is Akpen blessing from Nigeria benue state makurdi, I’m a chief cook,i have 12years working experience both in hotel and restaurant, I’m looking for a job in the ship.God be with you.

  18. My father is in Indian Navy and he is a brilliant cook. Can he join merchant Navy. Cdc has been done and stcw also. Now what to do. Where to apply? Please guide me…

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