A chief cook is a senior member of a ship’s cooking team who works in the ship’s kitchen. The chief cook is in charge of coordinating the preparation and cooking of all meals on board, as well as other responsibilities such as cleaning, purchasing ingredients, and creating a menu, among others. The chief cook on most ships is not required to be licensed in any way, but on some ships, such as Merchant Marine ships, the cook must be licensed in order to perform duties on board.
Many of the responsibilities of a chief cook are similar to those of a cook in a land-based restaurant. He or she must plan and prepare meals, as well as assist in their preparation. The chief cook also serves as a manager, directing other cooks throughout the meal and cleanup. Inventory management, as well as purchasing ingredients and transporting and storing foods on the ship and during transport to the ship, may fall on the chief cook’s shoulders. He or she is the ship’s point person for all things related to the kitchen and meal service.
One of the chief cook’s most important responsibilities is to inspect and maintain the kitchen’s cleanliness. Bacteria can build up during food preparation, which can lead to illnesses onboard the ship. Many ships are equipped to handle medical emergencies, but some ships are at sea for long periods of time, making even minor illnesses dangerous. To prevent the spread of bacteria or the accumulation of filth that can lead to bacteria buildup, the chief cook must ensure that all surfaces in the kitchen are cleaned properly and on a regular basis.
A significant amount of kitchen experience is required to become a cook on a ship, and some ships may also require the job candidate to have prior shipboard experience. Although most ships will require at least a high school diploma and some relevant training or experience as a cook, a college degree is not always required to obtain this job. Any specific food-handling licenses must be obtained prior to submitting an application. Some ships may also require the cook to be capable of repairing kitchen equipment as needed.