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.

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.