Cook Assistant

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 201,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. is seeking a Cook Assistant to join ships crew onboard a container vessel.

You will support the Ships Cook with meal prep, maintain galley cleanliness, hygiene standards, and assist with daily catering operations to ensure nutritious and timely meals for the crew. Requirements include basic food preparation knowledge, hygiene standards, STCW Basic Safety Training, and a valid Seafarers Medical Certificate.

Qualifications

• Basic food preparation knowledge and strict hygiene standards are required.
• Ability to work in a team and follow instruction in a galley environment.
• Must have STCW Basic Safety Training and a Valid Seafarers Medical Certificate.
• Willingness to work long hours in a marine setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation (cutting, peeling, portioning ingredients).
• Support cooking and serving meals as directed by ships cook.
• Maintain galley cleanliness, mess rooms, and storage areas.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment.
• Follow HACCP and sanitation standards where applicable.
• Help store provisions and monitor stock levels.
• Assist with loading and unloading stores during port calls.
• Dispose of waste according to MARPOL and environmental rules.
• Assist during safety drills and emergencies as required.

Skills

Food preparation basics

Hygiene standards

Teamwork

Education

STCW Basic Safety Training

Seafarers Medical Certificate

Job description

Job Summary:
The Cook Assistant supports the Ships Cook in preparing meals for crew members onboard a container vessel. The role focuses on food preparation, galley cleanliness, hygiene standards, and assisting with daily catering operations to ensure nutritious, safe, and timely meals for the crew.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in food preparation (cutting, peeling, portioning ingredients)

• Support cooking and serving of crew meals as directed by the Ships Cook

• Maintain cleanliness of the galley, mess rooms, and food storage areas

• Wash dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment

• Follow food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards (HACCP where applicable)

• Assist with storing provisions and monitoring food stock

• Help with loading and unloading stores during port calls

• Dispose of waste according to environmental and MARPOL regulations

• Assist during safety drills and emergencies as required

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a cook assistant, messman, or galley hand preferred

• Basic knowledge of food preparation and hygiene standards

• STCW Basic Safety Training

• Valid Seafarers Medical Certificate

• Ability to work long hours and in a team environment

• Physically fit and able to work in a marine setting

Working Environment:

• Merchant / container vessel

• Small crew environment with shared responsibilities

• International maritime workplace