TRAFFIC Western Cape

Cook Assistant

Crew Life at Sea

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

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

Small crew environment with shared responsibilities

About This Role

Career insights for Cooks, Restaurant positions

Salary Benchmark
$35,780/year
Source: O*NET (USD)
Job Outlook
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years and will have large numbers of openings.
Key Skills for This Role
Monitoring Active Listening Coordination Critical Thinking Speaking
Common Technologies
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Point of sale POS restaurant software Microsoft Office software

Job Overview

Date Posted
10 Apr 2026
Location
Western Cape, South Africa

Cooks, Restaurant Insights

Job Outlook
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years and will have large numbers of openings.

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This page incorporates data from O_NET OnLine, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), under the CC BY 4.0 license. O_NET is a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Assessify has adapted and modified the original content. Please note that USDOL/ETA has neither reviewed nor endorsed these changes.