AB/Cook Jobs (Able Seaman / Cook)

AB/Cook Jobs on European Coasters and Small Cargo Fleet

AB/Cook (Able Seaman / Cook) is a dual-role position on small crew vessels where the seafarer works both as a qualified deck rating and as a ship cook.The position is common on coaster vessels, small cargo ships, workboats, tugboats, and other low-DWT vessels operating with crews of 6–10 people. In the maritime industry, this role may also appear as seaman cook, deck cook, or combined AB/Cook position.On small tonnage vessels, employing a separate cook and a separate AB is often economically inefficient, so shipowners combine galley and deck responsibilities into one dual-role position.View Open AB/Cook Vacancies

Main Responsibilities of an AB/Cook

The primary responsibility of an AB/Cook is managing galley operations and preparing meals for the crew, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, bakery items, snacks, and food supply management.During port operations, the crew cook joins deck operations and works as a full Able Seaman:

• mooring operations;
• hold cleaning;
• lashing/securing cargo;
• anchoring operations;
• deck maintenance;
• painting and deck equipment maintenance.

On coaster vessels, every crew member participates in cargo handling and mooring operations, which makes versatility one of the key requirements for AB/Cook jobs.

Where AB/Cook Positions Are Available

Coaster Vessels

The largest number of AB/Cook vacancies is found on European coaster vessels ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 DWT.These ships operate in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and European river-sea routes. Crew size is usually 6–8 people, which is why the combined AB/Cook position is included in the vessel’s minimum Safe Manning.Typical rotations include:

• 4/4 weeks;
• 6/6 weeks;
• sometimes 8/8 weeks.

Short contracts are one of the biggest advantages of coaster jobs for family-oriented seafarers.

Small Cargo / General Cargo

On small cargo and general cargo vessels, the dual-role seaman cook is a standard crew position.Crew size is usually 8–10 people, with voyages operating within Europe or nearby Mediterranean trading areas.Find a Vessel in the Database

Workboats and Tugboats

On workboats, tugboats, and offshore support vessels, crews are minimal — often only 4–6 people.The ship cook also participates in all deck operations, including towing and port activities.Typical rotations:

• 2/2 weeks;
• 4/4 weeks.

Required Certificates for AB/Cook Jobs

To work as an AB/Cook, the following documents are usually required:

• AB Certificate (STCW II/5);
• Ship’s Cook Certificate;
• Basic Safety Training (VI/1);
• Proficiency in Survival Craft (VI/2);
• Advanced Fire Fighting (VI/3);
• Designated Security Duties (VI/6-2).

For most EU coaster jobs, seafarers also need:

• a Schengen Visa;
  or
• an EU passport.

Shipowners highly value candidates with real galley experience and previous service on small crew vessels.Submit CV and Apply for a Vacancy

AB/Cook Salary

Average AB/Cook salaries for 2025–2026:

• coaster vessels — $2,000–2,500;
• small cargo fleet — $2,200–2,800;
• workboats / tugboats — $2,000–2,800;
• bunker tankers — up to $3,000.

Dual-role positions are usually paid better than standard AB jobs on the general cargo fleet.View Maritime Jobs with Salaries

Why Seafarers Choose AB/Cook Positions

Short Rotations

One of the main advantages is short 4/4 and 6/6 week rotations instead of 6–9 month contracts common on deep sea vessels.

European Fleet

Most vacancies are connected with European shipowners and operations in EU waters:

• Netherlands;
• Germany;
• Denmark;
• Sweden;
• Spain;
• Italy.

Small Crew Atmosphere

Crews of 6–8 people create a more comfortable and family-style onboard atmosphere compared to large ocean-going vessels.

More Dynamic Work

AB/Cook combines galley operations with deck work, making daily life onboard less repetitive than standard AB or cook-only positions.

Career Growth

AB/Cook seafarers may continue their career path toward:

• Bosun;
• Chief Cook;
• Chief Steward;
• Yacht Chef;
• Cook positions on LNG, tanker, or cruise fleet.

Get Career Advice from Maritime Mentors

How to Choose the Right AB/Cook Vacancy

Before applying, it is important to check:

• rotation schedule;
• crew size;
• vessel condition;
• food budget;
• shipowner reputation;
• Schengen area trading routes.

Check Shipowner Information

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