Saloon Department

Chief Cook

A Chief Cook is a senior unlicensed crewmember working in the Saloon department of a merchant ship.

The chief cook directs and participates in the preparation and serving of meals; determines timing and sequence of operations required to meet serving times; inspects galley and equipment for cleanliness and proper storage and preparation of food.

There is no more Chief Steward rank, the work is being performed by chief cook like taking Inventory and keep store arranged


Steward

A Steward is an unlicensed, entry-level crewmember in the saloon Department of a merchant ship. This position can also be referred to as Steward (the usual term on British ships), Galley Utilityman, Messman, Supply or Waiter
The role of the Steward consists mainly of stocking, cleaning and assisting with the preparation and serving of meals.

The Steward often stocks such as food, linen, and utensils and making sure they arrive where they're needed. Closely involved with the storeroom operations, the Steward will assist in taking inventory. The Steward also is typically in charge of the ship's linens, not only sorting, counting, and stocking but also issuing them to the crew.

The Steward is a foodhandler, and perhaps most visible while assisting the chief cook with the serving of meals. Depending on the ship, this can include taking orders and delivering the food to the tables in the ship's messroom. The Steward also customarily sets out the "night lunches" for watchstanders preparing to start late night watches, as well as setting and clearing tables.

A ship's galley and eating areas are notoriously hard to keep clean and sanitary, and this activity keeps the Steward busy for much of his time. The Steward must clean the ship's mess and officer's saloon, and the gear in both. This includes keeping the decks clean by sweeping and scrubbing. The Steward disposes of trash and garbage and keeps garbage cans clean. Other tasks could include defrosting and cleansing refrigerators, cleaning bright work and woodwork, and removing grease and finger marks from paintwork.

Depending on the ship and crewing, the Steward may be responsible for other cleaning duties, such as stairways and passageways, laundry rooms, refrigerated spaces, storerooms, linen lockers and any other areas assigned to the steward's department. A Steward may be responsible for making up and cleaning rooms, toilets, and showers of officers.