GP Rating – General Purpose Rating Course Overview
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has approved the GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) course as a 6-month pre-sea training program.
This course gets students ready to work in the deck and engine departments of Merchant Navy ships. It is one of the best entry-level options for people who want to start their career at sea after 10th or 12th grade.
After passing, candidates can work on ships as Deck or Engine Crew (Ordinary Seamen, Wipers, or Trainee OS) and then move up to Officer rank through experience and tests.
The Duration of the Course
- 6 Months (Pre-Sea Training at a Maritime Institute Approved by DG Shipping)
Eligibility Criteria
- Passed the 10th grade from a recognized board with at least 40% overall and 40% in English.
- You must have passed 12th grade (any stream) with at least 40% overall and 40% in English.
- Finished ITI (2 years) at a government-approved school with at least 40% in all subjects and 40% in English.
Age Limit:
- At least 17 and a half years
- Maximum: 25 years (when the course starts)
Medical Standard:
- Must be in good health according to DG Shipping standards.
- Eyesight: 6/6 (without glasses), no color blindness.
Admission Process
- Apply to a maritime school that DG Shipping has approved.
- Take the written test or interview.
- Have a DGS-approved doctor check your medical fitness.
- After you are chosen, join the GP Rating course.
The Course Syllabus
- Getting to know the ship and sailing
- Preventing and putting out fires
- Ways to Stay Alive
- Your own safety and social duties
- How to Operate Equipment in the Engine Room
- Cleaning and fixing machines
- Rope Handling, knots, and rigging
- First Aid Basics
- Safe Ways to Work
- Marine Communication and Watchkeeping Tasks
Career Path After GP Rating
- Deck/Engine Crew (Ordinary Seaman or Wiper)
- Able Seaman / Oiler
- Bosun/Fitter
- Officer Rank (after passing tests and spending time at sea)
Over time, a GP Rating cadet can become a Deck Officer or Marine Engineer Officer if they get more training and experience.
Salary Package
| Rank | Approx. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Seaman / Wiper | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Able Seaman / Oiler | ₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Bosun / Fitter | ₹1.5 – ₹2 lakh |
| Officer Rank | ₹3 – ₹8 lakh |
Best DG-Approved Institutes for GP Rating
- TS Rahaman, Mumbai
- Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala
- HIMT College, Chennai
- International Maritime Institute (IMI), Noida
- MASSA Maritime Academy, Chennai
- Coimbatore Marine College, Coimbatore
- Yak Educational Trust, Navi Mumbai
Why choose the GP Rating Course?
- Start Merchant Navy career after 10th or 12th
- Short duration & affordable course
- Quick placement as Deck/Engine crew
- Excellent salary & global travel
- Pathway to officer rank with experience
In conclusion
The GP Rating Course is the best way for students who want to join the Merchant Navy right after high school to get started. It lets you get in quickly, gives you hands-on experience, and lets you build a successful career at sea, even up to the officer level.