GP Rating Course: A Complete Guide to Starting Your Career in the Merchant Navy

The Merchant Navy has long been a dream career for individuals seeking adventure, travel, and a stable income. While many think of officers and engineers when it comes to seafaring careers, a lesser-known but equally vital pathway is through the GP Rating Course.

Whether you’re a 10th pass student or someone looking to enter a respected and high-paying industry without a college degree, the GP Rating Course offers an ideal entry point. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know—from eligibility to salary expectations—so you can make an informed decision about your future at sea.

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 What is the GP Rating Course?

The GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) Course is a pre-sea training program that prepares candidates to work as deck and engine crew in the Merchant Navy. The course is approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: 6 months (pre-sea training) 
• Certification: DGS-approved certificate 
• Job Role: Deck Crew or Engine Room Crew 
• Progression: Can rise to become officers through internal exams and experience

This course allows candidates to work onboard cargo ships, oil tankers, container ships, and more under international shipping companies.

Why Choose the GP Rating Course?

There are several compelling reasons to pursue a GP Rating Course:

1. Early Entry into the Merchant Navy

Start your career as early as after 10th standard.

2. High Salary Potential

Even entry-level jobs offer good income, and it grows with rank and experience.

3. Career Growth

From ordinary seaman (OS) to bosun and eventually officer ranks.

4. Global Exposure

Travel across the world and experience different cultures.

5. Job Security

Demand for trained seafarers is consistently high in the global shipping industry.

Eligibility Criteria for GP Rating Course

Before applying for a GP Rating course, ensure that you meet the following eligibility conditions:

1. Educational Qualification

• Minimum: Pass in 10th standard from a recognized board. 
• Subjects: English, Mathematics, and Science preferred.

2. Age Limit

• Minimum: 17.5 years 
• Maximum: 25 years (varies slightly with institutes)

3. Medical Fitness

• Vision: 6/6 in each eye (without visual aids) 
• No color blindness 
• Must clear a DGS-approved medical test
  

4. Physical Standards

• Minimum height: 157 cm 
• Weight: Proportionate to height 
• Physically fit for sea service as per DG Shipping norms

Top Institutes Offering GP Rating Course in India

Many maritime training institutes across India offer the GP Rating Course. It’s crucial to choose a DGS-approved institute to ensure placement opportunities and certification validity.

Institute Name	Location	Notable Features
HIMT College	Chennai	DGS approved, placement support
TS Rahman	Mumbai	Legacy Institute, good alumni base
AMET University	Chennai	International collaborations
Samundra Institute	Lonavala	Advanced simulators and training
IMI Noida	Noida	Well-equipped training labs
BP Marine Academy	Navi Mumbai	Affordable and reputed

Always check the latest DGS-approved list on the DG Shipping website.

Course Curriculum and Training

The GP Rating Course is designed to prepare candidates for both deck and engine departments.

Academic Subjects:

• Seamanship 
• Marine Engineering 
• Basic Navigation 
• Ship Familiarization 
• Maritime Law and Safety

Practical Training:

• Fire Fighting 
• Life Saving Techniques 
• Rope Work and Knots 
• Lifeboat Operation 
• Emergency Drills 
• Engine Room Tools & Equipment Handling

STCW Training Included:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST) 
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) 
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) 
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)

Career Path After GP Rating Course

After completing the course and joining a vessel, you typically begin your career as an Ordinary Seaman (OS) or Wiper.

Promotion Path (Deck Side):

1. Ordinary Seaman (OS) 
2. Able Seaman (AB) 
3. Bosun 
4. Third Officer (with further studies) 
5. Second Officer 
6. Chief Officer 
7. Captain (Master Mariner)

Promotion Path (Engine Side):

1. Wiper 
2. Oiler 
3. Motorman 
4. Fourth Engineer (with further studies) 
5. Third Engineer 
6. Second Engineer 
7. Chief Engineer

To become an officer, additional exams like NCV or the FG Certificate of Competency (CoC) must be passed.

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Salary After GP Rating Course

The merchant navy offers one of the most lucrative pay scales for freshers and experienced professionals.

Rank	Salary Range (Monthly)
Ordinary Seaman / Wiper	₹25,000 – ₹50,000
Able Seaman / Oiler	₹60,000 – ₹80,000
Bosun	₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000
Officer (Deck/Engine)	₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000

Note: Salaries vary based on ship type, company, and experience.

Life on Board After GP Rating Course

Life aboard a ship is challenging yet rewarding.

Work Conditions:

• 8–12 hours of daily duty 
• Rotational shifts 
• Isolated but well-equipped environment 
• High safety standards

Benefits:

• Free accommodation and meals 
• Tax-free income (if sailing 183+ days/year) 
• Health and travel insurance 
• Multinational work environment

How to Apply for the GP Rating Course

Follow these steps to secure admission:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Research Institutes: Check the DGS-approved list. 
2. Apply Online/Offline: Fill out application forms via the institute’s website. 
3. Attend Counseling/Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called. 
4. Undergo Medical Test: Conducted by a DGS-approved doctor. 
5. Document Submission: 
   • 10th/12th marksheet 
   • Birth certificate 
   • Passport/Aadhar card 
   • Medical certificate 
6. Pay Fees: Usually ranges between ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs for the full course.

Documents Required

Before admission and joining, keep these ready:

• 10th/12th Marksheet 
• Transfer Certificate 
• Passport-sized photos 
• Birth Certificate 
• Passport (recommended for joining the ship) 
• DGS-approved Medical Certificate 
• Police Clearance Certificate

Conclusion

The GP Rating Course is a gateway for students, especially those from modest academic backgrounds, to enter a prestigious and financially rewarding profession. With structured training, international exposure, and career growth, the Merchant Navy offers a life of dignity, adventure, and prosperity.

Whether you want to work in the deck or engine department, the GP Rating Course can help you set sail on a successful maritime career. So if you’re ready for a life less ordinary, get your sea legs and start your journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the duration of the GP Rating course?

The GP Rating course is typically a 6-month pre-sea training program.

2. Can a 10th pass student join the GP Rating course?

Yes, the minimum educational qualification is 10th pass from a recognized board.

3. Is the GP Rating course approved by the Indian government?

Yes, it must be approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

4. What is the starting salary after GP Rating?

Freshers can expect a monthly salary of ₹25,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the shipping company.

5. What is the age limit for applying for the GP Rating?

You must be between 17.5 and 25 years old at the time of admission.

6. Is a passport necessary for the course?

A passport is not mandatory for admission, but is required for ship joining.

7. Can women apply for the GP Rating course?

Yes, but the number of institutes accepting female candidates may be limited. Check before applying.

8. What is the difference between GP Rating and DNS?

GP Rating is for crew-level roles, while DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) is for officer-level positions.

9. Can I become an officer after GP Rating?

Yes, with experience and further studies, you can appear for exams to become a Deck or Engine Officer.

10. Are there job guarantees after completing the GP Rating course?

Some institutes offer placement assistance, but jobs are not guaranteed. Performance and institute reputation play a key role.