Course Overview

The Directorate General of Shipping has authorized a six-month course called General Purpose Rating (GP Rating). You can join this course straight after completing your 10th. Candidates who complete this course will be eligible to work as a Deck/Engine crew in Indian/Foreign shipping companies.

This course involves a 6-month pre-sea training, followed by 9 months of structured shipboard training. After completing these 9 months of training, you will be eligible to get promoted to Motorman/Oilman, Fitter, Deck seamen, Able-Bodied Seamen, and Bosun.

You can also get promoted to the officer level after passing DGS examinations and meeting specific service qualification requirements. This is an all-residential program, which begins in January and July every year.

Eligibility Criteria:

Qualification – 10th (minimum) or 12th Pass from a government recognized board with a minimum of 40% marks aggregate. (40% marks in English is mandatory)

Age Limit – Between 17.5 to 25 years. For diploma or degree holders, the age limit is 27 at the time of course commencement.

Medical Standards – Candidates should be medically and physically fit. A full medical check-up through a Panel Doctor approved by D.G Shipping will be undertaken. A complete eyesight test will also be conducted in which the distance vision should be 6/6 with no colour blindness.

Selection Process:

  • Panel interview: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria get called for the admission procedure.
  • Medical examination: Selected candidates will undergo a medical screening to test their eyesight and physical fitness.
  • Pre-sea training: Candidates who clear the medical examination will begin with the 6 months of pre-sea training of G.P. Rating course.

Career Path

  • Pre-Sea Training
    Complete 6 months of your Pre-Sea training from a DG Shipping Approved institute.
  • Work as a Trainee
    Join Merchant Navy as a Trainee/Ordinary Seaman.
  • Become Able Body Seaman
    Get promoted as the Able-body Seaman after watchkeeping.
  • Promotion to Bosun
    Get promoted to Bosun after clearing COC (Certificate of Competency).
  • Promotion to Deck Officer
    Clear DG shipping exams and get promoted to Deck officer.
  • Become 2nd Officer
    After serving as the Deck officer for a considerable period, get promoted to 2nd officer.
  • Promotion to Chief Officer
    After serving as the 2nd officer for a considerable period, get promoted to Chief officer.
  • Become the Captain
    After serving as the Chief officer for a considerable period, get promoted to the Captain of the Ship.

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