G.P. Rating
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.