If you have completed Class 10 and aspire to build a career in the Merchant Navy, the General Purpose (GP) Rating course is one of the recognised entry pathways into the maritime industry. This guide covers eligibility, admission, training, career progression, salary, and FAQs.
General Purpose (GP) Rating is a pre-sea maritime training programme approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping). The programme provides foundational training in both Deck Operations and Engine Room Operations.
The objective of the course is to prepare candidates for entry-level Rating positions on merchant vessels while ensuring they meet the required safety and operational standards.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | General Purpose (GP) Rating |
| Course Duration | 6 Months (Pre-Sea Training) |
| Qualification | Passed Class 10 from a recognised board, subject to prevailing eligibility criteria |
| Course Type | Typically Residential |
| Regulator | Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India |
| Training Institute | DG Shipping Approved Maritime Training Institute (MTI) |
| Departments | Deck & Engine |
| Initial Career | Deck Rating / Engine Rating |
| Work Location | Indian and Foreign-going Merchant Ships (subject to recruitment) |
| Career Growth | Through sea service, training, competency examinations and applicable regulations |
GP Rating may be suitable if you:
| GP Rating | Officer Entry Courses |
|---|---|
| Entry after Class 10 (subject to eligibility) | Generally after Class 12 (PCM) or Engineering, depending on the programme |
| 6-Month Pre-Sea Course | One to Four Years depending on the programme |
| Begins career as Rating | Begins career as Cadet/Trainee Officer |
| Practical operational role | Officer training pathway |
| Promotion possible through approved training and competency requirements | Structured officer promotion pathway |
Deck Ratings assist officers with the operation and maintenance of the ship. Typical responsibilities include:
Engine Ratings assist engineering officers in maintaining machinery and equipment. Typical responsibilities include:
Career progression depends on sea service, competency requirements, company policies and applicable regulations.
*Designation may vary between shipping companies.
*Designation may vary between shipping companies.
Yes. A GP Rating may progress towards officer-level certification by fulfilling the prescribed Sea Service Requirements, Approved Training, Competency Examinations, and Certification Requirements. Promotion is governed by applicable maritime regulations and is not automatic.
If you are a Class 10 pass student who enjoys practical work, teamwork, and discipline, GP Rating can be your gateway to the Merchant Navy. With experience and additional training, you can climb the ranks and even become an officer.
Before applying for the General Purpose (GP) Rating course, every candidate must satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India.
Meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission. Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) and shipping companies may have additional admission criteria, entrance tests, interviews, medical requirements, or merit-based selection processes.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 Pass / Class 12 Pass / Eligible ITI Qualification |
| Recognized Board | Mandatory |
| Minimum Aggregate Marks | 40% |
| English Marks | Minimum 40% |
| Mathematics | Studied in Class 10 |
| Science | Studied in Class 10 |
| Minimum Age | 17½ Years |
| Maximum Age | 25 Years* |
| Medical Fitness | Mandatory |
| Nationality | Indian candidates (for the standard Indian admission pathway) |
*Upper age relaxation for eligible SC/ST candidates is as per applicable DG Shipping orders.
A candidate can become eligible for GP Rating through any one of the following routes prescribed in the revised training circular.
Age relaxation for SC/ST candidates as per DG Shipping orders.
For the standard admission process in India, GP Rating courses are generally intended for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals or OCI applicants should contact the respective Maritime Training Institute for institution-specific admission policies.
Candidates who have completed their education through NIOS or other recognized open-schooling systems should verify acceptance with the concerned Maritime Training Institute before applying, as eligibility depends on recognition and applicable admission policies. But DG Shipping considers NIOS as acceptable as long as the candidate complies with all eligibility criteria.
Yes. Candidates who have passed Class 10 with the prescribed subjects and minimum marks may apply, subject to the current DG Shipping eligibility criteria.
Yes, candidates who have passed Class 12 in any stream may be eligible if they satisfy the prescribed aggregate, English, and Class 10 subject requirements.
Yes. Mathematics should have been studied at the Class 10 level under the current eligibility requirements.
Yes. Science should have been studied at the Class 10 level.
Yes. English is mandatory, and candidates must satisfy the prescribed minimum marks requirement.
Last Verified: July 2026
Reference: Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India – Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules and applicable medical standards.
Medical fitness is one of the most important eligibility requirements for joining the Merchant Navy. Every GP Rating candidate must undergo a medical examination conducted by a DG Shipping-approved Medical Examiner before admission or before joining a merchant vessel.
A candidate may be declared:
Only a DG Shipping-approved Medical Examiner can issue a valid medical fitness certificate for sea service.
Deck Department
Engine Department
Normal colour perception is essential for safe shipboard operations. The Ishihara Colour Vision Test is commonly used during the medical examination.
Wearing spectacles or contact lenses does not automatically disqualify a candidate. Vision must satisfy the applicable DG Shipping medical standards.
Candidates who have undergone LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or other refractive eye surgery may be eligible provided they satisfy the applicable DG Shipping medical standards and are declared medically fit by a DG Shipping-approved medical examiner.
Good hearing is essential for safe shipboard operations. The medical examination includes hearing assessment, and additional audiometry may be conducted where required.
The medical examiner evaluates lung function, heart health, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular fitness. Conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease may require further evaluation.
Candidates must obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a DG Shipping-approved Medical Examiner. Certificates issued by non-approved doctors may not be accepted for admission or joining a vessel.
If you have undergone refractive eye surgery, wait until your eye specialist confirms that your vision has stabilized before scheduling your DG Shipping medical examination.
Important: Medical fitness is determined solely by a DG Shipping-approved Medical Examiner in accordance with the applicable medical standards. This guide is intended to provide general educational information and should not be treated as a substitute for an official medical examination.
Before applying to a DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institute (MTI), candidates should keep all required documents ready. While every institute may have its own admission checklist, certain documents are universally required for verification of eligibility and identity.
Always keep multiple photocopies of all your documents and store scanned copies in your email or cloud storage. This will help you avoid last-minute delays.
Selecting the right Maritime Training Institute (MTI) is one of the most important decisions in your Merchant Navy journey. A DG Shipping-approved institute provides the required pre-sea training, but approval alone should not be the only factor you consider.
The quality of training, infrastructure, faculty, discipline, placement support, and industry reputation can all influence your learning experience and future opportunities.
MyMerchantNavy Tip: Never choose a college only because of low fees or attractive advertisements. Always verify its approval status and compare multiple factors before making a decision.
India has several DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) that offer GP Rating training. Among the most reputed are:
Other well-known institutes include:
Note: Always confirm the latest DG Shipping approval and GP Rating course availability before applying.
Don't choose a college based only on advertisements or social media. Compare multiple institutes, verify official approvals, and select the one that best matches your career goals, budget, and preferred location.
A sponsorship is an offer from a shipping company to train and, subject to successful completion of training and company requirements, consider a candidate for employment on its vessels. Sponsorship provides candidates with a structured pathway into the Merchant Navy.
For GP Rating, sponsorship is not mandatory at every institute. Candidates may join either:
| Sponsored | Non-Sponsored |
|---|---|
| Selected by a shipping company | Candidate searches for jobs after training |
| Better job certainty (subject to company terms) | More competition after course completion |
| Company may conduct interviews before training | Candidate applies to multiple companies after obtaining certificates |
No institute or company can guarantee employment. Job opportunities depend on factors such as training performance, medical fitness, interview performance, company requirements, and market conditions. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed placement or guaranteed sponsorship.
The GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) course is a 6-month pre-sea training programme approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India. It prepares candidates to work as Deck Rating or Engine Rating on merchant ships.
The course combines classroom learning, practical training, physical fitness, discipline, and mandatory STCW safety training.
The training is divided into:
After successfully completing the GP Rating course and fulfilling the required documentation and recruitment process, candidates can apply for employment with shipping companies as Deck Rating or Engine Rating.
Career progression depends on sea service, additional training, examinations, and company requirements.
Choose an institute that provides strong practical exposure, experienced instructors, modern training facilities, and good placement support—not just the lowest fees.
One of the biggest advantages of a career in the Merchant Navy is the opportunity to earn a competitive salary while building an international maritime career. However, salary depends on several factors, including the shipping company, vessel type, trading area, rank, experience, and employment contract.
Important: There is no fixed salary for GP Ratings in India or internationally. Salary packages vary significantly between employers.
Note: Salaries are indicative and may vary based on employer, vessel, and market conditions.
| Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (USD) | Estimated Monthly Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee OS / Wiper (Fresher) | USD 300 – 500 | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Ordinary Seaman (OS) / Wiper | USD 700 – 1,200 | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Able Seaman (AB) / Motorman | USD 1,200 – 1,600 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,35,000 |
| Bosun / Pumpman / Fitter | USD 1,500 – 2,000+ | ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,65,000+ |
With experience, additional sea service, approved training, and successful completion of the required examinations, GP Ratings may progress to higher rating positions or pursue the officer promotion route, subject to meeting DG Shipping and company requirements. Promotion is not automatic and depends on:
Choose a company based on training quality, safety culture, career growth, and reputation, not just the highest advertised salary.
Life in the Merchant Navy is different from a typical shore-based job. As a GP Rating, you will live and work onboard a merchant ship, assisting either the Deck Department or the Engine Department while following strict safety and operational procedures.
Most GP Rating contracts generally range between 4 and 9 months, followed by a leave period as per the employment contract.
Facilities vary depending on the company and vessel.
Working hours are regulated under international maritime regulations. During cargo operations, emergencies, or special circumstances, additional work may be required while complying with applicable work and rest hour requirements.
Internet availability depends on the vessel and company. Some ships provide Wi-Fi or satellite internet, while others may have limited connectivity.
Shore leave is not guaranteed and depends on port regulations, vessel schedule, immigration requirements, company policy, and operational workload.
Merchant Navy is a profession that rewards discipline, professionalism, adaptability, and continuous learning. Understanding life at sea before joining will help you prepare for the responsibilities and challenges of a maritime career.
Yes. GP Rating courses must be conducted by DG Shipping-approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).
Yes. GP Rating offers opportunities to work on merchant ships, earn a competitive salary, gain international exposure, and progress to higher ranks or the officer cadre by meeting the prescribed DG Shipping requirements.
No. Candidates may join through either the sponsored or non-sponsored route.
Yes. Eligible GP Ratings can progress to the officer cadre after completing the required sea service, approved training courses, and competency examinations prescribed by DG Shipping.
Basic swimming ability is helpful, but it is generally not a mandatory eligibility requirement for admission to the GP Rating course. Safety and survival techniques are taught during STCW training.
Yes. Women may apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of the institute and the recruiting shipping company.
Yes. A valid passport is essential for joining international merchant vessels.
The Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDOS) number is a unique identification number allotted to every Indian seafarer and is mandatory for maritime training and employment.
The Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) is the official identity and sea service record book of an Indian seafarer. It is required for joining most merchant ships.
Yes. Candidates must be declared medically fit by a DG Shipping-approved medical examiner before joining a vessel.
In many cases, candidates who have undergone LASIK or other approved refractive surgery may be considered medically fit, provided they satisfy the latest DG Shipping medical standards and are certified fit by a DG Shipping-approved medical examiner.
Yes. Wearing spectacles does not automatically disqualify a candidate. Medical fitness depends on meeting the prescribed vision standards.
Yes. Candidates with eligible ITI qualifications may apply if they satisfy the current DG Shipping eligibility requirements for GP Rating.
No. Employment depends on factors such as training performance, medical fitness, interview performance, company requirements, and market conditions. No institute can legally guarantee employment.
Yes. Indian GP Ratings may work on Indian or foreign-flag vessels, subject to recruitment by the shipping company and compliance with applicable regulations.
Among the most reputed maritime institutes in India are NUSI Maritime Academy, Goa and TS Rahaman, Mumbai. Other well-known DG Shipping-approved institutes also offer quality GP Rating training. Always verify the institute's current DG Shipping approval before applying.
Important: Always rely on official DG Shipping notifications, approved maritime training institutes, and verified shipping company recruitment announcements. Avoid agents or institutions making unrealistic promises of guaranteed jobs or sponsorship.
Before applying, verify the latest DG Shipping eligibility notification, ensure you meet the academic, English, and medical requirements, and choose a DG Shipping-approved institute with a strong training record, modern facilities, and good placement support.
