The GP Rating Course Guide is an all-in-one guide for students who need a firm footing to begin their career in the Merchant Navy as a GP Rating. This course equips students to serve on merchant ships in both the deck and engine departments, allowing them to be maritime professionals of a kind.
If you want to make a career in gp rating in merchant navy then this comprehensive guide will tell you in a systematic as well as theoretical manner about eligibility, age limit, entrance exam, fees, qualification, career growth and placement opportunities.
Introduction to GP Rating in Merchant Navy
General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) in Merchant Navy is a rating who works in the Deck department as well as Engine department on board ships. Unlike specialist crew members, they are multi-skilled and provide support to officers in navigation, cargo handling, ship maintenance, machinery, and ship operations.
Through and through, they are the operations workhorse of a ship and they are very very crucial for the smooth sailing and safety at sea.
The GP Rating course is recognized by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India and based on STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) guidelines.
What is a GP Rating Course?
The GP Rating Course is a pre-sea training course that imparts practical and theoretical knowledge on:
Navigation basics
- Seamanship
- Cargo operations
- Marine engineering support
- Safety and firefighting
- Ship maintenance
- Watchkeeping duties
The duration is usually 6 months starting with training on board.This course qualifies the aspirants to be employed as:
- Ordinary Seaman (OS)
- Wiper
- Deck Rating
- Engine Rating
GP Rating Course Details
Before Enrolling Knowledge of the gp rating course details is necessary to know well. The course content is formulated in such a way that it imparts theoretical knowledge as well as practical maritime training.
Course Length
- 6 Months Pre-Sea Training
- Followed by Sea Service on Ship
Training Includes
- Classroom learning
- Workshop practice
- Firefighting drills
- Swimming training
- Rope work and seamanship
- Engine room familiarization
- Certification
After successful completion, candidates receive:
- GP Rating Course Certificate
- STCW Safety Certificates
GP Rating Course Eligibility
Students should check the GP rating Course eligibility criteria before applying.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Qualification: 10th pass (Matriculation)
- Minimum Marks: 40% Aggregate (Institute specific)
- English subject: 40% minimum in English
- Medical fitness: As per DG Shipping norms
- Eyesight: 6/6 vision (for this a little correction is permitted)
- Color blindness: Not permitted.
Candidates have to be physically fit and medically fit as per DG Shipping.
GP Rating Qualification
The gp rating criteria entitlement is relatively easy in the case of engineering officer level course. However physical and medical standards are stringent.
- Educational Qualification
- 10th Pass from recognized board
- Medical Qualification
- Good physical health
- No major illness
- Normal hearing ability
- Good eyesight
- No color blindness
This is especially so since a medical makes logical sense because strong physical and mental stamina life at sea takes to live at sea and such endurance are needed.
GP Rating Course Age Limit
A common question is the age limit in gp rating course.
Age Criteria
- Minimum Age: 17.5 years
- Upper Age Limit: 25 Years
- Relaxation at max. 5 years for SC/ST/OBC(P) candidates as per institute rules)
- Age is calculated as on date of starting the course.
Candidates above the age limit are not entitled to appear for the exam as well for most of maritime jobs because it is said that maritime career is for early starters and requires long sea service.
GP Rating Entrance Exam
The entrance exam for gp rating differs from each institute.
Selection Process May Include:
- Written Test
- Basic Mathematics
- English
- General Science
- Reasoning
- Interview
- Communication skills
- Confidence level
- Maritime awareness
- Medical Test
- Physical examination
- Vision and hearing test
Some institutes hold their own separate entrance examinations and some admit students on the basis of merit.
GP Rating Course Fees
The charges for gp rating courses varies from institute to institute and depends on location and facilities available.
The fee for the following is an approximation.
Typical Fee Range:
- ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,50,000 (Approximate)
- Fees usually include:
- Tuition charges
- Hostel accommodation
- Uniforms
- Material to study
- STCW certification
- Practical training
Candidates needs to check whether the placement assistance is included in the fee or not.
GP Rating Course Overview Table
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | |
Duration | 6 Months Pre-Sea Training |
Qualification | 10th Pass |
Minimum Marks | 40% Aggregate + 40% English |
Age Limit | 17 to 25 Years |
Medical Requirement | DG Shipping Approved Medical Fitness |
Written Test + Interview (varies) | |
Course Fees | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs (Approx.) |
Departments Covered | Deck & Engine |
Job Roles | OS, Wiper, Deck Rating, Engine Rating |
Certification | GP Rating + STCW Certificates |
Career Growth | Able Seaman → Bosun / Engine Crew |
Subjects Covered in GP Rating Course
The theory course content covers:
Deck Subjects
- Seamanship
- Navigation Basics
- Cargo Handling
- Ship Maintenance
- Rope Work
- Watchkeeping
Engine Subjects
- Basic Marine Engineering
- Engine Room Tools
- Maintenance Procedures
- Machinery Operations
Safety & Survival
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
- First Aid
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
Life of a GP Rating at Sea
A GP Rating in the Merchant Navy duties and responsibilities include:
- Helping officers in the watchkeeping
- Ship cleaning and maintenance
- Helping with loading and discharging of cargo.
- Supporting engine room maintenance
- Taking part in emergency drills
The post is for discipline, cooperation and tolerance for long sea voyages.
Career Growth After GP Rating
A general purpose rating can develop professionally by experience at sea and by passing examinations.
Promotion Path (Deck Side)
GP Rating → Ordinary Seaman→ Able Seaman→ Bosun
Promotion Path (Engine Side)
GP Rating → Wiper → Oiler → Fitter
With additional qualifications and time at sea, they can also become officer level certificates.
Salary of GP Rating in Merchant Navy
the salary varies with the type of ship and company.
Salary Estimate:
Newly graduating student: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month
Experienced: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per month
The pay may be better with international ship companies.
Skills Required for GP Rating
In order to be successful in this field, the aspiring professionals have to acquire:
- Physical endurance
- Teamwork skills
- Technical knowledge
- Simple communication skills
- Self-discipline and responsibility
Life at sea is strenuous, and mental toughness is as necessary as physical robustiousness.
Advantages of GP Rating Course
- Brief duration (6 months)
- Beginning career EARLY
- Employment worldwide
- Good salary
- Practical, hands-on training
- a chance for advancement
Challenges in GP Rating Career
- A long time apart from family
- Hard labor work
- Rigid discipline on board
- Weather obstacles at sea
But for the maritime life enthusiasts, these obstacles become challenges.
How to Choose the Right Institute
For choosing an institute for the GP Rating Course:
- Check DG Shipping approval
- Check placement records
- Compare gp rating course fees
- Check out hostel facilities
- Read a feedback from Alumni
A well-known institution should ensure better training and job opportunities.
Is a GP Rating Course Good for a Career?
Yes, this applies to students who:
- Desire to be employed early
- Have a preference for the practical over the theoretical
- Looking to travel around the world
- Are unable to take long officer level courses
The GP Rating Course Guide from Shipsfocus provides you with the information you need to know that this course is also one of the quickest ways to get into the Merchant Navy.
Conclusion
The GP Rating Career Guide covers everything you need to know about General Purpose Rating Jobs & Merchant Navy Salary including most important tips for building a career as a GP Rating in merchant navy. In addition, you can access all information regarding gp rating course eligibility, gp rating qualification, check gp rating course age limit, entrance exam process and gp rating course fees etc. This programme will lead you into maritime practicality with a certain amount of study and structured understanding.
GP Rating in Merchant Navy is the perfect options for all the students who want to start earning from early age by doing international exposure and working in both deck and engine department. It based on aptitudes, discipline, technical knowledge and on board experience, real time shipboard training, which trains candidate for life at seas.
The applicants are required that they should meet the medical standards, select the institute approved by the DG Shipping before applying and they should have a clear understanding of gp rating course details and placement support.
A GP Rating can progressively advance in the seafaring area and carve out a long and stable career, with determination, stamina and commitment.
If you are a hands-on person who loves ships, ocean travel and working tools and instruments, then the GP Rating Course will open the door to a bright future in the Merchant Navy.
