The GP Rating course, where GP stands for General Purpose Rating, is a six-month pre-sea training program that prepares candidates for a career as a ‘Rating’ in the Merchant Navy. A Rating is a member of the ship’s crew who performs general duties in both the deck and engine departments, and this course provides the foundational skills and knowledge for these roles.
Understanding the Role of a GP Rating
In the Merchant Navy, the crew is broadly divided into Officers and Ratings. Officers are responsible for the management and navigation of the ship, while Ratings are the skilled support crew who carry out the day-to-day operational tasks. A GP Rating is a versatile crew member who is trained to work in two main departments:
- Deck Department: Assisting with tasks like steering, lookout duties, mooring and unmooring the ship, and maintenance of the ship’s deck and cargo equipment.
- Engine Department: Assisting engineering officers with the maintenance and operation of the ship’s machinery in the engine room.
The GP Rating course is the most common entry route for candidates who want to join the Merchant Navy after completing Class 10.
GP Rating Course: Eligibility and Admission
The eligibility criteria for the GP Rating course are set by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), the main maritime authority in India.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) |
| Duration | 6 months (pre-sea residential training) |
| Eligibility | Pass in Class 10 with a minimum of 40% marks in aggregate, and at least 40% marks in English, Science, and Mathematics as individual subjects. OR a two-year ITI course from a government-approved institute. |
| Age Limit | Between 17.5 years and 25 years at the time of commencement of the course. (Age relaxation for reserved categories). |
| Medical Fitness | Must be medically fit as per Merchant Shipping standards, including eyesight requirements (6/6 vision in both eyes, no color blindness). |
| Admission Process | Admission is through an All India Entrance Test conducted by approved maritime training institutes, followed by an interview and medical examination. |
Syllabus and Training
The six-month residential course is intensive and covers both theoretical and practical aspects of seamanship.
- Nautical Subjects: Ship’s terminology, navigation basics, steering and helm orders, flag signals, safety procedures.
- Engineering Subjects: Basic knowledge of marine engines, pumps, and other machinery.
- Practical Seamanship: Knot tying, rope work, basic welding and fitting, working with mooring equipment.
- Safety and Survival: Mandatory STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) courses, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, and First Aid.
Career Path After the GP Rating Course
After successfully completing the six-month pre-sea training, a candidate must complete a certain period of sea service to become a certified seaman. The career progression is as follows:
- Trainee Seaman: The first role on board a ship after the course.
- Ordinary Seaman (OS): After gaining some sea experience.
- Able-Bodied Seaman (AB): A senior and more experienced rating on the deck side.
- Further Progression: After gaining significant sea experience as a rating, one can appear for examinations to be promoted to the officer level (e.g., to become a 2nd Mate).
The salary for ratings in the Merchant Navy is attractive and is paid in foreign currency on many international ships, making it a lucrative career path. For a list of approved training institutes, it is essential to check the official website of the Directorate General of Shipping. This is a very different career path from a regular corporate job, involving long periods at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the full form of GP Rating?
The full form of GP Rating is General Purpose Rating. It is a six-month pre-sea training course for aspirants who want to join the deck or engine crew of a commercial ship in the Merchant Navy.
What is the qualification for the GP Rating course?
The minimum qualification is a pass in 10th standard with at least 40% aggregate marks, and 40% in English, Maths, and Science. Candidates must also be between 17.5 and 25 years of age and meet the medical fitness standards for seafarers.
What is the salary of a GP Rating?
The starting salary for a trainee seaman after the GP Rating course can range from $300 to $500 (approx. ₹25,000 to ₹40,000) per month on international ships. With experience and promotion to roles like Able-Bodied Seaman (AB), the salary can increase significantly to over $1500 per month.
Is the GP Rating course a good career choice?
Yes, for those who are physically fit, adventurous, and willing to spend long periods at sea, it is a very good career. It offers the opportunity to travel the world, earn a tax-free salary (under certain conditions), and provides quick career growth.
What is the difference between GP Rating and DNS?
The GP Rating course is for joining the crew (ratings) of a ship after Class 10. The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is a one-year pre-sea course for students who have completed Class 12 (with PCM) and want to become Deck Officers (e.g., Captain).