GP or General Purpose Rating candidates are those who have been trained in both Deck and Engine Room tasks. They are trained to work on either deck or Engine department according to the requirement of the company. They perform tasks related to Seamanship, Cargo handling, Maintenance work on the deck, Operation and maintenance of Machinery.
GP Rating course is a 6 months residential Pre-sea training that you can pursue right after completing 10th. The course is approved by DG shipping, Govt. of India and assists you in starting a career in the Merchant Navy as a Deck or Engine Rating. This program is designed to include the combined study of Deck and Engineering subjects. This course will cover all aspects of the seafaring profession (Deck and Engine), which also include swimming, physical drills, workshop training, rope and mast climbing, lifesaving appliances usage, fire fighting exercises, and ship visits etc.
After completing Pre-sea training, external examinations are conducted by Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES) under D.G Shipping (Govt of India) and successful candidates are issued an Indian CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) which enables one to work with Indian and International shipping companies as Trainee Ordinary Seaman, Trainee Fitter, Trainee Oiler, etc.
There is no Common Entrance Test for GP Rating. But some institutes conduct their own entrance test to select the candidates.
Duration: 6 Months
Eligibility Criteria
- Pass with aggregate 40% marks in 10th Standard from a recognized Board with Science, Mathematics as subjects andĀ with minimum 40% marks in English language.
- Pass in 2-Year I.T.I. course from Govt. Approved Institute with minimum 50% aggregate marks in final year andĀ minimum 40% marks in English at 10th or Diploma Exam.Ā
Medical Standard:
- Candidates should be Physically Fit for Sea Service under DGS norms.
- Eyesight 6/6 without any external aids.
- No Color Blindness
Career Opportunities
The training program is a Six months Pre-Sea Training Program approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. The training comprises of theoretical and Practical study of General Ship Knowledge and Marine Engineering Knowledge which gives the successful trainees an opportunity to join the merchant shipping in the Deck or Engineering Department as a Trainee GP Rating.
This course is conducted twice a year with batches commencing January and July each year.
Career Progression Chart :
