GP rating full form is (GENERAL PURPOSE) RATING. GP rating is a 6-month complete residential program that trains a candidate not only for the physical work onboard but also for the mental training that helps one to sustain onboard for a long period of 6 to 9 months and even more.

What is GP rating?

GP rating is a 6-month program recognized by the directorate general of shipping. This course was introduced after noticing the increasing demands of seafarers in the shipping industry.

DG Shipping has given recognition to various maritime training institutes that offer this program, as per the guidelines given by the Directorate. GP rating program is conducted twice a year in January and July.

The capacity of the batches for the program is sanctioned by the DG shipping and can be different for different MTIs. Institutes prepare students as per the demands of shipping companies for both the deck and engine departments

Why choose a GP rating course?

GP rating course is a program that prepares one for the deck and engine maintenance and machine operation on the deck as well as in the engine room. So, why choose a course that gives you a rating ?? Here is why :

• If a candidate is not from a Science background, I.e. not having physics, chemistry and maths as main subjects, but wants to join the Merchant Navy, then a GP rating can be the best course to choose.
• If a candidate does not come from a good financial background, then choosing this course is not a bad choice.
• Starting with this course can lead you to higher positions in the maritime hierarchy, such as Able-body Seaman, pumpman, bosun and even Officer. To see the career path after doing a GP rating course. Scroll down 👇

How to join the GP rating course?

GP rating course is an entry-level program for the maritime sector. To join the GP rating program, There is no specific exam conducted by DG shipping like IMU CET, but a small entry-level exam can be conducted by the maritime training institutes to check whether the candidate is fit for the job or not.

There can be different levels of exams, or maybe interviews are conducted by the maritime institutes, and also their eligibility standards can be different, so the links of the top 5 colleges are mentioned below in the post, click to know the complete admission process.

Eligibility criteria for GP rating course:

Candidate needs to fulfil the requirements or eligibility standards given as per the guidelines by DG shipping :

1. Academic Eligibility- The candidates who Pass with an aggregate of 40% marks in 10th Standard from a recognized Board with Science and Mathematics as subjects and with a minimum of 40% marks in the English language are eligible for admission to the GP Rating Course. OR The candidates who scored more than 40% in 12th Standard from a recognized Board and also scored more than 40% in English subject are also eligible. OR The candidates who have an ITI diploma Certificate with more than 40 % marks in the final year are also eligible.
2. Medical Requirements- The candidates must be physically fit as per the DG shipping standards. There should be no COLOR Blindness and Vision should be 6/6 in the better eye.      

Choosing a good college with good placement and passing percentage is very important if you want to have a smooth start in the Merchant Navy.

Top 5 GP rating Colleges & their fees :

Here is the list of the top 5 GP-rating colleges in India that provide sponsorship letters even before starting your pre-sea courses.

GP rating career progression :

After successfully completion the 6-month course from training institutes, you can apply for your documents like CDC and SID and you can join any FG vessel as a Trainee O.S. for the deck department and as a Trainee Wiper/Fitter.

Then, you have to complete your first contract with a sea time of around 6 to 9 months to be promoted to Ordinary Seaman/Wiper.

Then you have to go for more sea time, around 18 months, to be promoted as an Able-bodied Seaman/ pumpman.

With further experience and sea time, you will be promoted to a bosun / Fitter. This will take you around 24 -36 months of sea time. Then if you want to be an officer onboard, you have to go for modular courses followed by a written examination and orals in MMD.

After successfully completion all examinations, you will be promoted to junior watchkeeping officer on a merchant vessel.

GP rating Salary in India :

GP rating salary in India depends upon several factors, such as the department you choose, i.eEngine or deck, the company you are working with and most importantly your working experience. Here is the list of deck rating ranks and their salaries in Indian Rupee in good shipping companies.

As for deck rating, ships have a rating department for the engine side also. Here is the list of engine rating ranks and their salaries in INR.

How are GP rating exams conducted?

The Directorate General of Shipping has its own separate body that conducts the Examinations for the GP rating program pan India. This body is the Board Of Examination of Seafarers (BMS), which has the responsibility to conduct the exit exams once the training 6 months has been completed.

The examinations are comprised of the:

• A practical examination
• A computer-based written examination
• An oral interview with the examiner

FAQs

BY VIVEK RAO

Vivek Rao