GP Rating Merchant Navy 2026 — Complete Guide
GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) is the most accessible entry point into merchant navy. You need only 10th pass, no PCM, no entrance exam. But coaches have created enormous confusion around it. Here is the clear picture.
What is GP Rating?
GP Rating is a training programme that qualifies you to work as a deck rating on merchant ships. The GP Rating course is approved by DG Shipping and taught at RPSL-approved institutes.
After training, you work as an Ordinary Seaman (OS), progress to Able Seaman (AB), then Bosun — all hands-on deck work.
Eligibility
- Education: 10th pass (any board, any stream)
- Age: 17.5 to 25 years
- Medical: ENG1 medical fitness
- Colour vision: Category 3 acceptable (mild deficiency allowed)
- Swimming: Must be able to swim 200 metres (tested during admission)
- English: Basic reading and writing
No entrance exam required. Selection is direct admission at approved institutes.
Course Structure
Duration: 6 months (pre-sea training)
What you study:
- Ship familiarisation
- Safety and survival at sea (STCW Basic Safety)
- Firefighting and fire prevention
- Elementary first aid
- Deck equipment: anchoring, mooring, cargo operations
- Painting, maintenance, chipping
- Lifesaving appliance operation
- GMDSS basics
On completion: Proficiency in Basic Safety certificate (STCW) and GP Rating certificate.
Top GP Rating Institutes (DG Approved)
Check the full approved list at dgshipping.gov.in. Some reputed names:
- TS Chanakya, Mumbai (for deck ratings)
- HIMT, Chennai
- MTS, Cochin
- Various private institutes in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata — verify approval status before paying
Fees
Legitimate course fees: ₹35,000 – ₹80,000 for 6 months including hostel
Red flag: Any institute charging ₹1.5 lakh+ for GP Rating without a credible track record — verify with placed candidates.
Career Progression After GP Rating
OS (Ordinary Seaman) — Entry level
↓ 12 months sea time
AB (Able Seaman) — Main deck hand
↓ 36 months sea time + BST refresher
Bosun — Deck crew supervisor (₹55,000–80,000/month Indian flag)
↓ Further education (Watchkeeping Mate certificate)
OOW Deck (Officer of the Watch) — With additional bridge courses
GP Ratings who do night school or distance education can eventually sit for officer exams. The route is long but has been done.
Salary Structure (Indian Flag Ships)
| Rank | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|
| OS (Ordinary Seaman) | ₹20,000–35,000 |
| AB (Able Seaman) | ₹35,000–55,000 |
| Bosun | ₹55,000–80,000 |
Foreign flag ships: Ratings earn USD 800–1,800/month depending on company and ship type.
The Honest Reality Check
Positive:
- Low entry barrier — 10th pass, no PCM required
- Sea time builds up for future certification
- Stable employment once you have CDC and sea experience
- Foreign flag AB earns more than many onshore graduates
Challenges:
- First job is very hard to get without contacts or paid placement agents
- Work is physically demanding (outdoor, all weather, heavy equipment)
- Career ceiling lower than officer track without further education
- Some institutes take money and don’t deliver placements — research carefully
How to Find a Legitimate Institute
- Check institute on dgshipping.gov.in under “DG Approved Institutes”
- Ask for contact details of past placed candidates (any good institute has these)
- Visit the institute in person before paying — check training ships, equipment
- Verify RPSL number of the company offering placements
Never pay placement agents for a job after training. Legitimate companies recruit directly through their HR or manning agents listed on RPSL.
Want to know which GP Rating institutes in your state have the best placement records? Chat with SailorGPT for state-specific guidance.