GP Rating Course 2026: Your Path to Merchant Navy After 10th

Think you need a degree to join Merchant Navy? Think again. GP Rating allows 10th pass candidates to start their maritime career. It’s the fastest, most affordable route to the sea.

What is GP Rating?

GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) is a 6-month pre-sea training course that prepares you for entry-level positions on ships. After completion, you can work as:

• Deck Rating (OS/AB)
• Engine Rating (Wiper/Oiler)

Key Facts:

• Duration: 6 months
• Eligibility: 10th pass
• Age: 17.5 to 25 years
• Entry Salary: ₹40,000 - ₹80,000/month

Why Choose GP Rating?

Advantages

1. Low Education Requirement: Only 10th pass needed
2. Short Training: Just 6 months
3. Affordable: ₹1-2 lakhs total
4. Quick Employment: Jobs available immediately
5. Career Growth: Can become officer through hawsepipe

Who Should Consider GP Rating?

• 10th/12th pass looking for maritime career
• Those who can’t afford expensive courses
• People seeking quick employment
• Those who want hands-on work

Eligibility Criteria

Educational

Requirement	Details
Minimum	10th pass (SSC)
Subjects	English as one subject
Marks	40% aggregate (varies by institute)

Physical

Parameter	Requirement
Age	17.5 - 25 years
Height	155 cm minimum
Weight	Proportionate
Vision	6/6 (glasses not allowed for deck)
Color Vision	Normal
Hearing	Normal

Other

• Indian citizen
• No criminal record
• Medically fit (DG approved doctor)

GP Rating Course Structure

Month 1-2: Basic Training

Subjects:

• Basic seamanship
• Ship construction basics
• Safety equipment
• Fire fighting basics
• Survival at sea
• First aid

Month 3-4: Specialized Training

Deck Stream:

• Navigation basics
• Steering
• Cargo handling
• Rope work
• Mooring/anchoring

Engine Stream:

• Engine room orientation
• Hand tools
• Basic maintenance
• Machinery operation
• Workshop practice

Month 5-6: STCW Courses

Mandatory Courses:

• PSSR (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility)
• PST (Personal Survival Techniques)
• EFA (Elementary First Aid)
• FPFF (Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting)

Top GP Rating Institutes

Institute	Location	Fees	Reputation
MTI Mumbai	Mumbai	₹1.2 lakhs	Excellent
Anglo-Eastern	Karjat	₹1.5 lakhs	Excellent
Great Eastern	Mumbai	₹1 lakh	Good
HIMT	Chennai	₹90,000	Good
MASSA	Mumbai	₹1 lakh	Good

Fees Breakdown

Component	Cost
Course Fee	₹60,000 - 1,00,000
Hostel & Mess	₹30,000 - 50,000
Uniform	₹10,000 - 15,000
STCW Courses	₹15,000 - 25,000
CDC & Documents	₹10,000 - 15,000
Total	₹1.25 - 2 lakhs

Career Path for GP Ratings

Deck Stream

Position	Experience Required	Salary (USD)
OS (Ordinary Seaman)	Entry	$800-1,200
AB (Able Seaman)	18 months as OS	$1,200-1,800
Bosun	Several years as AB	$2,000-3,000

Engine Stream

Position	Experience Required	Salary (USD)
Wiper	Entry	$700-1,000
Oiler	After training	$1,000-1,500
Fitter	Experience + skills	$1,800-2,500

Becoming an Officer (Hawsepipe)

GP Ratings CAN become officers:

Deck Officer Path:

1. Complete 36 months as AB
2. Clear competency exams
3. Get Class IV (FG) certificate
4. Join as Third Officer

Engine Officer Path:

1. Complete qualifying sea service
2. Pass MEO Class IV exam
3. Join as Fourth Engineer

Admission Process

Step 1: Apply Online/Offline

• Visit institute website
• Fill application form
• Submit basic documents

Step 2: Clear Written Test

Basic aptitude test covering:

• English
• Mathematics
• General knowledge

Step 3: Physical Test

• Height measurement
• Weight check
• Basic fitness

Step 4: Medical Examination

At DG Shipping approved center:

• Vision test (important!)
• Color vision
• General health

Step 5: Interview

• Motivation check
• Communication assessment
• Career understanding

Documents Required

Educational:

• 10th mark sheet and certificate
• TC (Transfer Certificate)

Personal:

• Birth certificate
• Passport (or applied proof)
• Aadhar card
• Photographs (passport size)

Medical:

• Fitness certificate

Life as a Rating

Daily Routine

Time	Activity
0600	Wake up
0700	Breakfast
0800-1200	Morning watch/work
1200-1300	Lunch
1300-1700	Afternoon work
1700	End of work day
Evening	Rest, recreation

Work Involved

Deck Ratings:

• Steering the ship
• Mooring/unmooring
• Cargo operations
• Maintenance (painting, chipping)
• Anchor handling
• Safety watch

Engine Ratings:

• Engine room cleaning
• Assisting engineers
• Basic maintenance
• Oiling machinery
• Workshop tasks

Companies Hiring GP Ratings

Good Employers

Company	Starting Salary	Reputation
Anglo-Eastern	$1,000+	Excellent
Fleet Management	$900+	Good
BSM	$950+	Good
Synergy	$850+	Average
OSM	$900+	Good

Challenges to Know

Reality Check

1. Physical Work: Ratings do manual labor
2. Lower Pay: Compared to officers
3. Limited Growth: Becoming officer is hard
4. Hierarchy: You’re at the bottom initially
5. Contract Jobs: No permanent employment

How to Succeed

1. Learn continuously
2. Work hard and stay reliable
3. Get additional certifications
4. Consider officer pathway
5. Save money wisely

Alternatives to GP Rating

If GP Rating doesn’t suit you:

Option	Requirement	Duration
Saloon Rating	10th pass	3 months
NCV (Navigational Watch)	12th pass	1 year
ETO Course	Diploma/B.Tech EEE	4 months

Common Questions

Can I become Captain through GP Rating?

Technically possible through hawsepipe, but very rare and takes 15-20 years.

Is GP Rating job guaranteed?

No guarantee, but placement rates are good (70-80%) from reputed institutes.

Can girls do GP Rating?

Yes, but very few women choose ratings. More common to pursue officer courses.

What’s the contract duration?

Typically 6-9 months on ship, then 2-3 months leave.

Is life tough as a rating?

Yes, work is physically demanding, but pay is good for 10th pass qualification.

Conclusion

GP Rating is the most accessible route to Merchant Navy. If you’re 10th pass, can handle physical work, and want to see the world while earning, this is your path.

Remember:

• It’s hard work but good money
• Career growth requires effort
• Start young for best opportunities
• Choose a good institute

The sea doesn’t care about your degree—it cares about your dedication.

---

Questions about GP Rating? Chat with SailorGPT - Get instant guidance on institutes, admission, and career planning. Available 24/7.