The GP Rating or General Purpose Rating Course in 2027 is one of the best entry-level pathways for candidates interested in working on board commercial ships.
The course is particularly relevant for students who want to enter the Merchant Navy after Class 10 and begin their maritime career through the rating route.
What Is GP Rating Course?
GP Rating is a six-month Pre-Sea Training Program approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Govt. of India. In addition, the training comprises both theoretical and practical study of General Ship Knowledge and Marine Engineering. Therefore, after successful completion, trainees can join merchant ships in the Deck or Engine Department as a Trainee GP Rating. For example, they perform tasks related to Seamanship, Cargo Handling, Maintenance work on deck, and Operation and Maintenance of Machinery.
GP Rating Course Duration in 2027
The General Purpose (GP) Rating course duration for 2027 is 6 months of residential pre-sea training. Furthermore, it is typically followed by 6 months of structured shipboard training. As a result, the course includes maritime safety, practical shipboard skills and training relevant to deck and engine duties.
GP Rating Eligibility 2027
Educational Qualification
- Minimum Schooling: Passed 10th Standard (Matriculation) from a recognized board with Science and Mathematics as subjects.
- Aggregate Marks: At least 40% marks overall in the 10th standard exam.
- English Marks: Minimum 40% marks specifically in the English subject (either in 10th or 12th standard).
- Alternative/Additional Qualification: Many institutes (like T.S. Rahaman or SCI) also accept or require a 2-year ITI course (Fitter, Machinist, Welder, Turner, etc.) approved by NCVT/DVET with a passing mark.
Age Limit (for 2027 Batches)
- General Age Range: Between 17½ years and 25 years on the exact date of course commencement.
- Category Relaxations: Upper age limits can extend up to 28 years for OBC and 30 years for SC/ST candidates at select institutes. Certain academies may have specific institute-defined caps up to 28 years.
Medical and Physical Fitness
- Medical Standard: Must be completely fit physically and pass a medical exam conducted by a DG Shipping-approved doctor.
- Eyesight: 6/6 vision in the better eye and 6/9 in the other eye without glasses/external aids (minor correction limits depend on specific rules).
- Color Blindness: Strictly not permitted
GP Rating Course Fees 2027
GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) course fees for 2027 in India range from ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,90,000, depending on the college, facilities, and inclusion of board, lodging, and STCW certifications. Fees can differ according to the institute and what is included in the course package—for example, training, accommodation, meals, uniform, equipment, examination-related charges and other services.
Before admission, candidates should ask the institute for a written fee structure covering:
- Tuition/training fees
- Hostel fees
- Food/mess charges
- Uniform and equipment
- Examination charges
- Medical expenses
- Documentation charges
- Any additional compulsory charges
Most importantly, verify that the institute is approved for the relevant course by the maritime authority. DG Shipping provides an official list of approved training institutes.
GP Rating Salary
Salary after GP Rating is not a fixed amount.
It can vary according to:
- Shipping company
- Vessel type
- Rank/designation
- Flag of the vessel
- Contract
- Experience
- Route and trading area
- Company pay structure
Therefore, candidates should be cautious about advertisements promising a guaranteed salary immediately after completing GP Rating.The course provides a pathway into shipboard rating employment; actual employment and remuneration depend on the candidate’s certification, medical fitness, company selection and available vacancies.
What Jobs Can GP Rating Candidates Do?
Depending on the company’s requirements, GP Rating personnel may perform duties associated with both deck and engine operations.
Deck Department Jobs
- Ordinary Seaman (OS): An entry-level deck hand helping with cargo handling, cleaning, painting, and maintenance.
- Able Seaman (AB): A promoted rank responsible for steering the ship (helmsman), keeping a bridge lookout, and handling mooring lines.
- Bosun (Boatswain): A senior deck rating who supervises the deck crew and coordinates daily maintenance tasks.
Engine Department Jobs
- Wiper: An entry-level engine room cleaner who assists engineers and maintains machinery spaces.
- Oiler / Motorman: A role focused on maintaining and operating engine room equipment, fuel systems, and pumping ballast.
- Engine Fitter: A skilled rating handling metalwork, repairs, and heavy mechanical maintenance in the engine room.
Progression and Other Sectors
- Cruise Liners and Offshore Rigs: Working in maintenance, security, or general operations on floating hotels, oil rigs, and supply vessels.
- Officer-Level Promotion: With required sea-time service (typically 36+ months) and additional competency exams, ratings can eventually upgrade to officer ranks like Second Mates or Marine Engineers.
Career Growth After GP Rating
GP Rating does not have to be the end of the career. With appropriate education, sea service, approved training and competency certification, qualified ratings can progress toward higher responsibilities.
DGS documentation provides pathways for eligible deck ratings to progress toward officer certification, while recent DGS material also refers to an engine cadet scheme for GP Rating to Marine Engineer Officer Class-IV (NCV).
Career growth after a General Purpose (GP) Rating course moves from entry-level ship ratings to senior crew positions, with an optional, structured path to officer ranks through required sea time and competency examinations
Is GP Rating a Good Choice?
GP Rating can be a suitable option for candidates who want to enter the maritime sector after Class 10. Moreover, it is ideal for those who prefer practical, shipboard work and are medically fit for sea service. However, candidates who already meet the requirements for an officer-entry program may want to compare the officer pathway before choosing GP Rating.
For complete admission assistance and career counselling, contact Biocean Maritime Services today and start your journey towards becoming a Merchant Navy Crew through GP Rating.