The GP Rating Medical Test is the most important step for joining the Merchant Navy after Class 10 or ITI. Even if you meet the educational eligibility, DG Shipping will not allow you to join any approved GP Rating course unless a DG Shipping-approved medical examiner declares you medically fit.
However, many students face rejection because they do not know the exact eyesight, colour vision, height, weight, or hearing standards. Therefore, this guide explains everything about the GP Rating medical test in 2027 in simple language.
What is the GP Rating Medical Test?
The GP Rating Medical Test is a complete health checkup before your pre-sea training. Because life onboard a ship is very demanding and medical facilities are limited at sea, DG Shipping wants to ensure that every candidate is physically fit. So, you must clear this medical test before joining any training institute.
Therefore, only DG Shipping-approved doctors can conduct this medical examination. You can easily find their list on the official DG Shipping portal.
GP Rating Medical Eligibility (DG Shipping Standards)
Quick Medical Eligibility Table
| Medical Parameter | Requirement |
| Eyesight | Good vision as per DG Shipping standards. |
| Color Vision | No color blindness. |
| Hearing | Normal hearing in both ears. |
| Height | Minimum height generally accepted is around 157 cm. |
| Weight / BMI | Healthy weight with BMI generally within the accepted range. |
| General Health | No serious illness or communicable disease. |
1) Eyesight Requirement for GP Rating
Firstly, doctors check your eyesight very strictly during the GP Rating medical test.
GP Rating Eyesight Standards
| Vision Test | Requirement |
| Distant Vision | Typically 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other without visual defects affecting sea duty. |
| Binocular Vision | Must be normal. |
| Night Vision | Should be normal. |
| Eye Movement | Full movement in both eyes. |
In addition, you should not have any major eye disease that can worsen during sea service.
2) Is Color Blindness Allowed?
No, DG Shipping does not allow color blindness for GP Rating.
Doctors test your color perception with the Ishihara Color Vision Test. Because GP Ratings work with safety signals, navigation lights, and emergency equipment, they must identify colors correctly. Therefore, if doctors detect color blindness, they will disqualify you.
3) Height, Weight and BMI Requirements
Physical fitness is essential because GP Ratings perform heavy manual work on deck and in the engine room.
Physical Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
| Minimum Height | Approximately 157 cm (relaxation may apply in specific cases). |
| Weight | Should be proportional to height. |
| BMI | Generally expected to be between 18.5 and 25. |
Moreover, if you are significantly underweight or overweight, the medical examiner may ask you for an additional evaluation.
4) Complete GP Rating Medical Test Checklist
During the examination, doctors conduct several tests. For example:
Tests Included
| Medical Test | Purpose |
| Eye Examination | Vision, color perception, binocular vision. |
| Hearing Test | Normal hearing ability. |
| Blood Pressure | Checks cardiovascular fitness. |
| BMI & Physical Examination | Height, weight and body fitness. |
| Chest X-Ray | Lung health screening. |
| Blood Test | General health assessment. |
| Urine Test | Detects infection or medical issues. |
| General Physician Examination | Overall medical fitness certification. |
The exact list may vary slightly depending on the approved medical examiner and institute.
5) Common Reasons Candidates Fail the GP Rating Medical Test
Many candidates fail due to the following reasons. So, avoid these mistakes:
- Colour blindness.
- Poor eyesight beyond acceptable standards.
- Hearing impairment.
- High blood pressure.
- Serious respiratory illness.
- Communicable diseases.
- Severe obesity or underweight condition.
- Physical disabilities affecting shipboard duties.
Many of these conditions require further medical evaluation before a candidate can be declared fit.
6) GP Rating Medical Test Preparation Tips
Before your medical test, follow these tips for better results:
- Sleep well before the examination.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco before the test.
- Eat a light meal unless instructed otherwise.
- Carry previous medical records if required.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before the examination improves overall fitness.
7) College-Wise GP Rating Course Fees (Approx. 2027)
| DG Shipping Approved Institute | Approximate Fees (INR) |
| SCI Maritime Training Institute (Mumbai) | ₹4,50,000 |
| HIMT College (Chennai) | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| International Maritime Institute – IMI (Greater Noida) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Training Ship Varren (Mumbai) | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| SMVD Maritime Academy | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Other DG Shipping Approved Private Institutes | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
Note: Fees are approximate and may change for the 2027 admission batch. Always verify the latest fee structure directly with the institute before paying admission fees.
8) Who Conducts the GP Rating Medical Test?
The medical examination must be conducted only by DG Shipping-approved medical examiners. DG Shipping maintains an official register of approved doctors across India, and candidates should avoid getting medical certificates from unauthorized clinics.
9) Career After Clearing the GP Rating Medical Test
Once medically fit and admitted to a DG Shipping-approved GP Rating course, candidates can begin six months of pre-sea training. After completing training and meeting company recruitment requirements, they may join ships as:
- Trainee GP Rating.
- Ordinary Seaman (Deck).
- Wiper (Engine Department).
- Deck Rating.
- Engine Rating.
After that, with sea experience, you can grow to Able Seaman, Bosun, and other higher roles.
10) FAQs – GP Rating Medical Test
1. Is the GP Rating medical test compulsory?
Yes. Every candidate must clear a DG Shipping-approved medical examination before joining a GP Rating course.
2. Can I join GP Rating if I wear glasses?
Eyesight requirements are strict for GP Rating candidates. Eligibility depends on whether your vision meets DG Shipping standards during the medical examination.
3. Is color blindness allowed in GP Rating?
No. Candidates must have normal color vision and pass the Ishihara color perception test.
4. What is the minimum height for the GP Rating course?
The generally accepted minimum height is around 157 cm, though specific relaxations may apply under DG Shipping rules.
5. What tests are included in the GP Rating medical examination?
The medical examination usually includes eyesight, colour vision, hearing, blood pressure, blood and urine tests, chest X-ray, BMI assessment, and a general physical examination.
6. How much does the GP Rating medical test cost?
The medical examination fee varies depending on the DG Shipping-approved medical examiner and location. Candidates should confirm the latest charges directly with the approved clinic before booking the appointment.
7. Can I take the GP Rating medical test before admission?
Yes. Many students complete the DG Shipping-approved medical examination before final admission so they know whether they meet Merchant Navy fitness standards.
The GP Rating Medical Test is the gateway to starting a Merchant Navy career after Class 10 or ITI. Clearing the medical examination is just as important as meeting the educational eligibility criteria because seafarers must be fit to work in demanding onboard conditions. Before applying, verify that both your medical examiner and training institute are approved by DG Shipping, and prepare for the examination by maintaining good health and understanding the required eyesight, color vision, hearing, height, and BMI standards.
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