Yes, girls can pursue a career in the Merchant Navy through Girls GP Rating Course. If you are planning to join Girls GP Rating Course in 2027, you must meet the applicable eligibility, medical fitness and training requirements. The idea that maritime careers are only for men is outdated, and women can now join Girls GP Rating Course for shipboard roles subject to the requirements.
What Is GP Rating?
Girls GP Rating Course stands for General Purpose Rating. For example, it is a pre-sea training programme designed to prepare candidates for rating-level work in deck and engine departments.
In addition, the DGS Girls GP Rating Course curriculum is designed around competence in both deck and engine duties. Furthermore, it includes pathways toward watchkeeping rating and Able Seafarer certification after the required sea service.
Therefore, the pre-sea course is generally six months.
Can Girls Join GP Rating Course After 10th?
Yes, girls who meet the applicable admission requirements can apply for Girls GP Rating Course.
Moreover, The published DGS GP Rating eligibility framework refers to educational qualifications such as passing Class 10 from a recognized board with Science and Mathematics and the prescribed English marks. The published criteria do not establish a male-only admission route.
However, students applying for the 2027 batch should verify the latest eligibility rules with DG Shipping and the selected institute.
Girls GP Rating Course Medical Fitness Test
Candidates must meet the applicable maritime medical standards.
DG Shipping’s medical framework applies to seafarers and includes specific provisions for female seafarers. Current DGS medical material states that female seafarers should preferably be examined by duly approved female medical examiners.
The purpose of the medical examination is to determine whether the candidate is medically fit to perform duties safely at sea.
What Work Can a Female GP Rating Do?
After completing the required training and obtaining the necessary certification, a female rating may work in relevant shipboard positions according to her qualifications and employer requirements.
Possible career progression can include:
GP Rating → Rating/OS → AB → Senior Rating/Bosun
The exact promotion depends on sea service, competency certification, company requirements and available positions.
Is GP Rating a Good Career for Girls?
It can be, but candidates should understand the lifestyle before choosing it.
Working at sea may involve:
- Living onboard a vessel
- Long periods away from home
- Shift duties
- Physically demanding work
- Strict safety procedures
- Team-based working
- Different weather and sea conditions
Therefore, the decision should be based on genuine interest in maritime work rather than simply salary.
What Are the Challenges?
A female seafarer may face challenges such as adapting to life onboard, being away from family and working in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
However, professional behaviour, technical competence, communication skills and safety awareness are important for every seafarer.
Candidates should choose an institute and employer that maintain appropriate professional standards and provide a safe working environment.
Career Opportunities for Women at Sea
Women can pursue different maritime careers depending on their education and training.
These may include:
- Deck roles
- Engineering roles
- Catering
- Hospitality
- Cruise operations
- Maritime administration
- Shore-based maritime jobs
For a student specifically interested in becoming an officer, officer-entry programmes such as DNS or other approved nautical pathways may be more appropriate than GP Rating.
Salary for Female GP Ratings
There is no separate “female salary” simply because the candidate is a woman.
Pay is generally determined by the rank, employer, vessel, contract, qualifications and experience.
Therefore, a female AB and male AB working under comparable employment conditions may have salary structures based on the applicable contract/rank rather than gender.
Candidates should ask the employer for the actual salary and contract terms before joining.
What Should Girls Check Before Joining?
Before paying any admission fee, check:
- DG Shipping approval.
- Medical requirements.
- Hostel arrangements.
- Safety and security facilities.
- Institute’s training record.
- Shipboard training/placement information.
- Total course fee.
- Company or employer details if placement is claimed.
- Written terms and conditions.
DGS publishes GP Rating institute performance information, which can be useful when evaluating training institutes.
Yes, girls can pursue GP Rating when they meet the applicable requirements. Gender should not be the reason for rejecting a maritime career.
However, GP Rating is not an easy shortcut to a shipboard job. It requires discipline, physical fitness, technical training and the ability to adapt to life at sea.
Girls considering the course should research the institute carefully, understand the job responsibilities and verify the current 2027 admission and medical requirements.
With proper training, certification and experience, women can build professional careers in the maritime industry.
FAQs
Can girls join GP Rating after 10th?
Eligible female candidates can apply subject to the applicable admission and medical requirements.
Is GP Rating safe for girls?
Shipboard safety depends on the vessel, employer, onboard procedures and working environment. Candidates should carefully research the employer and institute.
Do female seafarers have different salaries?
Salary depends primarily on rank, company, vessel, contract and experience, not simply gender.
Can girls become officers after GP Rating?
A rating background can be part of certain progression pathways, but officer certification requires additional sea service, training and examinations.
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