If you’re wondering how to join Merchant Navy after 10th in India, this complete 2027 guide explains every step. Learn about the GP Rating course, eligibility, age limit, medical fitness, duration, fees, salary, and career opportunities after Class 10.
The most common route after Class 10 is GP Rating (General Purpose Rating). It is a pre-sea training programme designed to prepare candidates for shipboard duties in the deck and engine departments.
Can You Join Merchant Navy After 10th?
Yes. Candidates who have completed Class 10 can apply for certain rating-level maritime courses, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and medical standards.
According to DG Shipping’s GP Rating eligibility guidelines, candidates can qualify through Class 10 with Science and Mathematics as subjects, at least 40% aggregate marks, and at least 40% in English. Candidates can also qualify through certain ITI routes under the applicable rules.
However, passing Class 10 does not mean that a student can directly become a Captain, Chief Officer or Marine Engineer. Those officer careers require additional education, training, sea service and certification.
GP Rating After 10th
GP Rating is a six-month pre-sea course. DG Shipping’s current training documentation identifies GP Rating as a six-month course.
The course provides basic training related to shipboard operations, safety, seamanship and practical duties. After successfully completing the required training and assessments, candidates can pursue employment as ratings, subject to meeting the relevant certification, medical and company requirements.
Eligibility for GP Rating to Join merchant navy after 10th
The commonly applicable DG Shipping requirements include:
- Class 10 pass from a recognized board
- Science and Mathematics as subjects
- Minimum 40% aggregate marks
- Minimum 40% marks in English
- Required medical fitness
- Required eyesight and colour-vision standards
- Applicable age requirements at the time of admission
The exact age and medical requirements should always be checked against the latest DGS-approved course guidelines and the particular training institute before admission.
What Can You Do After GP Rating?
After completing GP Rating and the required certification/exit processes, a candidate can work in shipboard rating positions in the deck or engine department depending on the job and company requirements. GP Rating personnel may perform duties such as seamanship work, cargo-related tasks, deck maintenance and machinery-related duties.
With experience, additional training and the required qualifications, there are also progression pathways toward officer certification.
Can You Become a Merchant Navy Officer After 10th?
Not directly.
A student completing Class 10 generally enters through a rating-level pathway. To progress to an officer position, additional academic qualifications, approved training, sea service and competency examinations are required.
For example, DGS has a pathway for suitably qualified deck ratings to progress toward Second Mate (Foreign Going) certification, subject to prescribed education, sea service, training and examinations.
Step-by-Step Joining Process for merchant navy after 10th
- Enroll in an Approved Institute: Choose a 6-month residential pre-sea training program approved by DG Shipping.
- Complete Training: Finish the 6-month GP Rating course, which covers basic seamanship, safety, and ship operations.
- Clear Examinations: Pass the exit examinations conducted by the Board of Examination for Seafarers (BES).
- Get CDC and Passport: Obtain your Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and a valid international passport.
- Start Working: Join entry-level roles on ships as an Ordinary Seaman in the deck department or a Wiper in the engine department.
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