What is GP Rating?
Ratings are the crew who keep a ship running day to day. A GP Rating is trained for both departments: on deck you help with mooring, cargo work, watchkeeping and maintenance, and in the engine room you help the engineers with machinery, cleaning and repairs.
The course is run by DG Shipping approved institutes. After training you receive your Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and STCW basic safety certificates, and can then be placed on ships by shipping companies.
Eligibility
| Education | Class 10 pass with at least 40% overall and 40% in English, or Class 12 pass in any stream with 40% overall and 40% in English, or a two-year ITI (Fitter, Machinist, Mechanic, Welder, Turner and similar trades) with 40% in the final year |
|---|---|
| Age | 17½ to 25 years on the day the course starts. Many institutes relax the upper limit for diploma or degree holders and for SC/ST candidates. |
| Medical | Fit for sea service as per DG Shipping medical standards, certified by a DGS approved doctor |
| Eyesight | As per DG Shipping standards for ratings. Colour vision is tested. |
| Other | Indian nationality and a valid Indian passport |
Check the current notice. Marks, age limits and fees differ between institutes and change from year to year. We go through the latest notification with you before you apply.
How selection works
- Apply
Fill in the form for a DG Shipping approved institute or a company-run GP Rating programme.
- Written test
Usually English, basic maths, general science, reasoning and general knowledge.
- Interview
Questions on why you want to sail, your background and basic awareness.
- Medical
A full medical by a DGS approved doctor, including an eyesight and colour vision test.
- Pre-sea training
Six months at the institute, covering seamanship, engine room basics and safety at sea.
- CDC and first ship
You receive your CDC and join a ship as a trainee.
Career path
Deck side
- Trainee OS
- Ordinary Seaman
- Able Seaman
- Bosun
Engine side
- Trainee Wiper
- Wiper
- Motorman
- Fitter
With enough sea time and further exams, ratings can go on to become officers.
How we prepare you
- Coaching for the written entrance test: English, maths, general science, reasoning and general knowledge
- Previous year questions and timed mock tests
- Mock interviews and spoken English practice
- Help choosing a DG Shipping approved institute and checking any job offer you receive
- Guidance on the medical, eyesight test, passport and documents
Questions about GP Rating
Can I join GP Rating after Class 10?
Yes. Most institutes accept Class 10 with at least 40% overall and 40% in English, as long as you are within the age limit on the date the course starts.
Is GP Rating the same as becoming an officer?
No. GP Ratings are crew members who work under the officers. It is a quicker and cheaper way to start sailing, and with sea time and further exams a rating can work up to officer rank.
Can anyone guarantee me a job on a ship after GP Rating?
No one can honestly guarantee a placement. Choose a DG Shipping approved institute, be careful with agents who ask for money in return for a job, and call us if you are unsure about an offer.
Not sure which route fits you?
Tell us your marks, age and eyesight. We will tell you honestly which courses you qualify for and what to do next.