Engineering

General Purpose Rating

General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) is a six-month, pre-sea training course regulated by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) that prepares candidates for entry-level deck and engine room duties aboard merchant ships as a Rating. Training is conducted at DG Shipping-approved maritime training institutes and covers basic seamanship, ship safety, firefighting, first aid and shipboard routines, along with compulsory swimming and physical fitness standards. Selection is through the training institute's own process rather than a degree-level entrance exam. It suits Class 10 pass students who want to start a sea-going career quickly, without a Class 12 science background, and who are medically fit and physically prepared for life aboard ship.

0.5 years
Duration
Certificate
Level

About General Purpose Rating

General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) is a six-month, pre-sea training course regulated by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) that prepares candidates for entry-level deck and engine room duties aboard merchant ships as a Rating. Training is conducted at DG Shipping-approved maritime training institutes and covers basic seamanship, ship safety, firefighting, first aid and shipboard routines, along with compulsory swimming and physical fitness standards. Selection is through the training institute's own process rather than a degree-level entrance exam. It suits Class 10 pass students who want to start a sea-going career quickly, without a Class 12 science background, and who are medically fit and physically prepared for life aboard ship.

Why Choose General Purpose Rating

A quick entry into a sea-going career

At six months, GP Rating is one of the shortest routes from Class 10 into a job aboard a merchant ship.

No Class 12 science background needed

Unlike officer-track courses such as DNS or GME, GP Rating only needs a Class 10 pass, which widens access to a maritime career.

A recognised DG Shipping qualification

The course is regulated by DG Shipping and conducted only at approved training institutes, so the certification is recognised across Indian and foreign shipping companies.

A possible route to officer training later

With sea experience, some ratings go on to pursue further DG Shipping-approved courses toward officer ranks.

Detailed Syllabus (A single six-month (about 24–26 week) residential pre-sea course, not divided into separate academic years)

Core Subjects

Basic Seamanship
Ship Familiarisation
Rigging and Deck Maintenance
Basic Engine Room Routines
Anchoring and Mooring Operations
Watchkeeping Basics
Shipboard Safety and Emergency Procedures
Marine Pollution Prevention (basic)
Basic Firefighting
Personal Hygiene and Shipboard Discipline

Elective Subjects

Personal Survival Techniques (STCW)
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW)
Elementary First Aid (STCW)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (STCW)
Swimming and Sea Survival Training
Training is largely hands-on, covering rope work, rigging, deck and engine room maintenance, and anchoring and mooring drills, together with compulsory STCW safety courses such as Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. A swimming test and physical fitness assessment are part of training at most institutes, along with a final practical and written assessment before certification.
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