What is the GP Rating Course?

The GP Rating Course is a pre-sea training programme approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Govt. of India — designed to prepare young aspirants for entry-level roles on merchant ships in the Deck or Engine department.  

“GP” stands for General Purpose — meaning the trainee is prepared for both deck-side and engine-side tasks.  

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Eligibility Criteria

Educational Requirements

•Pass 10 th standard (SSC) from a recognised board with subjects Mathematics, Science and English; minimum 40 % aggregate, and at least 40 % in English.  

•OR pass 12 th standard (any stream) with minimum 40 % aggregate + English minimum 40 % in 10th/12th.  

•OR an ITI (2-year) course in specified trades approved by DVET/NCVT with requisite marks + English criteria.  

Age & Fitness

•Age: Generally 17½ to 25 years at the commencement date of the course. Some relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories.  

•Medical fitness is mandatory: vision, colour-vision, physical fitness as per Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules.  

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Course Duration, Curriculum & Structure

•Duration: 6 months residential pre-sea training as standard.  

•Some programmes include additional onboard ship-service component (structured sea training) after pre-sea component.  

•Curriculum: Combined deck and engine modules — seamanship, cargo operations, machine room basics, maintenance, workshop tasks, safety training (fire-fighting, life-saving appliances), swimming, ship visits.  

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Career Opportunities & Salary Outlook

•After successful completion and certification, candidates become eligible for ship-board roles such as Trainee Ordinary Seaman, Trainee Oiler, Trainee Fitter, etc.  

•With sea-service experience, one can be promoted to Able Bodied Seaman (AB), Bosun, and with further qualifications potentially officer-level roles.  

•Salary: Initial salary during training and in early positions is reasonable; with experience and promotions it improves significantly (in USD-equivalent for international service).  

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Why Choose Delhi Maritime Academy (DMA) for GP Rating?

•DMA is located in Kalkaji, New Delhi — easily accessible and centrally placed for students from Delhi/NCR.

•DMA offers coaching, guidance and infrastructure targeted to maritime careers (including IMU CET, other pre-sea programmes).

•Leveraging the reputation and network of DMA gives candidates a stronger chance of securing high-quality maritime training and subsequent placements.

•Using DMA branding in all communications (posters, digital campaigns) ensures that students searching for “GP Rating course” or “Merchant Navy after 10th/12th” find DMA as a strong option.

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Keywords & Phrases to Target for SEO

To capture searches by students who haven’t yet refined their options, incorporate keywords such as:

•“GP Rating course after 10th”

•“General Purpose Rating merchant navy eligibility”

•“GP Rating salary merchant navy India”

•“6 months GP Rating pre-sea training”

•“Merchant navy deck engine rating course”

•“Join merchant navy after 10th without PCM”

•“Best institute for GP Rating Delhi NCR”

By using these in headings, meta description, alt-text of images & internal links, DMA’s page will attract search traffic from the right audience.

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FAQ – Common Questions

Q1. Can I join the GP Rating course immediately after 10th standard?

Yes — if you have passed 10th with required subjects and marks (Maths, Science & English) and fulfil age/medical criteria.

Q2. Is 12th science (PCM) mandatory for GP Rating?

No — many institutes accept 12th from any stream provided other eligibility conditions are satisfied.  

Q3. How soon can I get a job after finishing GP Rating?

After the 6-months course (and required sea-service/training), you become eligible for ship-board rating roles. Placement timing depends on institute tie-ups and industry demand.

Q4. Does colour-blindness disqualify me from GP Rating?

Yes, colour-vision tests are part of medical fitness and colour-blindness is generally disqualifying.  

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Conclusion

If you are looking to kick-start a maritime career quickly after 10th or 12th, the GP Rating Course offers one of the best pathways. With only six months of pre-sea training followed by shipboard service, you can step into the world of merchant navy. Choose a reliable institute like Delhi Maritime Academy for structured training, credible certification and ambitious career routes.