General Purpose Rating (GP Rating)
GP Rating means General Purpose Rating. GP Rating candidates are those who have been trained in both Deck and Engine Room tasks. Such ratings may be employed either in the deck department or Engine department according to the needs of the company. They perform tasks related to Seamanship, Cargo Handling, Maintenance work on deck, and Operation and Maintenance of Machinery. This Course ensured higher employability of the Indian seafarers in the world market.
GP Rating is a six-month residential course approved by D.G Shipping (Gov. of India). GP Rating syllabus includes the combined study of Deck and Engineering subjects. This course will cover all aspects of the seafaring profession (Deck and Engine), which also include swimming, physical drills, workshop training, rope and mast climbing, lifesaving appliances usage, fire fighting exercises ship visits, etc. After the training, external examinations are conducted by the Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES) under D.G Shipping (Govt of India).
Students who successfully pass the examination (BES) are issued INDIAN CDC and are eligible for ship jobs around the world. The students can join a ship as trainee OS (Ordinary Seaman) / trainee fitter/trainee oiler/trainee engine room cadet (for Diploma holders). The G.P.Rating candidate will be able to work in all seamanship activities on-board at the deck side & as well as at the Engine side. With further sea service, they will be promoted as, Able-Bodied Seamen / Engine Fitter, Bosun, etc.
They can also be promoted to Officer Level with certain sea service (36 months) and qualification requirements. There are wide job opportunities for Indian Seamen all over the world.
Those candidates who want to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy as soon as they pass 10thStandard can join the GP Rating course. These courses help the candidates to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy and help in financial growth after 6 months of Pre-sea training.
There is no Common Entrance Test for GP Rating. However, some institutes conduct their own test to select the candidates.
G.P. RATING ELIGIBILITY.
Educational qualifications:
The minimum educational qualification is a pass in the S.S.C / 10th or its equivalent exam from any recognized board. Aggregate/ overall percentage must not be less than 40% and in ENGLISH subject minimum required is 40% either in 10th/12th exams.
Age limit: The maximum age limit is 25 years at the time of commencement of the course.
Medical standards: Minimum Height -157 cm, Weight-48 kg. Should be physically fit for sea and meet the medical standards laid by the Director General of shipping.
Eyesight/Vision: Use of corrective lenses for eyesight is permitted but the maximum permissible limits, at entry, are 6/12 in each eye or 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in another eye for distant unaided vision. Color blindness is not permitted.
Mode of selection: Written /Interview/ Medical Examination.
GP Rating Course duration: GP rating course is a 6-month residential course.
GP Rating Course fees: Around 2 to 3.30 lakh rupees, Depending on the college the candidate gets selected.
Note: Candidates desirous of joining the course must apply for a passport immediately if they do not already have a passport, as it is a requirement when applying for C.D.C.
GP Rating Career Path.
After completing the GP Rating course, one may work as Deck or Engine crew aboard ships. After 36 months of sea service, one may appear for 2nd Mate Examination and rise to Officer. With further sea service and examinations (oral and/or written), one may rise through the Ranks and reach Captain level.
