Most of the students do not finish their school with a clear plan . They are misguided , unaware, or are confused to the opportunities that exist beyond the traditional common career options. If you are someone who has done their 10th standard , or completed 12th with stream other than science or have wasted years, just exploring things and are confused now what to do? It’s not the end . The GP rating course, can be your gateway to an amazing career option and a well paying career at sea .
What is GP RATING?
GP rating stands for general purpose rating. It is a six months residential course approved by the directorate general shipping of India, which allows you to work on board merchant ships as engine and deck crew. It is open with a basic criteria of passing 10th standard.
After completing the course, students join ships as OS (Ordinary Seaman) or Wiper and gain sea-time to eventually rise up the ranks.
Why GP rating is a must take opportunity
1) No Science, No Problem
Unlike diploma in nautical science or BSC nautical science, GP rating does not require you to have science stream in your 12th standard.
This makes it ideal for:
• Arts or Commerce stream students
• Those who didn’t pursue 12th
• Candidates who failed 12th or dropped out but cleared 10th
They still have opportunity for a deck career , which is rare for students who are not from science background.
2) It is a way out of confusion
Many students passed their at school without even knowing what to do or exploring common career and spending a huge time for for preparing and trying different paths from IIT to MBA to call centre jobs to salesman jobs or failed colleges they are stuck.
If you are someone who was not guided or was unaware , wasted time after 10th and 12th or tried and failed other carrier options , The GP Rating course is a powerful second career option—a reset button for students who felt lost after school.
Within six months of pre sea training , After just six months of maritime training for 10th pass students, you can board a ship and start earning a stable income.
3) Learn While You Earn
After completing pre sea training, you can join ship and earn around 20,000 to 30,000 rupees . Depending on your ship and company at the initial level.
And as you learn more on board and gain experience
• OS becomes AB (Able Seaman)
• Wiper becomes Motorman
• You become eligible for promotion exams and officer-level training (like 2nd Mate or 4th Engineer)
In few years with your dedication and hard work, you can be as the same level as a deck cadet will achieve in his future years and can earn in lakhs with huge respect .
4) Become a Deck Officer—The Alternate Route
hrough GP rating, you can join the engine side too (like Wiper to Motorman to 4E) , but mostly everybody is amazed of the deck side and who doesn’t wants to be the captain of the ship..and through GP rating you can still become an officer .
You’ll need:
• Minimum sea-time (usually 36 months for deck side)
• Basic STCW courses and preparatory classes
• To clear the 2nd Mate (FG) exam
This alternative path is longer than DNS but fully achievable and respected.
5. Adventure, Travel & a Better Life
GP rating can take you from a confused youth to a high earning – travelling professional where you will get a lot of life lessons, international exposure , a stable lifestyle and the pride of working in the Merchant Navy.
For someone who once thought they had “no option,” this is not just a career. it’s redemption.
Who is Eligible for GP Rating?
10th pass students with minimum 40% aggregate and 40% in English
• Physically fit (vision standards apply)
• Age between 17.5 to 25 years (age relaxations may apply in some institutes)
• Candidates with no backlog of ambition, even if they had one in academics
Read more Blogs: The Future of the Merchant Navy: Innovations, Trends & Tech for Sustainability
Final thoughts
If you’re someone who missed out on the science stream, or couldn’t afford long-term studies, or simply made mistakes in career choices , GP Rating is your second chance. But it comes with sacrifices and hard-work , the path is not easy, but is rewardable.
The sea doesn’t judge your past. It rewards your courage, hard work, and resilience. So, step aboard. A brighter future might just be six months away.
If you’re confused about where to apply, which institute to choose, or how to prepare for interviews – IMUMATE offers real experiences, not just brochures. Join IMUMATE. , Prepare Connect with Merchant Navy seniors, clear your doubts, and sail ahead with clarity.
