About General Purpose Rating (GPR)

The training course is a (6) Six months Pre-Sea Course / Training approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. The training comprises a theoretical and practical study of General Ship Knowledge and Marine Engineering Knowledge which allows the successful trainees to join the merchant shipping in the Deck or Engineering Department as a Trainee GP Rating. This course is conducted twice a year with batches commencing January and June each year.

Minimum Requirement

Pass with aggregate 40% marks in 10th Standard from a recognized Board with Science, Mathematics as subjects and with minimum 40% marks in the English language. Or Pass in 2-Year I.T.I. course from Govt. Approved Institute with minimum 50% aggregate marks in final year and minimum 40% marks in English at 10th or Diploma Exam.

Passport

It is mandatory to have a passport at the time of Pre sea course joining.

Age Limit

18 - 25 Years or candidates belonging to General Caste

30 Years for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) category

28 Years for candidates belonging to Other Backward Caste (OBC) Category

The candidate aspiring to join this course should be within the above age limit on the date of course commencement.

Medical and Eyesight Requirements

Medical and Eyesight requirements shall be as per the existing standards of DG Shipping. 6/6 Vision with no colour blindness. No speech impairment (disorder). Every trainee will have to undergo and produce a Medical Fitness certificate issued by DG Shipping approved Doctor.

Admission Procedure

All admissions for the GP Rating course are done by the seaways placement & services. All aspiring candidates meeting the above-mentioned admission criteria can contact the seaways placement & services along with their educational qualification documents and register for the course.

Issue of Certificates

All trainees will be provided the following certificates after the course and successfully passing the All India Exit Examination.

Basic Safety Training (PST/PSSR/EFA/FPFF)

Security Training for Seafarers in Designated Security Duties

Oil & Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations

Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDos) Registration

Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)

Job role & responsibilities

GP Rating is trained in both Deck and Engine Room duties. They can be employed in either the Deck or Engine department according to the needs of the company. Ratings work on the ship involves seamanship activities, cargo handling, maintenance work, operation, and maintenance of machinery, They can work in a variety of roles, including deckhand, able seaman, oiler, and greaser.

1. Cleaning and maintaining the deck, holds, and tanks

2. Carrying out orders from the ship's officers and master

3. Chipping and painting parts of the ship

4. Keeping lookout on the bridge, gangway, and security watch

5. Steering the ship under the direction of the officer on watch

6. Assisting with cargo loading and unloading

7. Mooring and unmooring the vessel in ports.

Scope & Career Progression

In Merchant cargo ship, there are mainly 2 departments, Deck department & Engine department. In both the department crew are required to work under the supervision of officers. They are called GP ratings.( General Purpose Rating, & GP Ratings work on ships in the engine or deck departments. They assist with tasks such as maintenance, cargo handling, and more. They can be promoted to Deck Serang, Bosun, Able-Bodied Seamen, or Engine Fitter.

On job Scope

After Sailing Trainee ordinary seaman, > Ordinary seaman, > Abled seaman, > Bosun > & Then Eligible for Technical Officer / Mechanical Engineer