• March 21, 2025

How to Join Merchant Navy After 10th?

Introduction: 

If you want to join the Merchant Navy with 10th marks, the most direct path is the GP Rating Course. This course prepares you for entry-level jobs on ships and gives you a chance to build a long-term career in the Merchant Navy.

About GP Rating

GP Rating (General Purpose Rating) is a 6-month Residential course approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India.

It trains you to work in:

  • Deck Department – navigation support, cargo handling, mooring, etc.
  • Engine Department – machinery cleaning, maintenance, assisting marine engineers

After completing the course, you can join a ship as a trainee seaman (also called Ordinary Seaman or Wiper, depending on the department).

Eligibility:

Education:

  • Above 40% aggregate in 10th standard with Science and Math’s as subjects.
  • Minimum of 40% marks in English in 10th standard
  • Passed the 10th Std from a recognized board.

Age Limit:

17.5 to 25 years (at the time of Course Commencement)

Medical Fitness:

  • Eyesight: 6/6 vision in both eyes (unaided), no color blindness
  • Physically and mentally fit for sea service
  • A DG-approved doctor must do a medical check-up

Colleges Offering GP Rating Course :

You must take the course only at DG Shipping-approved institutes. Some top institutes:

1. HIMT College, Chennai

HIMT is one of the top maritime training institutes in India and a solid choice for the GP Rating course, especially for students from South India.

Why HIMT?

  • DG Shipping Approved: Offers GP Rating course with all required approvals
  • Experienced Faculty: Trainers with both sea and classroom experience
  • Modern Training Facilities:
    • Engine room and bridge Simulators
    • VR Lab
    • Seamanship and firefighting labs
    • Lifeboat, life raft, and survival training setups
  • Hostel & Food:
    • Clean accommodation
    • Hygienic mess
    • Laundry and basic gym access
  • Placement Support:
    • Strong industry tie-ups
    • Campus interviews and guidance provided

Scholarships at HIMT:

  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: ₹20,000 for deserving GP Rating students from low-income backgrounds
  • Award of Excellence: ₹5,000 for top performer, ₹3,000 for second best
  • Sports Scholarship: For students who’ve represented at national/international sports events

Other Institutes:

  1. TS Rahman, Mumbai
  2. BP Marine Academy, Navi Mumbai
  3. AMET University, Chennai
  4. Euro Tech Maritime Academy, Kochi

For the latest approved list, visit   www.dgshipping.gov.in

Career Growth & Scope :

  1. After Course Completion:
     The candidate finishes the 6-month GP Rating course from a DG Shipping-approved institute like HIMT.
  2. CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate):
     The CDC is applied through the institute. It’s a mandatory document that allows you to legally work on ships and records your sea service.
  3. Placement & First Job:
     The candidate is placed on a ship, usually through campus assistance.
     They join as:
    1. Ordinary Seaman (Deck department)
    2. Wiper (Engine department)
  4. Sea Time & Promotions:
     While working onboard, the candidate gains practical experience.
     Over time, based on performance, they may be promoted to:
    1. Able Seaman (Deck)
    2. Oiler (Engine)
  5. Eligibility for Officer Exam:
     After 36 months of sea service, they become eligible to appear for DG Shipping exams.
    1. Deck side: 2nd Mate Exam
    2. Engine side: Class IV Engineer Exam
  6. Becoming an Officer:
     After clearing the exam, they become:
    1. 2nd Officer (Deck)
    2. 4th Engineer (Engine)
  7. Further Career Growth:
     With more sea time and further exams, they can reach higher ranks such as:
    1. Chief Officer → Captain (Deck side)
    2. 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer (Engine side)

This means you can move from rating level to officer rank without a degree by gaining experience and clearing exams.

Conclusion :

The GP Rating Course is a great option for students who want to join the Merchant Navy right after 10th. It opens the door to good salary, international travel, and long-term career growth. But it’s important to:

  • Choose a DG-approved institute
  • Stay medically fit
  • Be ready for a tough lifestyle at sea

If you’re serious about a career at sea, this course is the first step.