• April 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.