• 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: â‚ą20,000 for deserving GP Rating students from low-income backgrounds
  • Award of Excellence: â‚ą5,000 for top performer, â‚ą3,000 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.

FAQs

  1. Can I join the Merchant Navy after 10th?
     Yes, you can join through the GP Rating course, which is the official entry route after 10th.
  2. What is the GP Rating course in Merchant Navy?
     GP Rating is a 6-month DG Shipping–approved course that trains students for deck and engine department duties.
  3. What is the eligibility for GP Rating after 10th?
     Candidates need 40% in 10th with Science & Maths, 40% in English, and must meet medical fitness standards.
  4. What is the age limit to join Merchant Navy after 10th?
     The age limit is generally between 17.5 and 25 years at the time of course commencement.
  5. Is medical fitness mandatory for GP Rating?
     Yes, candidates must have 6/6 eyesight, no color blindness, and clear a DG Shipping–approved medical test.
  6. Which are the best colleges for GP Rating in India?
     Top institutes include HIMT College, TS Rahman Mumbai, BP Marine Navi Mumbai, and AMET University.
  7. What job do I get after GP Rating course completion?
     You join as an Ordinary Seaman (Deck) or Wiper (Engine) on merchant ships.
  8. Is placement provided after GP Rating course?
     Yes, DG Shipping–approved institutes like HIMT provide placement assistance and ship onboarding support.
  9. Can I become an officer after joining as GP Rating?
     Yes, after sufficient sea time and DG Shipping exams, you can progress to officer ranks.
  10. Is GP Rating a good career option after 10th?
    Yes, it offers global travel, stable income, and long-term career growth in the Merchant Navy.