The General Purpose (GP) Rating course is a 6-month DG Shipping-approved pre-sea training programme that prepares candidates to join the Merchant Navy as entry-level crew in both the Deck and Engine departments aboard Indian and foreign vessels worldwide.
Candidates must have passed 10th Standard with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks, with Science and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and a minimum of 40% marks in English in the 10th or 12th standard.
Yes. Candidates who have passed 12th Standard or hold an ITI qualification in approved trades such as Fitter, Machinist, Mechanic, Welder, or Turner are eligible, subject to meeting the required English and aggregate marks criteria.
The minimum age is 17.5 years and the maximum age is 25 years on the commencement date of the course. Degree or diploma holders may apply up to 27 years of age.
No. Admission is based on educational qualifications, DG Shipping medical fitness, and the institute's screening process.
Candidates must obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor. Eyesight must be 6/6 in each eye, with no colour blindness and no visual aids. Candidates must also be free from hearing impairments and serious medical conditions.
The pre-sea training programme is 6 months, followed by a structured period of sea service before final certification.
GP Rating Course Completion Certificate, STCW Basic Safety Certificates, INDOS Registration, and an Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).
The CDC is the internationally recognised identity and service record document of a professional seafarer and is mandatory for joining vessels.
INDOS is the Indian National Database of Seafarers. It is a unique identification number mandatory for every Indian seafarer.
Graduates join as Trainee Ordinary Seaman, Trainee Fitter, or Trainee Oiler and can progress to Able-Bodied Seaman, Motorman, Bosun, and officer-level positions.
Freshers generally earn ₹25,000–₹50,000 per month on Indian vessels, while earnings on foreign vessels are considerably higher and paid in USD.
Yes. With the required sea service and DGS Certificate of Competency examinations, GP Ratings can progress to Officer ranks and eventually Captain.
If you qualify as a Non-Resident Indian by spending 183 or more days at sea in a financial year, your income earned at sea may be tax-free under applicable Indian tax laws.
Yes. The programme is fully residential, and all cadets are required to stay on campus throughout the training period.
Yes. The institute assists eligible candidates in obtaining educational loans from nationalised banks.
AIIMT offers placement assistance, campus recruitment drives, shipping company connections, CDC and BES examination guidance, and alumni support.
Yes. The GP Rating programme is open to both male and female candidates who meet DG Shipping eligibility criteria.
GP Rating batches commence in January and July each year. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply well in advance to secure their seat.