General Purpose Rating (GP Rating)
The General Purpose (GP) Rating Programme is one of India's most sought-after and accessible entry points into the global Merchant Navy. Approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, this programme is designed to prepare young Indian candidates for operational roles aboard commercial vessels — both in the Deck Department and the Engine Room Department — making it one of the most versatile pre-sea training courses available in the country.
The GP Rating programme is a six-month residential course that combines the study of both Deck and Engineering subjects, covering all aspects of the seafaring profession — including swimming, physical drills, workshop training, rope and mast climbing, lifesaving appliances usage, firefighting exercises, and ship visits.
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbaii, the GP Rating programme is delivered in strict accordance with IMO conventions and STCW regulations, ensuring that every graduate holds internationally recognised qualifications and is fully prepared to join Indian or foreign shipping companies upon completion. Our campus, situated in the heart of Mumbai — India's maritime capital — gives our cadets a distinct advantage: they train in a city where the sea is not a concept but a living, breathing reality.
The GP Rating is not merely a certificate — it is a launchpad. It is the beginning of a career that can take a young person from the shores of Mumbai to the ports of Singapore, Rotterdam, New York, and beyond. At AIIMT, we take that responsibility seriously, and every aspect of our GP Rating programme reflects it.
Eligibility Criteria
As Per DG Shipping Guidelines
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed their 10th Standard (SSC) from a Government-recognised board, with subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science, securing a minimum of 40% aggregate marks and a minimum of 40% marks in English in the 10th or 12th standard.
Additionally, the following candidates are also eligible:
- Candidates who have passed 12th Standard (any stream) from a Government-recognised board with 40% aggregate and 40% in English in the 10th or 12th standard, provided they have studied English, Mathematics, and Science at the 10th Standard level.
- Candidates who have passed a 2-year ITI Course (Fitter, Machinist, Mechanic, Welder, or Turner) approved by DVET or NCVT, with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in the final year of ITI and a minimum of 40% in English in the 10th or 12th standard.
Age Requirement
Candidates must be a minimum of 17.5 years of age and a maximum of 25 years of age on the date of commencement of the course. A maximum age of 27 years applies for degree or diploma holders.
Medical & Physical Fitness
Candidates must be medically fit as per the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000. A medical fitness certificate issued by a DG Shipping-approved doctor is mandatory, and medical fitness must include eyesight and hearing standards as prescribed.
Specific physical requirements include:
- Eyesight of 6/6 in each eye with no colour blindness and no use of visual aids.
- Minimum height of 157 cm with weight proportionate to height
- No hearing impairments or physical disabilities that would affect the performance of shipboard duties
- Good overall physical health with no serious medical conditions
Note: All medical examinations must be conducted by a DG Shipping-approved medical practitioner prior to admission.
Course Duration
The GP Rating course duration is 6 months, during which candidates undergo intensive training that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Following the successful completion of pre-sea training at AIIMT, candidates are required to complete a period of structured sea service before obtaining their final certification.
The complete career pathway from enrolment to officer level is as follows: 6 months pre-sea training at AIIMT → GP Rating Certificate → 36 months sailing as Ordinary Seaman/AB/Bosun → 4 months preparatory post-sea training → 2nd Mate Certificate of Competency (COC) issued by DG Shipping.
Fees Structure
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbaii, we are committed to making quality maritime education accessible and affordable. Our fee structure is designed to be transparent, with no hidden costs, ensuring that families can plan and invest in their child's maritime career with complete confidence.
| Fee Component | Details | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Training Fees | Inclusive of all course modules, STCW certification, and practical training | ₹ 3,00,000 |
| Registration & Admission Fee | One-time, payable at the time of admission | |
| Examination Fee | Covers BES (Board of Examination of Seafarers) examination conducted by DG Shipping | |
| Uniform & Kit Fee | All required uniforms, safety gear, and training kit | |
| Medical Examination Fee | DG Shipping-approved pre-admission medical | |
| Library & Study Material Fee | All course books, manuals, and study resources |
For the current, confirmed fee structure, please contact Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai directly. Fee assistance and educational loan facilitation are available for eligible candidates. Bank loans can be availed upon presentation of the institute's admission letter.
Programme Structure & Syllabus
The GP Rating programme at Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbaii is structured to deliver a thorough, practical, and internationally compliant training experience. The programme focuses on training cadets in two main roles of the shipping sector — Deck crew and Engine crew — combining both Deck and Engine Rating aspects into a single comprehensive course.
Scope of the Programme
The GP Rating programme offers one of the broadest and most future-proof scopes of any entry-level maritime course in India. On successful completion of the pre-sea training, candidates are able to join Indian and foreign shipping companies as either Deck Crew or Engine Crew, and are able to work in all seamanship activities aboard at the deck side as well as the engine side. The global shipping industry employs millions of seafarers and faces a consistent, growing demand for trained and certified personnel. India is one of the world's largest suppliers of maritime talent, and a DG Shipping-certified GP Rating from a Grade A1-rated institution like AIIMT carries significant weight with employers both domestically and internationally .
Beyond entry-level employment, the scope of the GP Rating is expansive
With further sea service, GP Rating graduates are promoted to the positions of Deck Serang, Bosun, Able-Bodied Seaman, or Engine Fitter, and can also be promoted to officer level with the requisite sea service and qualifications.
For those who qualify as Non-Resident Indians by spending over 183 days at sea in a year, the Merchant Navy salary is tax-free — offering a unique and significant financial advantage over land-based careers in India.
The global nature of the Merchant Navy also means that a GP Rating graduate from Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai has the opportunity to travel the world, experience different cultures, develop international professional networks, and build a career that is genuinely borderless.
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Career Growth Path
The GP Rating programme is not an end point — it is a beginning. The career trajectory available to a GP Rating graduate is one of the most clearly defined and rewarding in any industry.
| Stage | Position | Approximate Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| On Joining | Trainee Ordinary Seaman / Trainee Fitter / Trainee Oiler | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000/month |
| After 2–3 Years | Able Bodied Seaman / Motorman / Oilman | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000/month |
| After Further Sea Service | Bosun / Deck Serang / Engine Fitter | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000/month |
| After COC Examinations | 3rd / 2nd Officer or Junior Engineer | USD 1,500 – USD 2,500/month |
| Senior Officer Level | Chief Officer / Chief Engineer | USD 4,000 – USD 8,000/month |
| Master Mariner / Chief Engineer | Captain of the Ship | USD 5,000 – USD 10,000/month |
The shipping industry always needs trained ratings. After the GP Rating course, candidates can join oil tankers, container ships, or cruise liners. Specialised training increases salary and job opportunities, and shore jobs in shipyards, ports, or marine companies are available after gaining sea experience
Placement Opportunities
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, we understand that a training programme is only as valuable as the career doors it opens. Our placement support is an integral part of the GP Rating programme — not an afterthought. Direct Industry Access — AIIMT's established relationships with Indian and international shipping companies, crewing agencies, and maritime employers create direct pathways for our graduates into the commercial shipping sector. Our Grade A1 (Outstanding) CIP rating from DG Shipping means that employers recognise and trust the quality of an AIIMT certificate. Campus Placement Drives — We regularly host campus placement activities where shipping companies and crewing agents visit Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai to recruit directly from our graduating batches — giving our cadets first-mover access to employment opportunities before they even complete their training. Indian CDC & BES Examination Support — After external examinations conducted by the Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES) under DG Shipping, students who successfully pass are issued an Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and are eligible for ship jobs around the world. AIIMT provides full guidance and support to cadets through this process. Crewing Agency Tie-Ups — Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai maintains active connections with leading crewing agencies that place seafarers aboard Indian flag and foreign flag vessels — covering tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, offshore vessels, and more. Educational Loan Assistance — We assist eligible students in obtaining educational loans from nationalised banks, with the institute's admission and enrollment letters serving as supporting documentation for loan applications. Alumni Network — Our growing network of AIIMT alumni currently serving aboard vessels across the globe is one of our most valuable placement assets. Senior alumni actively support new graduates in finding their first berths and navigating the early stages of their maritime careers. .
Why Choose Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai for Your GP Rating.
— DGS Approved & Grade A1 (Outstanding) Rated — the highest standard of institutional recognition in Indian maritime education.
— Located in Mumbai — India's maritime capital, with direct proximity to ports, crewing agencies, and shipping companies.
— STCW Compliant Training — internationally recognised certification included within the programme.
— Experienced Faculty — instructors with direct sea-going experience guiding every cadet.
— State-of-the-Art Simulators — navigation, radar, ARPA, steering, and GMDSS simulation facilities on campus.
— Active Placement Support — dedicated placement assistance connecting graduates with Indian and international shipping employers.
— Transparent Fee Structure — with educational loan facilitation available for eligible candidates.
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, the GP Rating programme is more than a course — it is the beginning of a life at sea. A life of purpose, adventure, financial reward, and global opportunity. We invite every young Indian with the ambition to sail to take that first step with us.
Admissions are open. Your voyage begins here.