GP Rating Course at Training Ship Varren – Eligibility, Fees, Career & Admission
If you dream of starting your Merchant Navy career soon after school, the GP Rating Course at Training Ship Varren, Navi Mumbai can be your perfect launchpad. This six-month pre-sea training program, approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India, prepares students with both theory and hands-on skills required to work in the Deck or Engine Department of a ship.
Unlike long-duration programs, this course gives Indian students a chance to begin sailing in just a few months and build a rewarding career step by step.
What is GP Rating Course?
The General Purpose (GP) Rating Course is a 6-months pre-sea training program approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. It prepares candidates for dual roles in the – Deck & Engine Room crew department onboard Merchant Navy Vessels. This course is the ideal first step for aspiring seafarers who have completed the 10th, 12th, or a diploma/degree and wish to enter the maritime industry. Upon successful completion, candidates become eligible to join merchant ships as GP Ratings, with future career advancement opportunities up to officer-level ranks through continued training and sea services.
At Training Ship Varren, students undergo professional training in:
- Seamanship, deck maintenance & cargo handling
- Machinery operation & engine room maintenance
- Firefighting drills & lifesaving appliances
- Swimming and survival training at sea
- Rope climbing, mast climbing & physical fitness drills
This dual-skill training not only makes students versatile but also improves their chances of employability in the global merchant navy industry. For many Indian students searching for “GP Rating Course near me”, Navi Mumbai offers one of the best hubs for maritime training.
GP Rating Course Overview at Training Ship Varren
- Duration: 6 Months (Residential Program)
- Approval: DG Shipping, Government of India
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Subjects Covered:
- Deck operations & navigation basics
- Engine room upkeep & machinery handling
- Ship visits for real-world exposure
- Survival swimming and physical drills
- Firefighting and emergency preparedness
After the training, candidates must clear an external GP Rating exam conducted by the Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES). On passing, they are awarded an Indian CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate), which is mandatory for joining ships worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria for GP Rating Course
Educational Qualification:
- Minimum 10th pass (with 50% in Mathematics & Science, and English)
- OR 12th pass in any stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- OR ITI/Graduate students (with required marks)
- Maximum 2-year gap between 10th and 12th passing years
Age Limit:
- 17.5 to 25 years on course commencement date (GP Rating Course age limit)
Medical Fitness:
- Minimum Height: 157 cm
- BMI not more than 25
- Eyesight: 6/6, no colour blindness
- Must clear a DG Shipping approved medical exam
⚠️ Candidates from open boards or distance learning (NIOS) are not eligible.
GP Rating age limit for OBC candidates
The GP Rating age limit for OBC candidates is 28 years, which includes a three-year age relaxation over the general category maximum of 25 years.
Age relaxation for reserved categories
The maximum age limit is extended for candidates from certain categories:
- Other Backward Class (OBC-NCL): Up to 28 years (3 years relaxation)
- Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST): Up to 30 years (5 years relaxation)
- Female candidates: 2 years additional relaxation
Other eligibility criteria
In addition to the age limit, candidates must meet the following general requirements:
- Education: Passed 10th standard from a recognized board with at least 40% aggregate marks, and a minimum of 40% in English in either 10th or 12th standard.
- Medical fitness: Candidates must be medically fit for sea service according to DGS guidelines. This includes having a specific vision standard (e.g., 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, no color blindness).
- Passport: A valid Indian passport is often required for admission
Career Opportunities After GP Rating Course
The Merchant Navy GP Rating Course opens doors to a variety of entry-level positions:
- Trainee Ordinary Seaman (OS)
- Trainee Oiler / Engine Room Cadet
- Trainee Fitter
Career Growth Path:
- Join as Trainee OS / Oiler
- Promotion to Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) / Engine Fitter
- Progress to Bosun
- Appear for competency exams after sea service → Become Officer
- Grow further to Chief Officer and beyond
With dedication and continuous sailing experience, a candidate’s GP Rating Course salary grows significantly. Many seafarers who started with GP Rating have gone on to hold senior officer ranks in the Merchant Navy.
GP Rating Course Fees in India
The GP Rating course fees in India generally range between ₹3.0 lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs, depending on the maritime institute and facilities provided. The fee usually covers tuition, boarding, lodging, uniforms, and training materials, making it an all-inclusive investment for starting a career in the Merchant Navy.
For students searching specifically for “6 month GP Rating Course fees” or “Merchant Navy GP Rating Course fees”, this program provides one of the most affordable and career-focused options in India.
GP Rating Course Fees in Training Ship Varren
If you are planning to build your career in the Merchant Navy through the GP Rating course at Training Ship Varren, here’s everything you need to know.
Course Fees Structure
The fee structure for the GP Rating course includes multiple stages such as registration, seat booking after medical test, and the final installment at the time of reporting to the institute.
👉 To know the exact GP Rating course fees, please call us at 📞 1800 268 2891. Our counselors will guide you with complete details.
Additional Information
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The course fee includes hostel accommodation, mess charges, uniforms, digital training material, and other essentials.
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Loan assistance documents are provided by the institute, and students can apply through any nationalized bank for education loans.
Admission Process at Training Ship Varren
The admission process is simple and transparent:
- Registration – Apply at the Training Ship Varren admission office.
📞 1800 268 2891
📧 info@trainingshipvarren.com - Written Entrance Test – Covers academics and aptitude.
- Personal Interview – Tests communication skills, confidence, and motivation.
- Medical Examination – Conducted by a DG Shipping approved doctor.
Once selected, candidates can join the January or July batches for the GP Rating Course in Mumbai.
Why Choose Training Ship Varren for GP Rating Course?
- DG Shipping approved institute in Navi Mumbai
- Faculty with real sailing experience
- State-of-the-art workshops and simulators
- Practical ship visits for real exposure
- Guidance for placement on international ships
Choosing Training Ship Varren ensures that students not only get certified but also receive the mentorship required to succeed in the highly competitive shipping industry.
Career Graph after GP Rating Course
GP Rating Course in India
The GP Rating Course in Merchant Navy is one of the fastest and most affordable ways for Indian students to enter the maritime sector. With increasing global trade, demand for trained seafarers continues to rise, ensuring job stability and career growth for those who are committed.
If you are planning to join the Merchant Navy after 10th, this six-month program can be your stepping stone to an adventurous career at sea. The GP Rating Course salary at the entry level may be modest, but with time, promotions, and international exposure, it becomes a highly rewarding profession.
Contact Training Ship Varren
📍 Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
📧 Email: info@trainingshipvarren.com
📞 Phone: 1800 268 2891
🌐 Website: www.trainingshipvarren.com
