GP Ratings
GP Ratings
Entry: After 10th. This is a different entry route from the officer career.
Work areas: Deck operations, engine-room support, maintenance, cargo operations, and catering and support.
Course: Rating courses (Alternative/Dual Certification for Seafarers: Ratings and Able Seafarer). It is a shorter route into deck or engine rating careers, and students can also opt for Dual Certification for Deck and Engine ratings.
Career path: Trainee Rating → Support Rating → Able Seafarer (Deck & Engine) → Marine Officer or Engineer
Progression:
- Deck ratings can progress towards senior positions such as Bosun.
- Engine ratings progress through roles of increasing responsibility and specialised skills.
- Under DGMA’s revised guidelines, ratings can become Deck and Engineer Officers after passing the relevant Competency Examination.
GP Rating vs Officer career:
- The two routes are not identical. An officer career needs a different education, training, certification and examination pathway.
- If a student is academically able and medically suitable for an officer route, the family should understand both options.
- The guide suggests asking “Which career path is right for me over the next 10–15 years?” rather than “Which course gets me onto a ship fastest?”
- Ratings and support staff operate on different pay scales from officers.
Pay: Ratings and support staff operate on different pay scales from officers.