10 Best GP Rating Colleges In India

In this article, we will reveal the 10 best DG Shipping Approved GP (General Purpose) Rating Colleges in India, so that aspiring mariners can make an informed decision.

GP Rating is a 6-month entry-level course to join the Merchant Navy as a deck or engine rating after one clears the Senior Secondary or Class 10th examination. The course contains pre-sea training, which is given before going on a ship.

After the completion of training, final examinations are conducted by the Board of Examination of Seafarers (BES) under D.G. Shipping (Govt of India). Once the students clear the exam, they are issued an INDIAN CDC, after which they can sail.

In this course, cadets learn seamanship, machine operations, maintenance work on deck, etc. It also includes drills, mast and rope climbing, swimming, fire-fighting practice and workshop training.

Many colleges in India offer a GP rating course; however, one should always check the placement records and, most importantly, if that college is DG Shipping approved. Otherwise, the certification will not be considered valid, and you cannot join the Merchant Navy.

There are sponsored colleges where you get admission after getting a sponsorship letter from a shipping company. These institutes usually have their own shipping company where they send students for onboard training. If not, they collaborate with other shipping companies to offer training. A sponsorship letter is given only after one clears the sponsorship exams.

There are also non-sponsored colleges, where candidates are not required to appear for any exam to gain admission. However, some might conduct their written tests. These colleges provide only pre-sea training and do not guarantee onboard training. Some also give campus placements. 

Top 10 GP Rating Colleges In India (DG Shipping Approved)

1. Training Ship (TS) Rahaman

Located in Mumbai, this institution traces its beginnings to 1910 and since then has expanded to become one of the country’s most reputed maritime institutes, offering about 40 courses, including Pre-Sea, Pre-Sea plus STCW, Post-Sea and other value-added programs.

To apply for admission, candidates can visit the official website of the college mentioned below. 

https://www.tsrahaman.org/pre-sea-general-purpose-rating-training-course/

It also offers sponsorship and placement in the Anglo-Eastern Group, Fleet Management and other reputed shipping companies.

• Course Duration – 6 Months
• Fees – Rs. 2,60,000/-

Eligibility-

10th standard pass from a government-recognised board with subjects English, Mathematics & Science with 40% aggregate. English 40% in 10th/12th. 

OR

12th standard (any stream) pass from a government-recognised board with 40% aggregate. English 40% at 10th/12th but with subjects English, Mathematics & Science at 10th. 

OR

Pass in a 2-year ITI course approved by DVET, with minimum 40% aggregate marks in the final year of ITI & minimum 40% in English in 10th/12th.

Age: 17 ½ years and not over 25 years on the date of commencement of training.

Eye sight: distance vision 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the other eye, and normal colour vision shall be tested by the Ishihara test chart.

Medical Fitness Certificate from a Doctor Approved by DGS (Original + one photocopy)

2. The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS)

Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS), Lonavala, is one of the oldest maritime institutes in India and promises quality education and training to seafarers. 

It also provides guaranteed placement opportunities with its parent company, Great Eastern Shipping, and other companies around the world. It has been awarded an A+ rating in the DGS Comprehensive Inspection Programme, and its pre-sea programmes are affiliated with DG Shipping and IMU.

Course Duration -6 months of pre-Sea Training, followed by 9 months of shipboard training

• No of Batches: 2 each year, beginning in January and July
• No of Seats: 40 in each batch ( total-80)
• Eligibility criteria: As per the Director General of Shipping(DGS) guidelines
• Fee- 4,47,218/-

Visit the website to know more: https://www.geinstitute.com/course-overview/general-purpose-rating

3. AMET University

This institution is situated in Kanathur, Tamil Nadu and is the only Indian University to be a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities. 

Admissions to AMET are based on clearing the all-India level online exam. The preliminary round is online, while the second round for those selected is done on the university campus itself. 

The company promises placements to its students in companies like Maersk and V Ships. 

• Course Duration: 6 months (residential)
• Batch: Every year, January / July
• Eligibility: As per DGS Norms
• Sanctioned Strength: 40 Per Batch
• Mode of Selection: Online Entrance Examination and Personal Interview.
• Total Fees for GP Rating: 198025

Know more about the course here-https://www.ametuniv.ac.in/othercores-gprating.html

4. NUSI Maritime Academy

NUSI Maritime Academy is located in Goa. It is an ISO Certified institution and has been graded outstanding by CRISIL. 

It is the only Academy started by a trade union, imparting technical training to create a cadre of qualified seafarers

The academy’s GP Rating Course is of 6 months duration, during which there is no scope for leave or sick leave. It is a residential course where a hostel is compulsory.

As part of the training, students have to look after their living quarters and also the campus. The course also includes the mandatory Basic STCW course required for CDC.

• Course Duration: 6 months
• Batch: Every year on 1st January & 1st July
• Total Fees: 2,00,000

Click here to know more: http://www.nusiacademy.edu.in/

5. Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute

This Institute in Kansal, Maharashtra, is run by a liquid seaborne logistics company that has been operating ocean-going tankers for almost two decades. 

The Seven Islands Shipping Limited is India’s second-largest shipping company in the private sector. It has 19 oil product tankers, 3 crude oil tankers and 2 LPG carriers.

• Course Category: Sponsored
• Fees for GP Rating: INR 4,50,000/-
• Website: https://simtinstitute.org/

6. HIMT College

HIMT in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, provides pre-sea training courses in DNS, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, B.Sc in Nautical Science, GME, ETO, and GP Rating.

It also offers sponsorship and provides placement in shipping companies like BSM.

Fees for GP Rating: INR 2,10,000/-

Website:  HIMT College GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India

7. UV Patel College of Maritime Studies

This institute in Mehsana, Gujarat, offers many courses, including G.P. Rating, B.Sc. in nautical science, B.Tech in marine engineering, GME, and ETO.

Shipping companies that offer campus recruitments from this college include Arise Ship, Adani Group, Scorpio, MSI, Essar Shipping, etc.

The college spans more than 25 acres of land and has 2 ultra-modern buildings measuring 6100 sqm and 2700 sqm, housing classrooms, tutorial rooms, a seminar hall, a drawing hall, workshops, a library, computer labs, etc.

• Course Duration: 6 months
• Fees for GP Rating: INR 1,95,000/-

Website: UV Patel College of Maritime Studies GP Rating Course

8. Coimbatore Marine College

This college is located in Othakkalmandapam, Coimbatore. At CMC, students are given hands-on training using the ship-in-campus infrastructure, which includes operation and troubleshooting of main and auxiliary engines, an engineering workshop to practice fabrication and repair, seamanship, safety drills, discipline, physical fitness and teamwork.

Companies, including Synergy Group, ASP Ship Management Group, and more, recruit from this college.

• Course Duration: 6 months
• Fees for GP Rating: INR 5,00,000/-

Website: Coimbatore Marine College GP Rating Course – Join Merchant Navy in India

9. Marine Training Academy

This maritime academy in Mumbai has been training marine personnel since 1993 in various safety courses mandatory under the International Maritime Organisation regulations.

It started to impart first aid training to seafarers and later became a training institute offering several courses from January 1st, 2003.

The institution offers a GP Rating Course, which is fully residential, and trainees are required to stay on the campus for the entire training period of 16 weeks.

Marine Training Academy, UDVADA is 4 km from the Daman Coast and close to Vapi, South Gujarat. 

The academy’s pre-sea residential courses, along with modular courses, are conducted in the new premises at Udvada. 

• Course Duration: 6 months
• Fee: 2,20,000

Website: http://www.marinetrainingacademy.com/introduction.html

10. B. P. Marine Academy 

It was established in 1997 to provide maritime training to seafarers, per regulations brought by the IMO and other international conventions. 

This academy is known for its modern teaching aids, practical demonstration equipment and quality education.

It offers both pre-sea and post-sea courses, including GP Rating, DNS, BSc in Nautical Science, B.Tech in Marine Engineering, ETO, CCMC, and many more. It has a good placement record and helps students in campus recruitments. 

Fees for GP Rating: INR 2,25,000/-

Website: https://bpmarine.in/

You might also like to read-

• 4 Ways To Become A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy
• Is It Possible to Join Merchant Navy In India After 10th?
• Top 10 Merchant Navy Colleges In India
• What is the Work of Merchant Navy?

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