Courses open to you
GP Rating course
You become: Deck or engine rating
- You need
- Class 10 with English, Maths and Science, 40% overall and 40% in English.
- Age
- 17½ to 28
- Length
- 6 months
- Fees
- ₹2.2–4.9 lakh for the whole course
Ship's cook course
You become: Cook in the ship's galley
- You need
- Class 10 with at least 40%, and 40% in English.
- Age
- 17½ to 25
- Length
- Short course, then training on board
Cruise ship hotel jobs
You become: Restaurant, housekeeping, guest services or galley staff
- You need
- A hotel management degree or diploma, 40% in Class 10 and in English, and the approved OCCP course.
- Age
- 18 to 25 for the OCCP route
- Length
- Hotel training plus the approved safety courses
Not open from here
- Deck officer and marine engineer courses need PCM in Class 12, a science degree with Physics, or an engineering degree.
Before you pay any fees
- Check the institute is on the DG Shipping list of approved institutes.
- Get your eyesight and colour vision checked. See eyesight rules.
- Ask which shipping companies take the institute's students for sea training.
- Never pay an agent for a job or a seat. See warning signs of a fake agent.
Common questions
Can I do DNS after 12th Arts?
No. DNS needs Class 12 PCM with a 60% average, a B.Sc. with Physics, or an engineering degree.
Can a rating become an officer later?
Yes. With enough sea time a rating can take the DG Shipping exams for officer certificates. Some routes also ask for PCM, so check before you plan on it.
Sources (checked 31 October 2026)
- DG Shipping Training Circular 12 of 2020 (pre-sea courses, entry rules and age relaxations) and DGS Order 12 of 2026
- Course fees: each institute's own website or prospectus. See course fees by institute.
This page is general guidance. The institute, the company and the approved doctor make the final decisions.