GP Rating Salary 2026
If you are planning to join the GP Rating Course, salary is probably one of the first things you want to know. But simply searching for “GP Rating salary” can be confusing because different websites quote completely different numbers. The reason is simple: there is no fixed salary for every rating. Your earnings can depend on your rank, experience, shipping company, vessel, contract, and the type of work you are doing onboard.
GP Rating also isn’t just about salary. You should understand what your actual job will be, whether you will work in the deck or engine department, how contracts work, and how your earnings can increase as you gain experience. Today, we will cover the GP Rating salary, job profile, onboarding, and long-term career growth in simple terms.
Starting Salary After GP Rating Course
After completing the six-month GP Rating Course, you normally begin your career at an entry-level rating position. Your starting salary will generally be lower than that of an experienced Able Seaman or senior rating.
A reasonable indicative starting range is around ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month, although the actual amount can vary depending on the employer and contract.
Some companies and vessels may offer more, while others may offer less. Therefore, you should always check the salary mentioned in the actual employment offer instead of relying on a general figure found online.
Rank in Deck Department | Salary |
Ordinary Seaman | ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 |
Able-Bodied Seaman | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000 |
Deck Fitter | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
Pumpman (Tankers) | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
Bosun | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
Rank in Engine Department | Salary |
Trainee Wiper/Fitter | ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 |
Wiper | ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 |
Motorman | ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,24,000 |
Fitter | ₹1,00,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 |
GP Rating Eligibility Calculator
Honestly, all these criteria seem a bit confusing and overwhelming. To make it easier, we have designed a GP Rating Course Eligibility Calculator, which will tell you the colleges you should aim for and also tell you how to prepare for the GP Rating online test for these colleges.
To check GP Rating Course Eligibility: click here
Table of Contents
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To learn about which GP Rating Colleges you are eligible for, download our free Merchant Navy Decoded App that will guide you from your eligibility to the point of your selection in the Merchant Navy. Don’t just read; start preparing to make your dreams a reality.
Deck and Engine Department Job Duties
One thing that makes GP Rating different from many other maritime courses is that the training covers both deck and engine-related work.
The actual department you work in will depend on the position you are assigned after training.
Deck Department
A GP Rating working in the deck department can assist with:
- Deck maintenance
- Painting and chipping
- Mooring and unmooring
- Cargo-related work
- Watchkeeping duties
- Maintenance of deck equipment
- General seamanship
- Safety and emergency duties
You will also assist senior crew members during different ship operations.
Engine Department
If you are assigned to the engine department, your work can include:
- Cleaning and maintaining engine-room areas
- Assisting with machinery maintenance
- Lubrication work
- Engine-room watchkeeping
- Handling tools and equipment
- Supporting engineering crew
- Routine maintenance activities
Contract Length and Onboard Benefits
Salary is only one part of your employment contract. Before joining a vessel, you should understand the terms of your Seafarers’ Employment Agreement. The Directorate General of Shipping states that the employment agreement should clearly mention important matters such as contract duration, basic wages, working hours, overtime and paid leave.
Contract Length
Your contract duration depends on the company, vessel and position. You may spend several months onboard before completing your contract and returning home for leave. There is therefore no single contract duration that applies to every GP Rating.
Food and Accommodation
When you are working onboard, shipping companies generally provide accommodation and meals as part of the shipboard employment arrangement. This is one reason why comparing a seafarer’s salary directly with a land-based salary can sometimes be misleading. Your daily living expenses while onboard are very less from those of someone working ashore.
Promotion in GP Rating
The salary you receive when you first join a ship does not have to be your final earning level. As you gain sea service, complete the required training, and become eligible for higher positions, your responsibilities and earning potential can increase.
A simplified rating career path can look like:
GP Rating → Ordinary Seaman → Able Seaman → Bosun
The exact progression depends on your sea service, qualifications, certification, and the requirements of the position.
Can I Earn ₹1 Lakh Per Month After GP Rating?
Yes, an experienced GP Rating in a senior position can potentially earn around ₹1 lakh or more per month, depending on the company, vessel, and contract.
But this should not be confused with the starting salary. A fresher should not join GP Rating expecting to earn ₹1 lakh immediately after completing the course.
GP Rating Salary on International Shipping Companies
International Shipping Companies are another common reason students search for GP Rating salary. International contracts pay in US dollars, so the equivalent salary in rupees can be attractive depending on the contract and exchange rate.
However, an international shipping company does not automatically mean a high salary.
Your earnings can still depend on:
- Rank
- Company
- Vessel
- Experience
- Contract
GP Rating FAQ
A GP Rating fresher can generally expect an indicative starting salary of around ₹20,000–₹40,000 per month, although the actual amount depends on the company, vessel, and contract.
Yes, experienced ratings in senior positions can potentially earn ₹1 lakh or more per month. However, this should not be considered a normal starting salary for a fresher.
GP Rating training covers both deck and engine-related areas. Your actual assignment depends on the position and requirements of the vessel.
A GP Rating can perform duties related to deck maintenance, cargo operations, mooring, watchkeeping, machinery maintenance and other shipboard activities depending on the department and rank.