Navigating the Merchant Navy: Joining the Fleet with a BFM Background
Looking to join the Merchant Navy but are you currently pursing a Bachelor of Fisheries Management (BFM) and lack the required PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) qualifications? While pursuing an Officer's license might not be possible in your current situation, there are still exciting opportunities within the Merchant Navy. This article will guide you through the G.P. (General Purpose) Rating course and what qualifications and criteria are necessary for a successful entry into this exciting career.
Alternative Path: G.P. Rating Program
For those lacking the required PCM qualifications, the G.P. Rating program is a viable entry point into the Merchant Navy. This six-month pre-sea training program is designed to provide aspiring seafarers with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to serve as crew members on ships. The training prepares you for duties related to deck and engineering operations, ensuring you are prepared for the challenges of life at sea.
Eligibility Requirements for G.P. Rating
Below are the educational and other requirements for the G.P. Rating program:
Education:Pass in 10th Standard from a government-recognized board, with English, Mathematics, and Science, and a 40% aggregate in all subjects. Alternatively, if you have completed 12th Standard from a recognized board, you need a 40% aggregate with English and Mathematics, or any stream, with English and Mathematics, or a Pass in a 2-year ITI course (Fitter, Machinist, Mechanic, Welder, Turner) from DVET/NCVT with a minimum 40% aggregate in the final year. Additionally, English must score at least 40% in either 10th or 12th.
Age: 25 years or younger at the time of course commencement. Medical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit and meet the medical standards laid down by the Director General of Shipping. Eyesight/Vision: Use of corrective lenses for eyesight is permitted. However, the maximum permissible entry limit is a vision of 6/6 in each eye. Color blindness is not permitted.Top Colleges Offering G.P. Rating Training
The following are some of the recognized institutions that offer G.P. Rating training:
Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies
Seven Islands Maritime Academy
T.S. Rahaman
NUSI Goa
IMI Noida
AMET
Guidance for BFM Students
While BFM students can technically pursue a G.P. Rating, many seasoned professionals recommend pursuing the required PCM qualifications through a 12th Standard course. This path offers a broader educational foundation and can be beneficial for career growth in the Merchant Navy. However, if you feel a G.P. Rating program is the best fit for your current situation, research the above-mentioned institutions, prepare thoroughly, and apply as per the eligibility criteria.