Deck rating (R-NW) via the pre-sea GP rating course
Official reference: TEAP Part A II/14 · Part B II/14, III/8A (Training Circular 8 of 2016)
A school-leaver joins the approved pre-sea course for General Purpose (GP) ratings at a DGS-approved institute (it includes the basic safety courses), obtains a CDC, serves a short period at sea with a Rating Training Record Book, and is assessed for the certificate of proficiency as rating forming part of a navigational watch.
Where this route can take you
Who can apply
Each requirement is summarised from the official publication linked beside it — follow the link for the exact wording.
Course entry: academic
TEAP manual, Part B ↗Class 10 pass from a recognised board, having studied English, Mathematics and Science, with at least 40% overall.
Course entry: minimum age
TEAP manual, Part B ↗Between 17½ and 25 years old on the day the course begins.
the maximum age in this TC 8/2016 text is superseded by DGS Order 12/2026 para 16.2
Course entry: age (upper limit raised by DGS Order 12/2026)
DGS Order 12 of 2026 ↗The upper age limit for approved GP Rating courses is now 28 years.
Seats reserved for technical-trade holders (welding, fitter, mechanic, electrical, plumbing, computer)
DGS Order 12 of 2026 ↗A quarter of the approved seats in every GP Rating course are reserved for candidates with additional technical-trade qualifications.
Course entry: physical standard
TEAP manual, Part B ↗Physical standards follow the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination for Seafarers) Rules 2000, as amended.
Certification: age and education
TEAP manual, Part A ↗At least 18 years old, with Class 10 as the minimum education.
CDC via approved pre-sea training (DGS Order 12/2026 para 14.2.1)
DGS Order 12 of 2026 ↗DG-approved pre-sea training plus the five basic STCW courses.
since 01.08.2026 a CDC needs the MS (CDC) Rules 2017 r.4 conditions AND one Order 12 category
Pre-sea medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner
Medical Examination Rules 2000, Rule 6 ↗A medical examination by a DGS-approved medical examiner, done after selection for pre-sea training.
MS (Medical Examination) Rules 2000 are the operative rules. TEAP I/9 names 'Medical Examination Rules 2013', which DGMA does not publish; the MS (Medical) Rules 2026 (r.22 same arrangement) are PROPOSED — gazette number G.S.R. XX — and replace the 2000 Rules only on publication
Step by step
- 1
Pre-sea GP rating course (includes PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, STSDSD)
The six-month pre-sea education and training course for Deck/GP ratings (including the basic safety courses).
TEAP manual, Part B ↗ - 2
Shortened sea service after pre-sea training
Completing the approved pre-sea rating course reduces the sea-service requirement to 6 months.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 3
On-board training in the Rating Training Record Book (RTRB)
On-board training is recorded in the approved Rating Training Record Book (RTRB).
TEAP manual, Part A ↗ - 4
Assessment: scrutiny of pre-sea training, sea service and RTRB
The assessment centre scrutinises the pre-sea training and sea service.
TEAP manual, Part A ↗
The rules behind this route
Rules made under the repealed Merchant Shipping Act 1958 continue in force under section 324(2)(a) of the Merchant Shipping Act 2025.
MS Act 2025 s.324(2)(a): rules made under the repealed MS Act 1958 continue in force
Rule 33 requires approved pre-sea training plus at least six months of approved sea service.
The TEAP manual Part B defines the GP ratings pre-sea training course under the STCW Convention as amended in 2010.
This page is built from the official DGS Training and Examination Advisory Programme (the TEAP manual) and the current orders of DGMA (the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, called DG Shipping until June 2026). Requirements are summarised in plain language — every section links to the official publication for the exact wording. Requirements made under the old Merchant Shipping Act 1958 still apply under the new Merchant Shipping Act 2025.