GSK MCQ Set 1 for Merchant Navy (GP Rating) student| Syllabus, Course, Salary & Best Colleges in India

Why Practice Here? Our questions are curated from previous years' DG Shipping exit exams and company sponsorship tests. Mastering these MCQs will significantly boost your confidence.

What is General Ship Knowledge (GSK)?

General Ship Knowledge (GSK) is a fundamental subject in the Pre-Sea Training for General Purpose (GP) Ratings. Unlike MEK (Marine Engineering Knowledge) which focuses solely on the engine, GSK covers the entire vessel. It includes topics like ship construction, seamanship, deck machinery, safety procedures, anchoring, and mooring operations. Whether you want to work on the Deck side or the Engine side, passing the GSK exam is mandatory.

Before reading our detailed guide on GP Rating Course Syllabus, Salary, and Colleges further down the page, test your current knowledge level with this interactive quiz below.

Complete Guide to GP Rating: Syllabus, Course & Career

After practicing the MCQ Set 1 above, you might have realized that General Ship Knowledge is vast. To build a successful career in the Merchant Navy, specifically through the GP Rating route, you need a complete roadmap. Below is everything you need to know about the course, eligibility, and future prospects.

1. What is the GP Rating Course?

GP Rating stands for General Purpose Rating. It is a 6-month residential pre-sea training course approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India. This course is unique because it trains cadets in both:

Deck Duties: Maintenance of the ship's hull, chipping, painting, mooring, steering, and cargo handling.
Engine Duties: Assisting marine engineers, cleaning filters, oiling machinery, and maintaining the engine room.

Upon successful completion, you can join a Merchant Navy ship as a Trainee OS (Ordinary Seaman) or a Trainee Wiper.

2. GP Rating Eligibility Criteria

Before applying to any college, ensure you meet the strict eligibility requirements set by DG Shipping:

Requirement	Details
Age Limit	17.5 to 25 years (Relaxation applicable for SC/ST candidates).
Educational Qualification	Pass in 10th standard from a recognized board with minimum 40% aggregate marks.
English Marks	Minimum 40% marks in English subject in 10th or 12th standard.
Medical Fitness	Physically and mentally fit. Eyesight: 6/6 in both eyes (uncorrected) preferably, or as per DG rules. No Color Blindness allowed.

3. GP Rating Syllabus Breakdown

The 6-month course is rigorous. The syllabus is divided primarily into two sections, and our GSK MCQ sets cover the first part extensively.

A. General Ship Knowledge (GSK) - Deck Side

Nautical Terms: Port, Starboard, Forward, Aft, etc.
Ropes & Knots: Types of knots, splices, and hitches used in mooring.
Navigation: Basic understanding of bridge equipment, flags, and lights.
Safety: Firefighting, First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques (PST).

B. Marine Engineering Knowledge (MEK) - Engine Side

Engine Basics: How 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines work.
Auxiliary Machinery: Pumps, valves, boilers, and purifiers.
Workshop Skills: Welding, cutting, lathe machine operation, and plumbing.

Note for Aspirants: The final Exit Exam conducted by the Board of Examinations for Seafarers Trust (BES) includes separate written and oral exams for GSK and MEK. You must pass both.

4. GP Rating Salary in Merchant Navy

Salary is a major attraction for Merchant Navy aspirants. However, it varies based on the type of ship (Tanker, Cargo, Passenger) and the company (ITF vs. Non-ITF). Here is a realistic breakdown:

Trainee Phase (First 6-9 months): ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 per month (Stipend).
Ordinary Seaman (OS) / Wiper: ₹60,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month (Tax-Free on foreign waters).
Able Seaman (AB) / Oiler: ₹1,20,000 to ₹1,80,000 per month.
Bosun / Fitter (Senior Ratings): ₹2,00,000+ per month.

*Note: Tanker ships generally pay higher than dry cargo or container vessels.

5. Best GP Rating Colleges in India

Choosing the right college is critical. Many agents promise jobs but place students in non-DG approved institutes. Always check if the college is approved by DG Shipping. Some of the top institutes include:

T.S. Rahaman (Mumbai): One of the oldest and most reputed.
NUSI Maritime Academy (Goa): Excellent infrastructure and placement record.
Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (Lonavala): Known for in-house placement.
Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute: Good for sponsorship.

6. Understanding IMUCET for GP Rating

There is often confusion regarding the Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMUCET).

Is IMUCET compulsory for GP Rating? strictly speaking, NO. Admission to GP Rating is usually done on the basis of 10th marks and the college's own entrance test.
Why take IMUCET then? If you plan to upgrade from a Rating to an Officer in the future, having an IMUCET rank can sometimes be beneficial, but it is primarily required for DNS (Diploma in Nautical Science) and B.Tech Marine Engineering courses.

7. Career Growth Path

GP Rating is just the entry point. With hard work and sea time, you can rise to officer levels:

Deck Side: Trainee OS → OS → AB → Bosun → (After Exams) → 2nd Mate → Chief Mate → Captain.

Engine Side: Wiper → Oiler → Motorman → Fitter → (After Exams) → Class 4 Engineer → Chief Engineer.

8. How to Use These MCQ Sets Effectively

To pass the Board of Examination for Seafarers (BES) exit exam, rote learning isn't enough. Use our sets strategically:

Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Attempt at least one set daily.
Understand the 'Why': Don't just memorize "Option B". Understand why the anchor wash valve is used or why ventilation is crucial for cargo.
Time Management: Our 30-minute timer mimics the pressure of the real exam. Train your brain to think fast.

Start Your Next Practice Session

Ready to challenge yourself further? Move on to the next sets or download study materials:

Attempt GSK MCQ Set 2 Practice MEK Questions Prepare for Oral Exams Download Full PDF Guide