Dated: April 5, 2005

     The subject of employability of G.P.Ratings and quality of training has been engaging the attention of the D.G.Shipping for some time.  The issues have been deliberated with various stakeholders for quite sometime.  Several meetings with professional bodies representing Master Mariners and Chief Engineers and also with training institutes imparting pre-sea GP training were held in the Directorate to work out the modalities for the same. It emerged as consensus to have a common exit examination for ratings.  It was also considered that the examination should be conducted by professional bodies approved by the Directorate in fair, transparent and independent manner. The Company of Master Mariner India (CMMI) and the Institute of Marine Engineers India (IME) were consulted who have volunteered to undertake this work as a contribution to maritime fraternity on actual cost basis. 

2.   It has been decided to authorise the Company of Master Mariner India (CMMI), and the Institute of Marine Engineers India (IME) to conduct  “All India Exit Examinations for Ratings”. Arrangements have been made to hold these examinations in March 2005 for October 2004 entry. Thereafter, the examination will be conducted every quarter to match with the end of the training programmes. Initially, the examination will consist of one written paper followed by oral examination.  The first set of examination will be for GP ratings and later the saloon ratings will also be examined in similar manner. At a later date the practical tests will also be conducted under the purview of the Directorate. 

3.   The Company of Master Mariner India (CMMI), and the Institute of Marine Engineers India (IME) constituted  “Board of Examinations for Seafarers” (BES) and the Board operating from the Head Quarters of IME with full time Chief Co-ordinator to conduct the examination in all centers.   The assessment of all written papers will be carried out at a central location in Mumbai under strict supervision of the Chief Coordinator and as per the procedures approved. 

4.   The above Board conducted the first written & oral examination for G.P.Ratings at 6 centers viz. Chennai, Kochi, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Goa between 25th and 27th March, 2005.   Out of 653 G.P.Ratings who have completed the six months training, 570 have passed in the written and oral examination representing 87% pass.  

5.   The next All India Exit Examination will be conducted in end June, 2005 for the G.P.Rating students who have joined on 01.01.2005 and will be completing the course on 30.06.2005.  

6.   The above initiative will go a long way in promotion of Indian Seafarers and Indian training establishments.    

Sd/-
(Naresh Salecha)
Sr.Dy. Director General of Shipping
     

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