Directorate General of Shipping Relaxes Eligibility Criteria for Admission to General Purpose Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering

Mumbai : In a significant decision, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has relaxed the eligibility criteria for admission to the General Purpose Rating (GP Rating) course and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) in Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) for students who completed their 10th Standard in the academic year 2020-21 (during COVID-19) for Tamil Nadu State.

This decision has been taken in light of the unique circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of examinations for the 2021 batch of Class 10 students in the State of Tamil Nadu. As a result, these students were issued certificates with a “PASS” result, without any marks being awarded.

Recognizing the challenges faced by these students, the DGS has decided to allow them to pursue careers in the maritime sector by waiving the minimum eligibility criteria of 40% aggregate in 10th Standard for admission to the GP Rating and CCMC courses.

This move will provide much-needed relief to aspiring seafarers in Tamil Nadu who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and will open up new opportunities for them to contribute to the growth of the maritime industry.

However youths from many other states allege that if one state youth are being provided relaxation. Than the same relaxation must be provided to other State Youths from across the Nation. As they all are aspirant youths who were the victim of Covid 19.

Key Points:

Students who completed their 10th Standard in the academic year 2020-21 (during COVID-19) with a “PASS” result are now eligible for admission to the GP Rating and CCMC courses in MTIs. 

This decision is in line with the Government of Tamil Nadu’s Order (MS) No. 48 dated 25.02.2021, which declared all students who studied 10th Standard in the academic year 2020-21 as passed.

The DGS has taken this step to ensure that aspiring seafarers are not disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control and to promote inclusivity in the maritime sector.

Impact:

The relaxation of eligibility criteria will provide a pathway for students from Tamil Nadu to pursue careers in the maritime industry despite the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will also contribute to the overall growth and development of the maritime sector in India.