5 Reasons to Choose Oral & Written Exam Prep Courses in 2026 | Onboard Maritime

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The new year is approaching, and for any ambitious maritime professional, 2026 could be the year you take the next, crucial step in your career: securing your next Certificate of Competency (CoC) by applying for our oral & written exam prep courses.

A CoC is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a globally recognised license to advance in your career. It's an investment in your future, a commitment to excellence, and the key that unlocks the door to higher rank, better pay, and greater opportunity.

Here are five reasons why you should make the decision to prepare for and pass your CoC exams in 2026.

1. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

In a rapidly changing industry, it’s important to stand out and fulfil your professional potential. By dedicating yourself to exam preparation, you don't just pass the test; you enhance your core competencies in critical areas.  This deeper understanding makes you a more effective and valuable officer, ready to lead and manage the challenges of the modern fleet.  

2. Accelerate Your Career Progression and Earning Potential

Every subsequent CoC you achieve—from OOW to Chief Mate, and then to Master—represents a formal, demonstrable leap in your professional capability.

• Move Up the Ranks: Progressing to your next CoC can directly translate to higher rank and increased responsibility.

• Boost Your Salary: With higher rank comes an increase in earning potential, often making the investment in training pay for itself many times over.

• Enhance Employability: A higher CoC makes you a prime candidate for top companies globally, offering greater job security and a wider choice of vessels and trade routes.

  
  

3. Clear the Path Before Big Life Events

Strategic planning is key. By tackling our Oral or Written Exam Prep Courses before major life commitments—such as getting married, starting a family, or buying a house—you can dedicate uninterrupted time to studying for your next CoC exam. This reduces stress and allows you to deeply master the content, rather than just rushing to pass.

Exam preparation is demanding, requiring focused time and mental capacity. Trying to balance study time with a major move can place immense strain on your personal life. By dedicating 2026 to passing that critical oral or written exam, you ensure that when those key, life-changing moments arrive, you can fully commit to them without the pressure of studying hanging over you.  

Cleared your diary but are still procrastinating? Read our blog Stop Procrastinating: 5 Science-Backed Strategies to Help with your Orals Prep

4. Study Online – No Study Leave Required

Preparation is everything, and at Onboard Maritime, we deliver specialist, flexible online courses designed to fit around your demanding sea-going schedule.

Our CoC Oral Exam Preparation and Written Exam Preparation Courses gives you 12 months access to our digital learning portal so you can choose when you study to fit around life and work commitments.  You can access an extensive study toolkit that includes study notes, animations, 3D models, access to our digital library and personalised tutor support.  

5. G 📢 Black Friday Offer: Save £100!

To give you another reason to start studying in 2026, we are running a special Black Friday offer on our comprehensive Oral & Written Exam Prep Courses.

For a limited time, you can get £100 OFF any of our qualifying Oral & Written Exam Prep Courses. Our expertly structured courses provide you with the resources, practice, and one-to-one support you need to sit your MCA exams with confidence.

This offer ends at the end of November, so secure your place today and invest in your future while making a significant saving!

Don't wait. Make 2026 the year you reach for your next CoC.

Ready to secure your spot and your discount?

➡️ Claim Your BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL OFFER Now:

www.onboardmaritime.com/black-friday-offer-2025

T&C's: Offer applies to Oral & Written Exam Prep courses to the value of £1000 or more. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 30th November 2025.