Stop Procrastinating: 5 Science-Backed Strategies to Help with your Orals Prep

Orals Prep is a massive undertaking for both Chief Mates and Masters.  At first glance, the extensive course materials to learn and retain are enough to put anyone off the revision.  From understanding advanced navigation and ship handling manoeuvres to maintaining safety and knowing International Conventions and standards - it’s a lot. However, procrastination is a common challenge, not a character flaw.

Psychology research shows that we procrastinate not because we're lazy, but because we're trying to avoid the negative emotions (like stress, boredom, or self-doubt) that a large, difficult task brings. 

Here are 5 science-backed strategies to help seafarers conquer procrastination, boost motivation, and tackle Orals Prep with confidence. 

1. The "Just 5 Minutes" Rule for Orals Prep

When a massive Orals Prep task, like reviewing the entire topic on Shipboard Operations, feels overwhelming, your brain triggers an avoidance response. The goal isn't to finish the task; it's just to start it.

• The Science: This strategy uses the concept of activation energy. Once you overcome the initial hurdle of starting (the highest energy point), the momentum makes it much easier to keep going. The act of starting also shifts your focus from the emotional pain of the task to the process itself.

• Maritime Application: Commit to studying for just 5 minutes on the most difficult topic of Orals Prep that you're avoiding (e.g., specific aspects of MARPOL Annex I). Set a timer. When the timer goes off, you'll often find you're already in the flow and will want to continue.

  
  

2. Implement Microlearning for Orals Prep

The sheer volume of content in your Masters or Chief Mate Orals Prep Course can feel like trying to empty the ocean with a bucket. Breaking it down into small, digestible "chunks" makes the task less intimidating.

• The Science: This ties into Goal Setting Theory. Smaller, more specific goals are much more motivating than vague, large ones. Microlearning (short, focused bursts of information) is especially effective in professional contexts, as it aids better knowledge retention.

• Maritime Application:

  • Syllabus Splitting: Set a timer for 30 minutes of focused study on one specific sub-topic followed by a 5-minute break.  Onboard Maritime’s online Oral Prep course materials are categorised into modules and sub-topics to make planning your studying easier, and progress is recorded so you know which topics you’ve already covered. So, sit down with a plan in mind of what you’re going to tackle, such as watching the first 10 ship handling animations in the series, and get started.

3. Harness Active Recall for Orals Prep

Re-reading your notes is a passive activity that creates an illusion of knowing. To truly beat procrastination, you need strategies that make your brain work harder.

• The Science: Active Recall (retrieving information from memory) is proven to dramatically improve long-term retention—crucial for a Master or Chief Mates oral exam where you must articulate complex concepts under pressure.

• Maritime Application:

  • Practice Orals (Active Recall): The most effective preparation is simulating the Oral exam. Joining Onboard Maritime’s group study sessions via Zoom lets you practice answering common Orals questions aloud, as well as hearing others do the same.  Our maritime tutors will give tips and advice of what you could improve on and areas you need to study further.  Once you have an oral exam date, you can book onto one of our 4-week intensive group sessions via Zoom (34 hours total). The timetable is provided in advance so you can fit it around your work schedule. Read our latest blog to find out course dates for 2026 and why Orals Prep Course Dates are your key to passing your next CoC

    
    

4. Pre-Commit to Your Study Environment for Orals Prep

Procrastination often happens because the desirable distraction (social media, TV) is easier to access than the difficult work. By designing your environment, you make the study path the one of least resistance.

• The Science: This is known as "Friction Reduction." By eliminating barriers to study and adding barriers to distraction, you make the right choice the easy choice.

• Maritime Application:

  • The "Clean Bridge" Principle: Clear your desk. Plug in your laptop, get your notepad ready, log into Onboard Maritime’s digital learning portal before your study session begins.

  • Digital Separation: Put your phone in "Do Not Disturb" and place it across the room.  Use a separate browser profile to hide your favourite sites so you’re not tempted to read the latest sports news or check your social media.

    
    

5. Visualise Your Success

Maritime professionals are driven by big goals: the Master's Certificate of Competency is the ultimate goal. Use that future reward to motivate your actions today.

• The Science: Visualisation links your current effort to your desired future state, helping your prefrontal cortex (the rational planner) override the limbic system (the part that seeks immediate comfort). It makes the long-term reward feel more immediate.

• Maritime Application:

  • The "Pass" Mindset: Spend 60 seconds before each study session visualising yourself: walking into the exam room with confidence, clearly articulating your answer to the question, then think of holding your pass certificate.

  • Connect Tasks to Role: Every time you study, remind yourself: "I am not just memorising the Ship Risk Profile (SRP); I am demonstrating the comprehensive capability required of a Master when entering ports."

Summary

Procrastination is a signal, not a failing. Use these science-backed techniques to manage your study schedule for our Masters Orals Prep Course and you’ll be ready to pass your Oral Exam.  

Find out more and enrol on our Orals Prep Course?