Tips to Kickstart Your Maritime Online Courses Study Routine in 2026

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." – Zig Ziglar

It's a new year, and whether you're still at your cadetship phase or studying for your next CoC Exam, our maritime online courses will be challenging you in 2026.   But if your New Year study routine is getting off to a slow, sluggish start, you're not alone! It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of studying time ahead.

Here are Onboard Maritime's top tips to help you get started with our maritime online courses, get into the zone, and find the motivation to get to where you want to be!

Get Started with Maritime Online Courses: Lower the Bar and Build Momentum

The biggest obstacle is often the first five minutes.

• The 30-Minute Rule: Don't commit to a 4-hour study session. Commit to 30 minutes. Tell yourself you only must work for this short, manageable time. Once the 30 minutes are up, you'll often find you have enough momentum to keep going.

• Start Easy: Choose a part of our maritime online courses that you find less challenging.  Don't dive into the complex calculations first. Begin with something simple, like re-reading a chapter summary, or taking a quiz at the end of a module on our Chief Mate Orals Prep Course.  A small win builds confidence for the bigger challenges.

• Tidy Your Deck: Clear your physical study space. A clean, organised environment minimises distractions and signals to your brain that it's time to focus.

Get in the Zone:

Once you've started our maritime online courses, the key is to stay efficient.

• The 'Study Sprint' Method (Pomodoro): Work for 25 minutes with complete focus, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times, then take a longer break (20-30 minutes). This method keeps your mind sharp and prevents burnout.

• Switch Off Distractions: Put your phone on silent and in another room. Close non-study tabs on your computer. Your maritime career demands focus, so practice that discipline in your study time.

• The Power of Environment: If you always study at your kitchen table, try moving to a different room, a library, or even a local coffee shop.  A change of scenery can refresh your focus.

Find the Motivation:

Motivation often comes from remembering why you started on our maritime online courses. Not enrolled on a course yet? Take a look at our Orals Prep Course and Writtens Prep Courses.

• Think S.M.A.R.T.: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of "Study more," aim for "Complete Chapter 3's quiz by Friday at 5 PM."

• Visualise Your Future: Take a moment to visualise yourself achieving your certification, stepping onto the bridge, or earning that promotion. This connection to your future self is a powerful motivator.

• Reward Your Progress: Did you finish a difficult module? Take a proper break! Treat yourself with something nice to eat, take a walk, or watch an episode of a show.  Positive reinforcement makes your brain want to repeat the study behaviour.

If you're still struggling then take a look at our other blog: Stop Procrastinating: 5 Science-backed Strategies to Help you With Orals Prep

Remember, every great seafarer started with a single step. Be kind to yourself, follow these tips, and trust that starting is the first step on your journey to success.