Every cadet’s worst fear? Hearing the words:
“Unfortunately, you haven’t passed this time.”
The truth is — most cadets don’t fail because they don’t know the syllabus. They fail because of how they prepare.
Here are the top reasons cadets struggle in their UK MCA oral exams, and exactly how to avoid them so you can pass with confidence first time.
1️⃣ Not practising speaking out loud
You start by reading through past orals report, you’ve looked into your examiner and think you can answer all the questions easily. You might know the answers perfectly in your head, but when it comes to saying them out loud under pressure — things fall apart. Cadets find they end up blanking, having lots of pauses, repeating themselves or going off on tangents.
That’s the number-one reason cadets stumble. The oral exam is about clear communication, not just knowledge.
💡 Fix it: Use the SafeSeas Virtual Examiner to practise answering spoken questions aloud.
You’ll hear examiner-style prompts, record your responses, and check against model answers — building real-world fluency before the exam. Get your stumbles and pauses out the way before you do the real thing!
2️⃣ Trying to memorise model answers
It’s tempting to cram perfect answers, but examiners can spot memorisation instantly.
Imagine a COLREGs question on safe speed and they ask you to explain it in your own words? If you have only memorised the rule but don’t know what that actually means in real life or how it applies, you’re not going to convince the examiner to pass you!
They’re testing whether you can apply your knowledge — not just recall it.
💡 Fix it: Focus on understanding why something is correct. Practise explaining your reasoning clearly — that’s what shows true competence.
💡Bonus tip: Try explaining some of the topics that you find more complex to someone that isn’t a seafarer in plain English. If they can understand what you mean, you’re doing a good job and it helps build your confidence and understanding.
3️⃣ Leaving it too late to start practising
Many cadets wait until after they’ve passed Part A to start oral prep. But once you pass Part A, your oral exam date can come within days – and it has happened! Some cadets have only had 5 days between passing part A and being given a part B orals date.
💡 Fix it: Start early. Use the Part B Question Bank alongside your Part A studies to build confidence and get familiar with question styles before you’re under time pressure. Once you’re familiar with question types, start speaking out loud. The sooner you start verbalising your answers the better.
4️⃣ Not getting feedback before the real exam
Even with self-practice, you can’t always tell if you’re explaining something correctly or confidently enough.
Create a study group with fellow students and critique each others answers, or book a session with an experienced tutor for expert feedback.
💡 Fix it: Book a One-to-One Mock Oral with an experienced orals prep tutor. It’s the best way to test your readiness, identify small weaknesses, and polish your delivery.
5️⃣ Letting nerves take control
Even the most capable cadets lose their thought process and rhythm because nerves take over. Fast speech, blanking, or second-guessing yourself can all make you look like you’re not quite sure of your answers.
💡 Fix it: Confidence comes from familiarity. The more you rehearse realistic exam conditions with tools like the Virtual Examiner or mock sessions, the calmer you’ll feel on the day.
Final Thoughts
Most cadets fail not because they’re unprepared — but because they prepared the wrong way.
By practising out loud, starting early, and getting feedback before exam day, you’ll give yourself every possible advantage.
Best of luck passing your orals!
SafeSeas Training 