Uploading a document into your MM-SEAS account will create a pdf for you. On a desktop computer, you create a pdf through the print menu. On a mobile device, you will probably need an app to convert pictures into a pdf.
How do I create a pdf on my computer?
On a computer you can use the print option to create a pdf. You can do this without being connected to a printer because the computer is changing the file from one type to a pdf. No paper is needed.
How do I use the print option?
After selecting "File -> Print" you should have an option to select a printer or destination depending on whether you have a PC or a Mac.
One of these options says "Save as a PDF" or something similar.
Select this option.
Where should I save it?
When you click print, you will likely be given an option of where to print/save the new document.
Save it somewhere you can easily find it. Some options are on the Desktop, in your Documents folder, or in Downloads. Which of these you choose, if any, is not important as long as you know how to get there.
We hope this made your life a little easier and if you have other questions the MM-SEAS team is always here to help!
MM-SEAS is free to use on your own and if you need some more personalized help you can upgrade to MM-SEAS Expert Access inside of the site.
No matter what, when you are ready to submit your application you can do it yourself, or you can hand the whole thing to us. An MM-SEAS Navita Navigator walks you through submitting in Navita, the Coast Guard's new submission portal, on a short video call. No computer, or not up for a video call? Our team gets your application submitted to the Coast Guard for you anyway. A Stress-Free MMC is $399. Two MM-SEAS licensing experts check every page, we pay your Coast Guard fees at submission and charge your card so you never touch pay.gov, and we stay on it with the National Maritime Center until your credential is issued.
MM-SEAS Expert Access is $99 a year. It is your personal guidance counselor for USCG licensing: what training you need next, which sea time counts, and how to reach the credential you want, by phone, email, chat or a 1 on 1 video call. Expert Access members also get $50 off a Stress-Free MMC.
Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.
About the author
Nate Gilman is President and Co-Founder of MM-SEAS. He hawsepiped from the deck to a 3rd Mate Unlimited license with full STCW compliance over more than 15 years at sea, and is a veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps. He works directly with the National Maritime Center, USCG-approved training schools, and vessel operators on credentialing policy, and writes on sea service documentation, evaluation standards, and how mariners move up the license ladder.
