Pay attention, this is where ⅓ of the mistakes were made with USCG License applications in 2021!
If you are using MM-SEAS you don't need to worry about this step! MM-SEAS will automatically take care of paying your fees on your behalf when you submit an application so you don’t have to worry about this confusing and frustrating step.
You need to use the table as set forth in 46 CFR 10.219 to calculate the appropriate fees and get a general idea of what you are applying for.
Then go to pay.gov, https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/4795779/ and follow the drop down menus. Choose the REC that is closest to you in the top section and then select the right four drop menus at the bottom which will tell you how much you are paying.
Follow the rest of the steps to pay the fees like you would anywhere else.
That’s it. Once you’ve got your receipt you are all set. Make sure to upload your receipt to MM-SEAS if you are planning on submitting your USCG License application in the near future to MM-SEAS.
If you are not using MM-SEAS you will need to keep the receipt some where safe and you will need it for submission with your application.
P.S. Pro Tip
If you are using MM-SEAS you can add your receipt or the easier way is to have MM-SEAS automatically take care of paying your fees on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about this confusing and frustrating step.
We built MM-SEAS to make this entire process super simple by organizing the paperwork and supporting documents underpinning Merchant Mariner credentials, ratings and licenses.
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.
