TWIC renovation to keep the maritime transportation system secure

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card holders face the first cycle of renewal in October 2012 since the implementation of the security measure in 2007, amid uncertainty regarding the November 2011 issuance of some 26,000 TWICs with defective encoding.

The problem with the cards is that they may not work with readers, making the card holders subject to early renewal of the recently issued cards. The fee for applying for a TWIC is US$132.50. Although some unions reimburse their members for the cost, even five years after implementation of the multi-million dollar security initiative most places don’t even have TWIC readers, and if they did, reader operators would probably not know what the card is for in any case. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security, has said that it will cover the cost of renewal, but at US$132.50 each for 26,000 units adds a large sum of money that remains unanswered as to who will pay.

Currently, TSA is using the state-of-the-art cards just for visual identity checks, comparing the person’s face to their photo.

One of the mitigation measures against the massive renewal is the Coast Guard's issuance of a policy letter in mid- December that states that renewal is not necessary for certain sailors in the merchant marine if they operate onboard ships not required to have a vessel security plan, such as uninspected passenger vessels less than 100 gross register tons and some towing vessels.

What is it, who needs it, and how to get it

TWIC is a security measure aimed at ensuring the security inside secure areas of the United States’ maritime transportation system such as ports, vessels, outer continental shelf facilities and all merchant mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials. Also port facility employees, long shore workers, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by MTSA are required to get a TWIC.

To obtain one, an individual must provide biographic and biometric information such as fingerprints, sit for a digital photograph and successfully pass a security threat assessment conducted by TSA. Pre-enrollment is recommended as it is designed to save the applicant time by enabling them to provide their biographical information and make an appointment for in-person enrollment.

Ports, terminals, operators and shipowners are required to notify employees of their responsibility to possess a TWIC based on their need to have unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and facilities. Notification should be provided in a timely manner to give individuals sufficient time to complete the entire enrollment process by the compliance date.

For official TWIC enrollment information and services, visit the web site www.tsa.gov/twic.

By MundoMaritimo
Source: TWIC