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What the heck is a TWIC???

By: Capt. Ted Morley, USCG Master Unlimited
Director, Training & Operations
Maritime Professional Training Ft Lauderdale FL
www.MPTusa.com

Great question!!! To all of you in the maritime industry that have started to hear about a TWIC card and have little to no idea what it is or who needs it, you are not alone! TWIC stands for “Transportation Worker Identification Credential”.

The TWIC Program was designed by the TSA, DHS, and the USCG to provide a tamper-resistant biometric credential to maritime workers requiring un-escorted access to secure areas of a port, a facility, and to vessels regulated under the US Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), as well as to all USCG credentialed mariners with an MMD.

So, what does that mean to the average crewmember? Well, it is important to note that the TWIC is not designed to replace your existing MMD; rather, it is designed to streamline the process of entering and leaving secure port facilities. It has been met with mixed reviews and opinions by the industry with many feeling it is another burden placed on the mariner while others feel it is long overdue. Having said that, all USCG credentialed Merchant Mariners must obtain a TWIC by September 25, 2008 in order to be in compliance in their respective ports of operation.

So how does it affect yachts, smaller vessels, and the crews aboard? Well, that’s complicated. It will affect all mariners with USCG credentials that operate out of regulated areas or that work on regulated vessels, such as cruise ships, passenger vessels, tankers, or cargo ships. The program was not designed for yachts, rather for commercial vessels. But, U.S. yachts and crews will come under the regulation, just like any other vessel, provided that they operate in or need access to regulated areas within the port facilities or if they have U.S. credentials. This may prove a complication for yachts seeking to berth in a commercial port for lay days, fueling operations, or alongside crane work. The COTP will have to determine how best to handle these situations. Right now, crews aboard these yachts require security escorts between the vessels and the security gates in the port; that will probably stay the norm, especially for the foreign flag yachts.

The program has already been implemented in some U.S. ports and is expected to be in full affect by September 2008. Compliance for ports and facilities will be phased in by the supervising COTP (Captain Of The Port) and shall be published in the Federal Register 90 days prior to the compliance date.

It is estimated that approximately 1 million (1,000,000) individuals will need to obtain TWICs, including mariners, port facility staff, truck drivers, longshoremen, and all others that require un-escorted access to facilities or vessels. A proposal by the USCG will combine the existing MMD (Merchant Mariner Document) and the TWIC card into a new credential, the MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential). Until that time, mariners will need to enroll in the program and obtain the TWIC card in addition to their MMD.

The process for obtaining a TWIC is relatively simple, and quite fast. An individual that has been told that they need a TWIC should go online to the TSA website for the TWIC program and review all of the pertinent information and the FAQ section. The individual can then complete the Pre-Enrollment process and complete the questionnaire and disclosure forms. Then it is a simple matter of identifying which Enrollment Center is closest to them and setting up an appointment. An appointment is not required, but is suggested as a means of expediting the process. It is estimated that the average time burden should be less than 30 minutes for the application process at the Enrollment Center. Upon successful completion, a person can expect their TWIC card to be issued within 4-6 weeks. The Enrollment Center will notify the individual that the card is ready, requiring one last visit to the Center for activation and issuance of the TWIC. Total cost for the process with background check will be $132.50 (less if done at same time as the MMD) and shall be valid for 5 years.

The TWIC program should streamline not only the entry into restricted areas but also the spot inspections the USCG conducts of these facilities; allowing for near instantaneous validation of an individual’s identity and credentials.

It is important to mention that according to the USCG NVIC (Navigation & Vessel Inspection Circular) 3-2007 Section 6, line e., on page 7, which states: “Also by September 25, 2008, all mariners will be required to hold a TWIC in order for their license, MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement to remain valid…” This component of the NVIC should be taken extremely seriously, as it directly affects the mariner’s ability to maintain their position onboard a vessel. To read the entire NVIC, go to the following link: (http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twic_nvic_07-02-07.pdf)

Whether you agree with the TWIC Program or not, it is here and is being implemented nation-wide. I encourage you to visit their website and familiarize yourself with the requirements for employees, facilities, and vessels under the program. General information can be found at (http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov/). For those of you that have spent time at the DMV for a commercial driver’s license or at the USCG for a MMD will be quite happy at the speed and efficiency of the Enrollment Centers.

Look for future articles about the TWIC program as we follow the implementation and compliance portion of the program. All U.S. mariners should be aware of this now; if this is the first you are hearing about, make sure to go online and research the program and find out how it will affect you and your ability to work onboard vessels.