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TWIC 101:
Transportation Workers Identification Credential, an
Introduction
By ENS Kassandra Cinatl
Chief, Port Safety Division
(Marine Safety Unit Galveston)
The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 changed the landscape of port security by setting specific requirements for owners and operators of vessels and port facilities. The Transportation Security Administration and the United States Coast Guard, under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security, are beginning to implement a program designed to further enhance port security and facilitate commerce.
In accordance with the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the SAFE Port Act, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential will serve as an identification card for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA regulated facilities and vessels and all mariners holding Coast Guard issued credentials or qualification documents. The TWIC Card will be the minimum requirement necessary to gain unescorted access to vessels and port facilities. Using �Smart Card� technology, the issued credential will include the worker�s biometric information used to confirm appropriate background checks have been completed and the individual is determined not to be an appreciable security threat.
Implementation of the TWIC program is prioritized based on risk. As per the SAFE Port Act, TWIC will be introduced into the top 10 ports by July 1, 2007; the next 40 priority ports by Jan. 1, 2008; and all other ports by Jan. 1, 2009. Persons holding Merchant Mariner�s Document as of Oct. 13, 2006 must have their TWIC cards processed by Jan. 1, 2009. A final schedule for implementation at specific ports has not yet been determined. A notice will be published in the Federal Register to announce when enrollment begins in each Captain of the Port zone.
During the initial rollout phase, a person seeking access will present their card to authorized personnel. The individual presenting the TWIC card will be compared to the digital photograph on the card, the card will be inspected for security features and the card will be evaluated for signs of tampering. The USCG will confirm the identity of TWIC holders using hand-held readers, uploaded with the most recent HotList. This will be conducted during annual facility and vessel MTSA compliance exams, and during unannounced facility and vessel spot checks.
Since 2002, approximately $94.7 million has been spent on the TWIC program. This investment has funded the development of information technology and equipment, the evaluation of data storage alternatives, and strategic and project planning support for the start up the program.
It is important to remember, TWIC is only one component of the comprehensive port security enhancements put into place by the U.S. Coast Guard and TSA. All aspects of TWIC have not been finalized yet; implementation of the program has presented unique challenges, which have been compounded by a rapidly changing technology landscape and the added demands of operating in the maritime environment.
The final rule and more information related to the Transportation Workers� Identification Credential can be found on TSA�s website at
www.tsa.gov/twic.
[email protected]
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