|
03/04/2008 - Enrollment for Trade Worker ID Cards Continues Throughout the Country
On February 29, The Port of Norfolk, Va., became the most recent port to begin enrollment for the new Trade Worker Identification Card (TWIC), bringing the total number of ports that have begun preliminary enrollment to 78. The credential will eventually be mandatory for all workers, including many truckers, that require access to secure areas of ports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency administering the program, has estimated that one million individuals will be required to obtain a TWIC card.
The TWIC is an ID card that allows the holder to access secure areas of ports and vessels. It is a new endeavor aimed at improving security at ports. The cards have a photo and fingerprint information of the holder as well as “SmartCard” digital technology. Once the program is in place, drivers will need the card to access secure areas of ports. In addition to truck drivers, merchant mariners, port facility employees, longshoremen and others will need a card.
The actual implementation for the TWIC date varies by port, however most ports will require TWICs by September 25, 2008 at the latest. A schedule of port enrollment is available here. In addition, the facility owners/operators are required to inform employees, including drivers, of their responsibility to possess a TWIC as well as what areas of the facility will require a card. TWIC enrollment began October 16, 2007 at the Port of Wilmington, Del. Since then, enrollment has been taking place at large and small ports throughout the country.
The enrollment process consists of the following: optional pre-enrollment, in-person enrollment, security threat assessment and notification of the results, and issuance of the TWIC. Applicants have the option to pre-enroll online to speed the enrollment process. When applying, workers must bring identity verification documents when they enroll so that the documents can be scanned into the electronic enrollment record. Applicants are notified via telephone or email when they may return to the enrollment site to pick up their TWIC.
The card costs $132.50 and is valid for five years. Workers with current, comparable background checks, such as a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME), Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, etc, will pay a reduced fee of $105.25. Enrollment sites are a combination of fixed and mobile stations throughout the U.S.
According to TSA, the enrollment process for a pre-enrolled applicant is approximately 10 minutes and 15 minutes for those who do not pre-register. The time from application to card issuance has not been specified and presumably varies by port zone.
Once the program is in place, port workers will be required to inspect the TWIC for each worker granted unescorted access to secure areas. During the initial rollout, workers will present their cards to authorized personnel who will compare the holder to his or her photo, inspect security features on the TWIC and evaluate the card for signs of tampering. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) will also verify TWICs during spot checks. A second rulemaking will propose enhanced access control requirements, including the use of electronic readers by certain vessel and facility owners and operators.
TSA is responsible for issues relating to enrollment, and the Coast Guard is responsible for enforcement. Because TSA and the USCG perform different roles, each agency has established a Help Desk to address questions and concerns. TSA's Help Desk can be reached at 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942). USCG's TWIC Help Desk can be reached at 1-877-MTSA-AID. You may also email the USCG’s Help Desk at uscg-twichelpdesk@uscg.mil.
|
