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CFATS
GD-GACT
H.R. 2830
MVNRLM
NAAQS
OIAI
REACH
RFS
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TWIC
State & Regional Issues
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TWIC Enrollment
Centers
The order that the ports will open is based
on a variety of factors including risk, geographic location, size and
contractor resources. Click here to view point-in-time program information on enrollment
and adjudication related statistics. |
Legislation & Rules
TWIC Direct Final Rule, Federal Register Notice, September 28, 2007
Amends the TWIC rule to expand the list
of categories of non-resident aliens who are required to apply for a TWIC. The
rule also requires that mariners serving aboard vessels have access to spaces on
the terminal dock immediately adjacent to their ship when they are conducting
appropriate work activity, even if they do not have a TWIC. The rule also amends
the TWIC card replacement fee, setting the standard fee to $132.50.
TWIC Final Rule, Federal Register Notice, January 25, 2007
This final rule describes the implementation requirements of the TWIC program
for the owners and operators of maritime facilities and vessels. All workers or
personnel at maritime facilities are required to submit to additional background
checks to obtain a biometric access card as a minimal condition for unescorted
access to secure areas. Individuals with a TWIC must further have a need for
access in accordance with a facility’s approved security plan.
This final rule amends the following regulations:
Coast Guard changed several
sections of the
proposed rule as a result of comments received and additional
analysis. Click
here.
33 CFR 125
This rule requires Coast Guard Captains of the
Port to prevent access to waterfront facilities to persons that do not have
appropriate identification credentials. It also explains the acceptable
identification documents.
Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), Title I: Maritime Transportation
Security, Sec. 102 Port Security, November 25, 2002
MTSA requires DHS to issue a “biometric
transportation security credential to … individuals who require unescorted
access to secure areas of … facilities.” To obtain the Credential, the
individuals must pass a security threat assessment, which includes a review of
criminal, immigration, and pertinent intelligence records.
Updates, Comments & Other Reports
April 2008
At the end of March, nearly 40,000 TWIC cards had
been activated, with an additional 200,000 individuals enrolled and another
170,000 pre-enrolled in the TWIC program. With approximately 95 centers
operational, over 60% of the total schedule to open, TSA estimates that the
average enrollment time is under 10 minutes. For more information on the TWIC
program, as well as on the pre-enrollment and enrollment process, visit the
TSA’s Web site.
March 2008
Lockheed Martin recently released a
list of
procedures and requirements for hosting a temporary
mobile/portable enrollment center. These sites are designed to enroll
employees, unions, associations, etc. while providing an added convenience of
avoiding individual trips to a fixed location for enrollment. Meeting the
requirements listed does not guarantee having a mobile enrollment capability
established at any stakeholder’s facility. Lockheed Martin reserves the right
to prioritize or decline specific mobile deployments based on each site’s unique
circumstances.
February 2008
TSA recently published the TWIC Dashboard. This two-page document provides
point-in-time program information on enrollment and adjudication related
statistics. To view this document, click
here.
January 2008
An
adaptable
TWIC Training Program
Template is available for use by terminals who are required to train their employees
according to the associated TWIC requirements stated in Enclosure (3) of
USCG NVIC 03-07,
Section 3.3(g), p. 16-17.
December
2007 Lockheed Martin has recently issued additional information regarding
mobile enrollment sites. Such locations may be requested by facilities
interested in hosting a temporary enrollment location for their employees and
stakeholders. These sites must be able to provide the required equipment and
infrastructure. Click
here
for more information.
October 2007
TWIC enrollment begins on October 16, 2007 at the
Port of Wilmington, DE. Dates for enrollment of workers at other ports have not
been posted at this time. Pre-enrolling online speeds up the process by
allowing workers to provide biographic information and schedule a time to
complete the application process in person.
August 2007
Facilities wishing to amend their MTSA restricted
area must do so by September 4, 2007. This option is not intended for bulk
liquid terminals. Tank farms that are specifically used to stage cargo for
loading to a vessel or to receive cargo at its first point of rest upon
discharge from a vessel “are not eligible for exclusion [NVIC 3.4.a(2)]. All
ports will begin to enforce TWIC rules no later than September 25, 2008.
July 2007
Coast Guard released the Navigation
and Vessel Inspection Circular 03-07. This document is intended
to provide guidance for the implementation of the TWIC program in the maritime
sector.
April 2007
TSA identified 120 locations to
serve as enrollment centers for the TWIC implementation process. Enrollment in
the TWIC program is scheduled to open at the Port of Wilmington in Delaware.
According to Lockheed Martin, the contractor for Phase I implementation,
enrollments will follow in New York, NY, Miami, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Norfolk,
VA, Baltimore, MD, Jacksonville, FL, and Charleston, SC. The deadlines for
completion of the process have not been published; however, each Captain of the
Port is to notify facilities 90 days before compliance is required.
November 2006
The May 22, 2006
TWIC provisions have been divided into two
separate regulatory projects. The first rule establishes the requirements for
the enrollment and card issuance phase of the TWIC program. The second rule will
include requirements for purchasing and installing TWIC access control
technologies. It is unclear what type of testing, if any, will be done prior to
implementation. A public comment period will follow publication of the proposed
rule in the Federal Register, which is expected sometime in 2007.
October 2006
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a
report advising the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to
address problems with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
program prior to program implementation. The GAO report stated that major
problems during the TWIC testing period resulted from (1) inefficient enrollment
and issuing procedures; (2) limited information on the use of TWIC access
control technologies; and (3) lack of understanding what impact the TWIC program
might have on the flow of maritime commerce.
June 2006
The comment period for the May 22, 2006 proposed rule ended on June 6, 2006.
Common concerns included high costs, card reader specifications and
requirements, definition of disqualifying crimes, ability to work while awaiting
issuance of a TWIC, program effectiveness in meeting MTSA objectives, and
others. Comments were received from members of both the oil and natural gas
industry and the chemical manufacturing industry.
RELATED
ILTA ARTICLES
ILTA provides a monthly newsletter to its
membership. Members may log in to the Member Resources page to access archived
newsletters. The following is a list of articles ILTA has published in its
newsletter relating to the TWIC requirement.
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TWIC Enrollment Begins,
Terminals Obligated to Provide Training November 2007 Issue (p.4)
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Start of TWIC Enrollment and Publication of
CFATS Final ‘Appendix A’ Remain Uncertain
October 2007 Issue (p.4)
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Coast Guard Issues Final Guidance Document on
TWIC Implementation, August 2007
Issue (p.2)
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DHS Gears Up To Implement TWIC Despite GAO
Testimony Citing Remaining Challenges, June 2007 Issue (p.2)
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TWIC Program Enrollment Dates Remain Uncertain,
May 2007 Issue (p.3)
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TWIC Enrollment Set to Begin in Wilmington, DE,
April 2007 Issue (p.2)
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DHS Publishes Final TWIC Rule Covering Process for Issuing ID Cards,
February 2007 (p.2)
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GAO Says TWIC Program Should be Delayed,
December 2006 Issue (p.3-4)
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TWIC Program Appears Likely to Expand Beyond
Maritime Sector, July 2006 Issue
(p.2)
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DHS Issues Proposed Rule for TWIC,
June 2006 Issue (p.2)
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