T.w.i.c.

[LarryandSusanMacDonald]

I'm sure many of you have a Captain's license. Is everyone aware that our government - in it's infinite wisdom - has decreed that all with merchant mariners licenses - must obtain - before September 2008 - a Transportation Workers Identification Card? (T.W.I.C.)

I've talked to many who hold licenses (O.U.P.V., Master's , etc) who don't really work in the industry or only do deliveries, or charter their own boat. According to the website:
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers...twic_faqs.shtm

we all must have it if we have a Coast Guard issued license.

There have been some rumors that unless you go into a 'secure' area you don't need it. (Which to me makes good sense) But I haven't found anything official about it yet.

Anybody with any firm (that is - official) information?

[sailingdog]

From the TSA website:

An estimated one million individuals will be required to obtain a TWIC. This includes Coast Guard-credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, longshoremen, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by MTSA.

Facility and vessel owners/operators are required to inform employees of their responsibility to possess a TWIC and what parts of the facility and vessel will require a TWIC for unescorted access. The intent of this requirement is for owners/operators to determine which of their employees will need a TWIC and inform those employees in enough time for them to comply with the requirements. Owners/operators are also encouraged, but not required, to provide this same information to personnel who are not facility or vessel employees, e.g. contractors, truck drivers. Coast Guard Captains of the Port will also be working with the local Area Maritime Security Committees to communicate enrollment center locations and scheduling, as well as TWIC requirements and compliance dates.

By the sounds of it, if you don't require unescorted access, you don't need a TWIC card.

[SailorMitch]

I just retired as the head of security for a federal agency and had some dealings with TSA about TWIC. It's similar to the "smart card" program mandated by Pres. Bush in Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 for all federal employees and contractors to have their identity verified. and then to receive the new "smart card" ID credential. While I agree with Dawg's interpretation of the words in the TSA website, the TSA is one of the most loosy goosey outfits to deal with in the federal government. If there's a way to screw it up, they will.

I can suggest 2 steps to try to pin down an answer: First, call the TSA info line number included in the link you provided. Second, call the Coast Guard group responsible for the license program to hear what they say. Hopefully, the two answers will agree. In the event they don't, write your Congressman or Senator for an answer. They will respond -- it's an election year.

[artbyjody]

Here is a few more links to read:

http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/download-docs/Info_Bulletin_TWIC-MMC.pdf

http://onthehip.blogspot.com/2008/02...-mariners.html

It looks like if you have the cert then yep - you probably fall into the category...

http://www.nacocharters.org/document...t%20Letter.pdf