MARAD issues TWIC advisory to U.S. merchant mariners

MARAD issues TWIC advisory to U.S. merchant mariners

The Maritime Administration March 27 issued an advisory to U.S. merchant mariners addressing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirement.

As stated in the advisory:

By Sept. 25, 2008, all U.S. Coast Guard credentialed mariners will be required to hold a TWIC in order for their license, MMD, COR or STCW endorsement to remain valid. Until then, if a vessel or facility has started TWIC compliance and enforcement, mariners may present an alternate identification (MMD or Coast Guard license and valid photo identification, or Coast Guard COR and valid photo identification) to be eligible for unescorted access to secure areas of the vessel or facility. Failure to obtain a TWIC may result in suspension or revocation of a mariner's credential under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703.

To obtain a TWIC, an individual must visit an enrollment center and pay the enrollment fee, complete a TWIC application disclosure form, provide biographical information and a complete set of fingerprints, and sit for a digital photograph. Pre-enrollment is recommended as it is designed to save the applicant time by enabling him or her to provide biographical information and make an appointment for in-person enrollment. The cost for a TWIC is $132.50 and it is valid for five years. Mariners who already hold a Coast Guard credential (MMD) may pay a reduced fee of $105.25; however, their TWIC will then expire when their Coast Guard credential (MMD) expires.

As reported by MARAD, all of the information needed to obtain a TWIC is available on TSA Web sites:

TSA TWIC deployment Web site-twicinformation.com/twicinfo/index.jsp:

Schedule of when each enrollment center will commence operations
Enrollment center addresses, including maps, directions and hours of operation
Frequently asked questions (including the TWIC application disclosure form)
Link to the pre-enrollment Web site (Pre-enrollment is strongly recommended)
Check card status / schedule pickup

TSA TWIC home page Web site-www.tsa.gov/twic:

Small entity guide for applicants
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 03-07
Link to the pre-enrollment Web site (Pre-enrollment is strongly recommended)

Both TSA and the Coast Guard have established help desks to address questions and concerns:

TSA: (866) DHS-TWIC / .
Coast Guard: (877) MTSA-AID / .

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