Navigating the Regulatory Seas

In case you missed the latest in Homeland Security news yesterday, here are the new compliance dates for obtaining your TWIC:

- October 15, 2008 – ALL 33 CFR Part 105 compliant facilities in Sector Southeastern New England must comply with TWIC.

- April 15, 2009 – ALL Merchant Mariners and 33 CFR Part 104 compliant vessels must comply with TWIC.

- June 2008 – Sector Southeastern New England will sponsor Port Safety and Security Forum’s in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to answer additional questions regarding TWIC compliance.

The Department of Homeland Security Press Release on TWIC compliance dates is provided below for your information. If you have questions, please call LT Merridith Morrison at (401) 435-2361 or Merridith.R.Morrison@uscg.mil.

Department of Homeland Security Press Release

Some helpful information from the Regional Exam Center (REC) in New York City about the future of applying for credentials and what to bring to the REC when you go for your TWIC….

As required by law, all credentialed U.S. merchant mariners must obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), prior to September 25, 2008 - this includes all persons holding a Coast Guard-issued License, Certificate of Registry, Merchant Mariner Document or Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers endorsement.

The Coast Guard is currently engaged with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) working out the specific information, provided by applicants to TSA during TWIC enrollment, which would be needed to process an application for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). We (USCG) are also attempting to determine the method by which the information we require will be shared with to us by TSA. We expect to have coordinated these details prior to September 25, 2008, if not sooner.
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Although this meeting is region specific, these Coast Guard sessions occur in each CG sector and are quite worthwhile. Check with your port captain for the Industry Day in your district.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England will be holding a small passenger vessel industry day on Thursday March 20th, 2008.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Owner, Operators, and Crew Members of inspected small passenger vessels.
• Other parties with an interest in the small passenger vessel industry.
• Parties involved in the construction and repair of certificated small
passenger vessels.
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MERCHANT MARINER’S AND THE TRANSPORTATION WORKERS IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL

As required by law, all credentialed U.S. merchant mariners must obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), prior to September 25, 2008 – this includes all persons holding a Coast Guard-issued License, Certificate of Registry, Merchant Mariner Document or Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers endorsement. The Coast Guard is currently engaged with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) working out the specific information, provided by applicants to TSA during TWIC enrollment, which would be needed to process an application for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). We are also attempting to determine the method by which the information we require will be shared with (or transferred to) us by TSA.

We expect to have coordinated these details prior to September 25, 2008, if not sooner. (more…)