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

From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security….

DHS REALIGNS TWIC COMPLIANCE DATE

WASHINGTON – The U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced that the final compliance date for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program will be April 15, 2009, which reflects a realignment of the Sept. 25, 2008 compliance date set in the final rule. The seven month extension is a direct result of collaboration with port officials and industry, and realigns the enrollment period with the original intent of the TWIC final rule.

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USCG – TWIC FAQs

The US Coast Guard issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding its enforcement of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.

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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From today’s Holland and Knight:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) established a Check Card Status site where maritime workers who have enrolled for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) may check the status of their applications.

Another site provides a list of TWIC Identification Verification Documents.