TWIC

Senate bill introduced to close Jones Act offshore loophole

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) yesterday introduced the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act. The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Garret Graves (R-La.-06) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.-03).

According to Cassidy’s office, the bill provides a level playing field between U.S. flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels working in offshore energy activities in U.S. waters. The changes also improve the oversight of foreign-flagged vessels and...

https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/offshore-bill-introduced-to-close-jones-act-loophole/

AskWaves: What is a TWIC card?

When securing drivers for shipments that require entry into a maritime facility, transportation and logistics workers are often introduced to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the program is administered to assess security threats within American seaports.

In 2001, the TWIC program was created after the passage of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). The MTSA was a response to the 9/11...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/askwaves-what-is-a-twic-card

Covid-19 exemptions to TWIC requirements update

The Transportation Security Administration has updated the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA image.
The Coast Guard has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 13-20 – (Change 2) “Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Operations – Change 2” to provide updates to TWIC Reader Rule implementation and enforcement. Changes to the MSIB are reflected below.

The uninterrupted flow of commerce on the Marine Transportation System (MTS) is critical to both national security and national economic well-being, according to the Coast Guard. During this national emergency for Covid-19 it...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/covid-19-exemptions-to-twic-requirements/

Coast Guard publishes updated Covid-19-related exemptions to TWIC requirements

The Transportation Security Administration is updating the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Coast Guard image.

The Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 13-20 – (Change 1) “Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Operations – Change 1” to update temporary exemptions to credential expirations related to Covid-19. Changes to the MSIB are reflected below.

Updated enforcement date due to Covid-19:

TWIC Readers – the Coast Guard is not changing or delaying the TWIC Reader Rule implementation date of June 7, 2020, for facilities...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-publishes-updated-covid-19-related-exemptions-to-twic-requirements/

Active TWIC holders can use their credentials to obtain TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Administration has updated the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA image.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded TSA PreCheck eligibility to all active Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) holders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents.

“This new benefit immediately allows nearly 3.5 million individuals to obtain TSA PreCheck at no additional cost beyond what they have already paid for their credentials,” said TSA Executive Assistant Administrator for...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/active-twic-holders-can-use-their-credentials-to-obtain-tsa-precheck/

TWIC expiration dates extended six months

The Transportation Security Administration has updated the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA image.

Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that all Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs) that expired on or after March 1, 2020, would have their expiration dates extended by 180 days. This exemption took effect on April 10, 2020, and will remain in effect through July 31, 2020.

The Federal Register notice said that “there are 2,294,797 active TWICs in circulation today, and TSA records indicate that 234,536, or approximately 10%, will expire in the...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/twic-expiration-dates-extended-six-months/

COVID-19 TWIC Operations! USCG Sets Temporary Exemptions!

  • USGG sets temporary exemptions concerning TWIC operations.
  • The regulations outlined throughout 33 and 46 Code of Federal Regulations remain in force.
  • The Coast Guard will exercise flexibility to prevent undue delays, when compliance with these regulations cannot be met as a result of COVID-19.
  • TSA may grant a temporary exemption from certain requirements in 49 CFR part 1572 for the expiration of the TWIC for current cardholders. 

Considering the COVID-19 situation, USCG sets temporary...

http://mfame.guru/covid-19-twic-operations-uscg-sets-temporary-exemptions/

Coronavirus update: No TWIC card delays, transportation infrastructure bill shows promise

The 2016 graduating class of Kings Pointers stand during their graduation ceremony at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, June 18. U.S. Army photo.

Here are some of the latest developments on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting parts of the maritime industry.

  • The Transportation Security Administration said that there are currently no delays in the production or issuance of TWIC cards. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications at least 60-to-90 days before a current card’s expiration, and to opt to have the new document mailed so that a trip to a public enrollment center can be avoided. While some enrollment centers have closed...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coronavirus-update-no-twic-card-delays-transportation-infrastructure-bill/

DOJ releases report of FBI’s management of maritime terrorism threats

Coast Guard crewmembers aboard a 25’ response boat–small enforce a security zone surrounding Washington, D.C. for the 58th Presidential Inauguration, Jan. 19, 2017. USCG photo.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General has released an audit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s management of maritime terrorism threats.

In the redacted report’s executive summary, the DOJ’s OIG said that “although FBI officials told us they consider the terrorism threat to the maritime domain to be low, we believe this assessment is based on incomplete and potentially inadequate information. Our review determined that the FBI does not conduct Its own, formal...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/doj-releases-report-of-fbis-management/

DHS seeks comments on TWIC program

The Transportation Security Administration has updated the design of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. TSA image.

The Department of Homeland Security is seeking comments to assess how effective the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is at enhancing security and reducing security risks for regulated maritime facilities and vessels.

Through the transportation security card program, DHS issues TWIC cards. Legislation that was passed Aug. 2, 2018, restricts the U.S. Coast Guard from implementing any rule requiring the use of biometric readers for TWIC until after submission to Congress of...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/dhs-seeks-comments-on-twic-program/

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