The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun the initial enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for the ports of Peoria and Joliet IL, Memphis TN, and Buffalo NY, according to information published December 14 in the Federal Register.
The TSA program requires a background check for anyone who has unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels. The TWIC credential is valid for five years. The TWIC fee will be $132.50. Workers with current, comparable background checks, including a hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver license, Merchant Mariners document or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) credential, will pay a discounted fee of $105.25.
Other ports conducting the program announced earlier include: •Mobile AL. •Indiana Harbor IN. •Brunswick GA. •Long Beach CA. •Tulsa OK. •Milwaukee WI. •Philadelphia PA. •Seattle WA. •Albany NY. •New York/New Jersey. •Wilmington NC. •Jacksonville FL. •Duluth-Superior MN. •New Orleans LA. •Wilmington DE. •Corpus Christi TX. •Honolulu HI. •Baton Rouge LA. •Tacoma WA. •Beaumont TX. •Oakland CA. •Los Angeles and Long Beach CA.