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 Hilo-, HI, International Falls MN, Ontonagon MI, Morehead City NC, Huntington WV, and Port Canaveral FL, according to information published December 26 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:
•Peoria and Joliet IL.
•Memphis TN.
•Buffalo NY.
•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.