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 US ports, according to information published recently 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.
The current ports and dates of enrollment include:
- Mobile AL, December 5, 2007.
- Indiana Harbor IN, December 7, 2007.
- Brunswick GA, Long Beach CA, Tulsa OK, and Milwaukee WI, December 12, 2007.
- Philadelphia PA, Seattle WA, and Albany NY, December 13, 2007.
- New York/New Jersey on December 20, 2007.
- Wilmington NC on December 27, 2007.
- Jacksonville FL, Duluth-Superior MN, and New Orleans LA, December 28, 2007.
DHS announced earlier that the program had become active at the ports of Wilmington DE, Corpus Christi TX, Honolulu HI, Baton Rouge LA, Tacoma WA, Beaumont TX, and Oakland CA.