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 Portland OR, Victoria TX, and Kahului, Maui and Kauai, HI, according to information published January 3 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 can be found online at the TSA Web site, tsa.gov. (PDF)