TWIC program to be a reality
January 4, 2007 by SwizStick
Filed under QuickNews, Seafreight
Via Logistics Management:
The TWIC program is expected to cover 750,000 workers who require unescorted access to ports, ships and offshore platforms that currently are regulated by the Marine Transportation Security Act. This includes port employees, longshoremen, truck drivers, rail workers, and merchant mariners.
The program would also require the following:
- Collection of worker’s biographic information, including fingerprints, photo, contact information, and employment information;
- Background checks, including a review of criminal history records, terrorist watch lists, immigration status, and outstanding warrants;
- Utilization of “smart card” technology in a card that would include a photo, personal data, biometric information (such as fingerprints), and fraud-prevention measures;
- Integration of TWIC by port facility and vessel owners into existing access-control systems and operations, and an update of their approved security plans.
The program would be funded through user fees; most workers would pay between $139-$159 for an I.D. card that would be valid for five years.
It will be interesting to see how things turn out as the program is implemented. I am sure many port workers will not be happy with the program. And also what will happen if a large number of workers are deemed “ineligible” to work as a result of the program? How will that labor be replaced and will it effect operating efficiencies?
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