Merchant Marine Interest:

AT LAST HOPE OF TWIC REFORM

 Editorial Note: June 1, 2017  This really was the last attempt at reform of the TWIC system and while the process for an original or renewal has improved somewhat the system is still in our opinion a dismal failure. We think most of the observable "progress" to date in the way of reduction of wait and processing times is simply the result of  the "pig in the python effect" of the initial issue population passing through and an over all shrinkage in the relevant maritime work force reducing renewals. The protracted time involved in the program's roll out has also inadvertently staggered renewal demand. Over all we rate the system, which doesn't even require proof of citizenship for card issuance a colossal and expensive failure. 

The Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) has been a major irritant for the maritime industries and most especially merchant mariners since its inception in the wake of the attack on the twin World Trade Towers in New York on September 11, 2001. Merchant mariners are required to undergo a background investigation that they are charged for in order to obtain the TWIC without which they may not go unescorted through a marine terminal. Lack of unescorted movement through marine terminals effectively curtails shore leave and renders crew changes extremely difficult. 

 Of course, everyone understands the necessity for port security in today's environment, but unlike the truck drivers and others required to under go and pay for the TWIC process U.S.Merchant Marine personnel already have Coast Guard issued "mariner credentials" for which they had to undergo background checks and pay for the process. Thus U.S.Merchant Mariners, so necessary to our commerce and national security that the law classes them as a "naval auxiliary" are made to pay for both an occupational license and a sort of redundant "work permit". In the case of merchant mariners there seems to be very little security value added by way of the TWIC program and a great deal of aggravation and expense added to the lives of this already shrinking labor force.

 Now some hope of reform appears. House Resolution 4251 has been favorably reported and may be on its way to becoming law. This bill addresses a number of important shortfalls in the TWIC system. The legislation is strongly supported by the maritime labor unions and many in maritime industry management. The full name of the bill is the "Securing Maritime Activities Through Risk-Based Targeting for Port Security Act". " We urge our maritime professional readers to monitor the progress of this bill carefully. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Chairperson of the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee. The legislation calls for major reform of the TWIC system before the end of 2012 when the first of the TWIC applicants will be required to go through the renewal process.The most important reform from the point of view of most merchant mariners is that the legislation requires that the process be completed with only one in person visit to the card issuing center.

 The bill also requires the DHS to issue a final rule for the installation of mechanical readers for the cards at the places protected. The lack of mechanical readers was one of the primary arguments that the cards were redundant with the merchant mariners credential. After all, if security guards simply looked at the TWIC as a photo ID from an agency that required a back ground check for issuance it truly was redundant with the Coast Guard issued mariner's credentials. To us, the next reform after this legislation should be the evolution of merchant mariner credentials that are TWIC electronic reader readable and the elimination of the entire second application, background check, and fees for merchant mariners. Well, we can still dream can't we?