Everyone who holds a U.S. captain’s license, STCW certification, or COR document must now also obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC). The TSA has already required the card to be carried by longshoreman and other dockworkers who require access to secure areas and plans for all those possessing merchant mariner documents to get a TWIC by the end of September, 2008.TWICs, which contain a biometric chip as well as a photo, bar code, and magnetic strip, currently cost $132.50 and are good for five years. The rate is slightly reduced for applicants who have already passed the background review of their criminal history records, immigration status, and affiliation with terrorist groups. You can find a list of TWIC enrollment centers, and you can find answers to your questions regarding the TWIC program by calling the U.S. Coast Guard helpdesk at 866-347-8942 (the 877-687-2243 number given on their web site is for enforcement questions only) or at the TSA’s TWIC program’s Frequently Asked Questions page. You can get a copy of the application form here.
We’ll be reminding you about this as the final date for applications becomes firm. As I go through the process, I'll keep you updated on my progress, and let you know about and hassles or any "streamlined efficiencies" that I encounter.
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