OCS Workers Can TWIC Too
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential ("TWIC") program has been closing in on the maritime industry for a number of years and was initially focused on credentialing U.S. citizens and resident aliens. Under the TWIC final rule published on January 25, 2007, all Coast Guard credentialed mariners, and all others seeking unescorted access to secure areas aboard a vessel, must possess a TWIC by September 25, 2008. Compliance dates for shore-based maritime facilities and OCS facilities subject to MTSA, however, will be phased in by Captain of the Port zones as published in the Federal Register 90 days prior to the compliance date. It has become clear recently that certain foreign nationals, such as those with a B-1 (OCS) visa, are eligible to apply for a TWIC in order to qualify for "unescorted access" privileges to a maritime facility or OCS facility regulated under the Maritime Transportation and Security Act ("MTSA") of 2002. Even though a TWIC is not mandatory for these individuals, once successfully vetted and enrolled in the program, they will qualify for the same unescorted access as U.S. citizens and resident aliens with a TWIC. With regard to MTSA OCS facilities, unescorted access will not be allowed to any part of a MTSA OCS facility without a TWIC. A TWIC does not entitle the holder to unescorted access. Rather, it qualifies them for unescorted access at the discretion of the MTSA facility operator. Foreign nationals will first have to provide documentation to establish qualifying visa status as discussed above prior to being able to obtain a TWIC. Such individuals will then have to visit a TWIC enrollment center to get photographed and fingerprinted, and pay the enrollment fee. TSA will conduct a security threat assessment, which will include a criminal background check, an immigration status check, and an
www.seadiscovery.com
intelligence/terrorism check. An applicant must return to the same enrollment center where they enrolled to activate and pick up the TWIC. Accordingly, employers of non-immigrants that hold B1 (OCS) and certain other work visas should consider whether such individuals should apply for a TWIC in order to qualify for unescorted access privileges to MTSA shoreside and OCS facilities.
Marine Technology Reporter 25
You don't have Macromedia Flash Player installed.
This content requires the Macromedia Flash Player.
Get Flash
www.digitalwavepublishing.com
www.MarineLink.com