TSA Releases Transport Worker ‘TWIC’ Card Details

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he Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday it has approved regulations in the next phase of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, program, set to collect information on transportation workers.

“TWIC is designed to ensure that individuals posing a security threat do not gain access to our nation's ports," said TSA chief Kip Hawley. “Today's proposed rulemaking represents a significant milestone towards putting TWIC on the fast track.”

The rules will to be issued in the federal register within the next few days, after which the public will have 45 days to comment, the Department of Homeland Security said. TSA is part of DHS.

The program is expected to cover 750,000 workers and to be funded through user fees. TSA said workers would have to pay about $139 to receive a TWIC card, which would be valid for five years.

Workers with current, comparable background checks would pay approximately $105 for the credential, TSA said.

The TWIC rule also will propose that:

font size=4>• TSA collect workers’ biographic information, including fingerprints;

• Workers with unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels be regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act would be required to have a TWIC;

• Background checks will include of criminal history records, terrorist watch lists, legal immigration status and outstanding wants and warrants;

• TWIC would utilize Smart Card technology and include a worker's biometric information and multiple fraud-protection measures; and

• Port facility and vessel owners and operators would be required to implement TWIC into their existing access control systems and operations, purchase and utilize card readers, and update their approved security plans.

DHS said in late April it had already begun some background checks on port transportation workers.

(Click here for previous coverage.)