TSA to Test New ID Card
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the award of a $12 million contract to BearingPoint, Inc. to begin the Prototype Phase of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This is the third phase in developing a program to improve security at seaports, airports, rail, pipeline, trucking and mass transit facilities by creating a nationwide credential that will prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to secure areas. "The TWIC program is a win-win for transportation workers and for the security of our homeland," said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA.
Real-World Test Of Backscatter Tech
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, will begin testing advanced explosives detection technology today as part of the Secure Automobile Inspection Lanes (SAIL) test project. The program will conduct explosives screening on automobiles boarding the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in Cape May, N.J. The 30-day test uses a mobile screening van, fitted with an advanced non-invasive screening technology called Z Backscatter. Passengers will briefly exit their vehicle and then the screening van will slowly drive next to the car or truck and screen for explosives. The entire process takes less than a minute, and travelers will not be delayed or miss their ferry due to the program.
Shallow Draft Push Boat from Sneed Shipbuilding
Blessey Marine Services, Inc. of Harahan, La. has taken delivery of a 65 x 24-ft. push boat. Built by Sneed Shipbuilding of Orange, Texas, the new boat is powered by a pair of Cummins KTA19M main engines delivering a combined 1,000 hp through Reintjes WAF363L main gears with 6:1 reduction. The props on the new boat, named David F. Stone, are four-blade 64 x 52-in. Michigan Workhorse. The six-in. shafts have Nickel-chrome liners increasing their dimension by .75 in. at the points where they pass through the hull and the stabilizer strut where Thordon bearings have been installed. Electrical power is provided by a 50kW, Stamford Newage generators driven by 6B5.9-D(M) Cummins engines. Cooling for both mains and gen sets is by Fernstrum.
